Meet the Jury

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

My journey with retouching actually started with photography. I traveled a lot and loved taking pictures, and everyone around me kept telling me I had a good eye for it. So about eight years ago I decided to take it seriously - I did a photography course, shot as much as I could, and even landed my first clients. One of the training assignments involved retouching, and that was it. I immediately knew this was my real passion. It pulled me in completely and honestly, it still drives me every single day.

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

I've been working full time in retouching for almost six years now. Most of my work comes through agencies, but I also collaborate directly with individual clients - mainly photographers and stylists.

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

In my second year I joined an in-house studio with a great mix of highly experienced retouchers and young, ambitious, creative ones. Working as a team on large, well-known projects really helped me see the full post-production process from a wider perspective - from brief all the way to final touch-ups. The group analyses opened me up to new knowledge and details I hadn't paid attention to before.

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

Retouching itself is just a part of the whole process. What really builds a sustainable career is everything around it - strong communication with clients, constantly training your eye, developing your own style, and staying on top of trends. But also time management and delivering on deadline, especially when juggling multiple projects at once.

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

First of all, I think this is such a great and exciting initiative - something I really missed when I was starting out. Retouchers are so often overlooked and invisible, yet on some projects they shape the entire final look - and this is a real opportunity to change that. Bringing retouchers together and building a stronger community feels like an important mission. Because sometimes we just don't see things ourselves, but a fellow retoucher can - and that kind of exchange is invaluable. It's a space where we can learn from each other, and that really matters.

A final note from us

Diana's advice to new retouchers - don't panic, keep going, the right clients will come - is the kind of grounded, generous wisdom that only comes from having lived through those early struggles yourself. Her passion for community, her belief in the value of shared knowledge, and her clear-eyed view of what it takes to build a lasting career make her a thoughtful and warm presence on this panel.

We are delighted to welcome Diana Nehrebecka as a member of the jury for Retoucher of the Year.

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

Starting out isn't easy. Negative feedback will come - don't let it knock you down. Take it as input, adjust, and push yourself to do better. And if a client doesn't work out, don't panic. Not every collaboration is meant to be, and that's completely fine. The right ones will come.

Never stop growing and learning - make it a habit, not an afterthought. And whenever you take on a project, remember there's always more to it than just the retouch itself.

About Diana Nehrebecka

Country: Poland

Years in the Industry: 5+

Primary Specialization: Beauty, Product, Editorial

Main Expertise: Skin, Hair and Clothing Retouching, Compositing, Color Grading

Website: retouchnehrebecka.myportfolio.com

Instagram: @retouch.nehrebetska

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diana-nehrebecka