Creative Direction | Objects of Desire

We’re looking for products people can’t stop looking at.

The best product photography doesn’t sell a product.

It sells a feeling.

Whether your approach is minimal, luxurious, bold or experimental, we’re looking for images that spark curiosity before the product is even understood. Images that invite people to slow down, look closer and discover the story behind the object.

Imagine you’ve been commissioned to photograph the next campaign for a luxury beauty brand.

You’re not only the photographer.

You’re the Art Director too. Every decision is yours. The lighting.

The styling, the colour palette, the props, the surfaces, the atmosphere.

Whether you choose to work with a model or let the product speak for itself is entirely your decision. What matters is that every element contributes to one cohesive creative vision.

Most of the references in our Creative Direction Board feature fragrance photography, simply because perfume beautifully demonstrates storytelling through light, materials and composition. However, your chosen product doesn’t need to be a fragrance.

We’re looking for products connected to the world of beauty, skincare, cosmetics and wellness. You’re welcome to incorporate flowers, botanicals, fruits, powders, liquids, fabrics or natural ingredients that strengthen your creative concept and help build a distinctive visual world.

Whether your work leans towards fine art still life, contemporary advertising, minimalist luxury or bold commercial photography, we’re not looking for one particular style. We’re looking for a strong concept, thoughtful execution and a cohesive visual language.

For photographers considering the competition categories:

Rising Star (0–3 years) focuses on beautifully executed product photography with a clear creative vision.

Supernova (3+ years) encourages photographers to think beyond the final image. Build your production as you would for a commercial campaign and capture additional assets that allow retouchers to demonstrate advanced compositing and creative problem-solving.

Photograph alternative angles, reflection passes, shadow passes, splashes, smoke, powders, background plates and any supporting elements that could expand the creative possibilities.

Whenever possible, treat your shoot like a commercial production. Wear gloves when handling products, avoid fingerprints and scratches, and preserve every surface in the best possible condition.

Create the kind of RAW file another artist can’t wait to open.

The Opportunity

We’re looking for photographers to create the official competition images for the Product Category of one of the Retoucher of the Year regional competitions.

The selected series will become the official competition images that talented retouchers from around the world will interpret throughout the competition, demonstrating precision, consistency and advanced product retouching skills.

The Product Category is divided into two levels: Rising Star (0–3 years of professional experience) and Supernova (3+ years of professional experience). Separate image series will be selected for each level to ensure the briefs are appropriate for the experience and skill level of the participants.

Submission

Final Competition Images

• 1 Hero Still Life
• 2 Detail Images
• 1 Texture / Swatch Image

Series Length

Submit a cohesive series of 6–10 final images.

The selected series will provide 4 official competition images.

Submission Deadline
30 August 2026

Before You Submit

We want your photography, not your retouching.

The selected series will become the official competition files for Retoucher of the Year, where talented retouchers from around the world will interpret your work.

Focus on creating unforgettable photographs.

The world’s retouchers will take it from there.

How to Apply

1. Register as a Photographer Collaborator

Start by joining our Photographer Collaboration Programme.

→ Register here:
https://retoucheroftheyear.com/photographers/reg

If you’d like to learn more about the programme, visit:

→ Photographer Collaboration:
https://retoucheroftheyear.com/photographer-collaboration

2. Submit Your Series

To apply, please submit:

• 8–10 high-resolution JPEG images
• A short creative statement introducing your concept, inspiration and vision for the series

If your series is selected, we’ll invite you to the next stage, where you’ll be asked to submit the original RAW files together with the final creative brief.

3. If Your Series Is Selected

If your series is chosen as the official competition images, we’ll invite you to upload the original RAW files.

These RAW files will become the official competition files for one of the Retoucher of the Year regional competitions.

What You’ll Receive

Selected photographers and creative teams will receive:

• Full credit for the entire creative team across all competition materials and publications
• The final professionally retouched images for your portfolio and promotional use
• International exposure through interviews, editorial features, social media campaigns and collaboration spotlights
• Visibility across a global community of photographers, retouchers, educators, agencies, studios and creative professionals
• A unique invitation to join the judging panel as a Special Guest Judge for your own image set

As a Special Guest Judge, you’ll select the retouch that best reflects your original creative vision.

Your chosen retoucher will receive additional points towards their final score, and you’ll receive your selected winning retouched images for your own portfolio and promotional use.

More importantly, you’ll become part of an international initiative dedicated to celebrating collaboration between photographers and retouchers, raising creative standards and recognising the craftsmanship behind exceptional imagery.

Still have questions?

We’re always happy to help. Reach out to us at hello@retouchleague.com.