Meet the Jury

How did you find your way into retouching, and what has kept you in it?

I actually wanted to be a National Geographic photographer and reporter, so I studied Audiovisual Communication and Photography — but soon I discovered that I had to pay my bills. So I entered fashion photography, which is more rewarding when it comes to money.

After changing countries many times, I arrived in Barcelona. Here it was harder to find work as a photographer, but easier as a retoucher. I liked photography and drawing, and I thought retouching was a nice mix of both. In the beginning it was pretty hard working in some studios, but then people started to look for me as a freelance professional and I realized this was much nicer than being a photographer.

I don't like big teams and I like slow mornings, so this was perfect — a way to keep working within the industry and doing beautiful work.

How long have you been working in the industry, and what phase of your career are you in now?

I started working as a retoucher when I was 25 or 26. I'm 37 now. I have worked in retouching studios, in brands, and now I fly solo. Sometimes it's easier like this, and sometimes it's harder - but I feel more involved in the process when you are the one who signs the retouching part. It's more fulfilling and rewarding.

What kinds of projects or environments have shaped your standards the most?

I really like when a project is very creative. I've worked on some campaigns like this - for example, some for Moncler with the photographers Gus&Lo - but usually my favorite is editorial photography. Economically it's not as rewarding, but it's great for portfolio and more interesting and fun to retouch.

Photographers feel more free doing this kind of work, and you can really go a little further in the retouch than you can in campaigns or e-commerce. It's much more creative and you learn more.

What made you want to be part of the Retoucher of the Year jury?

I really think it's great to create contests like this to show how important retouching is for the industry. Retouching deserves to be seen - and this is one way to make that happen.

When working on major campaigns compared to smaller projects, what truly changes?

Usually, and not always, in major campaigns the team knows better what they can ask for and how hard it is to get there. Smaller projects often don't give as much importance to retouching, and it's common to think our work can be done in five minutes. Budgets and timings are also different, and negotiations can be harder.

When you open a new file, what do you look at first before touching anything?

I make sure there's no grain, so the cleaning is easier. And if there is, I check the embedded shoot data to make sure it comes from the shooting and not from the development. I hate when grain comes in from development!

Beyond technical ability, what really determines whether someone builds a sustainable career?

I'm still young and I'm conscious of one thing: what can be on top today can be at the bottom tomorrow. So it's better not to assume anything for sure.

Beyond that, I think having a nice character is crucial. People in general prefer to work with someone pleasant over someone unpleasant, even if the unpleasant person is the best at their work. No matter if we're talking about retouching or serving coffee — everybody prefers a nice person working with them.

Another important skill is speaking different languages. The more you speak, the more chances you have to find a client.

What is one insight you wish more retouchers understood early in their career?

First of all, that work is not for free - because work is time, and time is priceless. It's the only thing that doesn't come back. So no "we will tag you on Instagram to give you visibility." You cannot tag your landlord on Instagram to get a free rent.

Second, learn to say no sometimes. Sometimes it is not possible to do what they're asking for, or it just isn't worth it. And you have to be able to say no, and that is okay. You are a retoucher, not a magician.

A final note from us

Cristina speaks with a directness that's rare and refreshing. She's built her career on her own terms — choosing freedom over team politics, editorial over easy money, and always, always valuing her time. That combination of creative honesty and practical self-respect is exactly what this jury needs.

We're delighted to welcome her to the Retoucher of the Year jury panel.

About Cristina Recio

Country: Spain

Years in the Industry: 11

Primary Specialization: Fashion Retouching

Main Expertise: High-End Retouching, Color Grading

Website: www.cristinarecio.com

Instagram: @crisrecio_retouch

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cristinagarciavalencia