Meet the jury

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

It all started at my internship when I was 16 years old, at a local paper in Sweden. There I quickly realized that my main focus was on the digital image that came from the scanners.

When I was 17 years old I was able to start working as a scanner operator, and after that I just learned everything I could and got more and more skilled and could work with more advanced projects. What has kept me in the industry is probably because it is the best job in the world. It may seem strange after so many years in the same profession, but I never get tired of the opportunity to improve an image.

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

I have worked in the industry for almost 30 years and right now I am slowing down a bit. I work as a freelance retoucher and have also, the past years, done a lot of teaching within digital image editing. Right now I am also working part time with more analog crafts which is great for the body and soul.

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

I believe that every project shapes you as a retoucher. I have worked on all kinds of projects, from small jobs with one simple image to large campaigns with many ideas and thoughts to keep in mind. Over the years, I have found that I prefer to work in well-structured projects where people trust each other and everyone's professional role.

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

I think it's an interesting project and also a great idea to create a higher status for retouching as a profession and make it more visible.

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

The overall feeling and if something is disturbing the harmony in the image.

Retouching is just one skill. Beyond technical ability, what really determines whether someone builds a sustainable career?

I think it is very important to listen to your client. Always remember that it is difficult to explain, for example, a feeling when looking at a picture. Maybe the client says one thing but their feelings tell a different story - then you have to listen to both and try to figure out what they really want.

I also think it is important to be respectful to your clients, and hopefully you will get respect - and more work - in return.

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

I hope the industry gives retouchers more creative opportunities. I believe many of us have more creative skills than we usually get to show.

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

Structure is the key to a good result.

A final note from us

Nearly 30 years in this craft, and Nina still finds joy in the opportunity to improve an image. That kind of sustained passion is rare, and it speaks to something deeper than skill or habit. Her dual perspective as both a long-standing practitioner and a teacher makes her an especially valuable voice on this panel - someone who understands the craft from the inside and genuinely cares about passing it on.

We are delighted to welcome Nina Sandberg as a member of the jury for Retoucher of the Year.

About Nina Sandberg

Country: Sweden

Years in the Industry: 29

Primary Specialization: Retouching and Compositing

Main Expertise: Color Correction, Creating Coherent Looks, Teaching

Website: studio-iller.se

Instagram: @studio_iller

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nina-sandberg79