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

I took a printing technology course and entered the retouching world through prepress. I was hooked the moment I discovered how artistic creativity and technology could combine. That combination has never stopped being compelling, and honestly, it still feels as exciting now as it did at the beginning.

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

Over 30 years. I've worked for prepress companies and then ad agencies, and now I'm freelancing - which is very much my favourite phase.

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

Challenging composites, without question. It takes a special kind of eye and skillset to create genuine realism between different components.
Understanding shading is so important, and great masking is absolutely key. Those are the projects that push you and raise your standards, because
there is nowhere to hide when a composite doesn't quite work.

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

I deeply resonate with Retouch League's mission - shining a light on photo retouchers and recognising retouching as an integral part of the creative process. That's something I believe in, and being part of a platform that actively champions it felt like the right thing to do.

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

The lighting and contrast. If those aren't well conceived and executed in the original shot, I have a much more challenging task ahead of me to transform the image into something truly stunning. Understanding what you're working with from the very start saves a lot of time and shapes the whole approach.

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

Check your work a second time before it leaves your hands. Fixing mistakes after work has been delivered is time-consuming, costly, and can put critical deadlines at risk. Worse than that, it chips away at the trust clients place in you. A second look before sending is such a simple habit, but it builds a reputation for consistently delivering excellence - and that reputation, over time, is everything.

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

Passion for the craft. When you genuinely love what you do, you put in the extra effort almost without noticing - it doesn't feel like work. Retouching is exciting, and that excitement makes you want to share what you know rather than keep it to yourself. That generosity, I think, is part of what makes a long career not just sustainable but genuinely rewarding.

A final note from us

Thirty years in any craft will teach you things that can't be learned any other way, and Debbie brings that depth to every conversation about this industry. Her insistence on passion, precision, and the simple discipline of checking your work twice reflects a professional standard that has clearly served her well - and will serve this jury just as well.

We are honoured to welcome Debbie Fisher as a member of the jury for Retoucher of the Year.

About Debbie Fisher

Country: United States

Years in the Industry: 30+

Primary Specialization: Beauty, Compositing, Food, Lifestyle, Product

Main Expertise: High-End Retouching, Attention to Detail, RGB and CMYK Prepress, Problem Solving, Workflow Efficiencies

Website: debbiefisher.myportfolio.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/debbie-fisher-9b381189