Meet the Jury

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

I found it by way of working in a digital boutique in the pioneering stages of digital. I love it and think of it as an extension of myself.

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

35 years. Twilight.

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

The highest profile entertainment campaigns that require excellence and competency.

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

I like to see what others are doing and share knowledge.

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

The amount of money to be made.

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

Forensics is my first step. Identifying file structure and assets.

When working at scale, how do you make sure nothing is missed?

QC help layers to identify mistakes.

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

Passion and love of the art.

What do you think this industry needs more of right now?

A community that embraces rather than divides.

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

To learn from others as much as possible and keep learning about trends and new techniques.

We also asked Daniel a broader set of questions about craft, taste, and the realities of the industry. Here are some of his sharpest answers.

What truly separates a good retoucher from a great one?

Taste. Understanding what to touch and what not to touch. A deep understanding of photography and digital imaging technique. Being technically advanced in how to approach and achieve a higher standard without compromising.

Is greatness about detail, restraint, speed, taste, or emotional intelligence?

All of those.

What subtle quality do great retouchers consistently demonstrate?

Consistency with their body of work. Sophisticated taste.

What builds long-term trust between a retoucher and a client?

Communication, passion, ambition, and consistent results at an affordable price.

What professional habit is often underestimated?

The thorough QC of a project - to identify mistakes and areas that could be improved.

Should a retoucher develop a recognisable visual signature, or stay adaptable?

This depends on whether the person wants to specialise or work across a diverse part of the creative output. Like a doctor - do you want to be a general practitioner or a heart surgeon? There is value in both. The signature is more about a standard of quality.

How should personal taste be balanced with serving the photographer's vision?

If you are working with a photographer directly, it's very important to understand the vision and art direction they are working toward. This lies deeply in a visual knowledge of the industry and photographic identity, and the ability of the photographer to communicate the final objective.

Do social media numbers reflect professional skill?

Not in my opinion.

What industry myth about retouching should disappear?

That retouchers should not be credited or acknowledged.

What makes a retouching career sustainable over ten years?

Persistence, ambition, love and passion. Adaptability.

A final note from us

Daniel is one of those rare figures who has seen this industry from the very beginning - from the pioneering days of digital imaging through to the AI era - and has never lost his curiosity or his love for the craft. His conviction that taste is the foundation of everything, and that community is what this industry needs most right now, resonates deeply with what Retoucher of the Year is trying to build.

We are honoured to welcome Daniel Ecoff as a member of the jury for Retoucher of the Year.

About Daniel Ecoff

Country: United States

Years in the Industry: 35

Primary Specialization: Entertainment Advertising

Main Expertise: Key Art, Finishing

Website: dephotographix.com

Instagram: @dephotographix