Human ears come in a range of shapes and sizes. Most people have “normal” ears, but ears can also be big, small, pointed, protruding, folded, cupped, lobeless, and a few other shapes.
Ears typically don’t draw much attention in a photo. And they probably shouldn’t. Ears aren’t a focal point in a portrait and, as a result, ear retouching is rarely requested outright. However, in professional portraits—especially headshots—subtle ear adjustments can make a noticeable difference.
Common edits include adjusting colour and brightness, and removing ear hairs, blemishes, or earrings. Minor reshaping—such as flattening an ear that sticks out too much—can also be done, though this is generally avoided unless the ear is significantly distracting.
Although people don’t typically request ear retouching, experienced retouchers often include it as part of a comprehensive portrait enhancement. The goal is always to create a polished, flattering image while preserving the subject’s natural appearance.
More information on my photo retouching services.
