Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

A:  I provide high-end portrait retouching that stays true to the subject. My approach balances meticulous refinement with a natural look, ensuring every portrait is both polished and authentic.  

A: “High-end” retouching goes beyond basic adjustments. It involves a deep understanding of light, shadow, form, and texture. I use advanced non-destructive techniques like frequency separation, dodge & burn, and precise color grading to achieve flawless, yet natural and authentic, results without making the image look “over-retouched” or artificial.  

  To achieve exceptional results, I combine traditional hand-retouching with selective AI-assisted restoration for complex, damaged areas. While AI helps recover what’s lost, every creative decision and fine adjustment is made by hand. This balance guarantees professional-grade quality without losing the natural soul of the portrait.  

A: You can securely upload your files (preferably RAW or high-quality TIFF/PSD but JPEG is ok too) via WeTransfer, Google Drive, or Dropbox. I will provide detailed instructions upon project confirmation.  

A: Turnaround time varies depending on the project’s complexity, the number of images, and my current workload. For individual high-end portraits, it typically ranges from 3-7 business days. Larger or more complex equine projects will have a tailored timeline discussed during the initial quote. Rush services may be available for an additional fee.

A: Yes, client satisfaction is my top priority. Each project includes two rounds of reasonable revisions based on your feedback after the initial delivery. Any additional revisions beyond this may incur an extra charge, depending on the scope of changes.  

A: You will receive your final retouched images in the requested high-resolution format (e.g., TIFF, JPEG, PSD) suitable for web use (or print if needed), as agreed upon during the project discussion.  

A: My hourly rate is $25/hour. You can find detailed examples of project times and approximate costs on my Pricing Page  

An hourly rate ensures you only pay for the work your images actually need. Retouching requirements vary greatly: a basic cleanup might take just 15 minutes, while a complex beauty portrait could require up to 3 hours of meticulous hand-work. This flexible approach guarantees transparency, ensuring your investment perfectly matches the level of expertise and time dedicated to your project.  

A: After you provide your images and a detailed brief, I will assess the scope of work and provide a detailed time estimate and a transparent project quote before any work begins. This ensures you understand the investment upfront.  

A: I accept secure payments via: PaySend, Payoneer, BSB link  

A: To ensure our visions align and you’re confident in my quality, I offer paid test edits at 50% of my standard hourly rate ($12.50/hour). This allows me to dedicate my full attention and expertise to a sample image, providing a clear representation of the final quality you can expect for your project. The estimated time for a test edit will be provided beforehand.  

A: The best way to get started is to fill out the contact form below or email me at buhajmaria@gmail.com with a detailed description of your project, including the type of photography, number of images, and desired outcome. I’d love to hear from you!