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Retouch Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Photo-editing and retouching skills while maintaining authenticity Skills You Have * Collaborative: Works effectively as part of a team and supports colleagues when needed * Adaptable: Thrives in a ...

Aerie - Stock Associate

Novi, MI · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

About Us Built on a platform of power, positivity and no photo retouching - inspiring people to love their real selves. Aerie is a fast-growing lifestyle brand offering intimates, apparel, activewear ...

Knowledge of color correction and retouching techniques in Photoshop & Lightroom. * Strong organizational and time-management skills. * Ability to work both independently and within a team. EQUAL ...

Showing results 21-40

Retouch information

See Michigan salary details

$18

$27

$33

How much do retouch jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for retouch in Michigan is $27.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a retoucher do?

A retoucher is a professional who enhances and perfects images, usually photographs, using specialized software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom. Their tasks include removing blemishes, adjusting colors, correcting lighting, and often manipulating images to achieve a desired visual effect. Retouchers work closely with photographers, designers, and clients to ensure that the final images meet specific standards and creative visions. This role is common in the fashion, advertising, e-commerce, and publishing industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retoucher?

To thrive as a Retoucher, you need a strong eye for detail, proficiency in color correction, and a solid understanding of digital image editing principles, often supported by a portfolio demonstrating your work. Expertise in Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and sometimes Capture One, as well as familiarity with graphics tablets, is typically required. Creativity, time management, and effective communication with clients or creative teams are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure high-quality, visually appealing images that meet client specifications and deadlines in competitive creative industries.

What are some common challenges faced by retouchers and how can they be managed effectively?

Retouchers often face tight deadlines, high client expectations, and the need to maintain consistency across multiple images or projects. Managing these challenges requires strong time management skills, clear communication with clients and team members, and a keen eye for detail. Using non-destructive editing techniques and adhering to standardized workflows can help ensure quality and efficiency. Collaborating closely with photographers, art directors, and designers also helps retouchers align their work with the desired creative vision.

What is the difference between Retouch vs Photo Editor?

AspectRetouchPhoto Editor
Primary FocusRefining and enhancing images, often for beauty or commercial purposesSelecting, cropping, and adjusting images for overall presentation
Skills & ToolsAdvanced Photoshop skills, skin smoothing, blemish removalColor correction, layout design, basic editing software
Work EnvironmentPhotography studios, advertising agencies, fashion brandsMedia companies, publishing, marketing teams

Retouching primarily involves detailed image enhancement to improve visual appeal, often requiring advanced skills in software like Photoshop. Photo editing covers a broader range of tasks, including selecting and adjusting images for various purposes. While both roles overlap, retouching is more specialized in beauty and commercial image refinement, whereas photo editing focuses on overall image presentation and layout.

How to become a professional retoucher?

To become a professional retoucher, develop strong skills in photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, and build a portfolio showcasing your work. Gaining experience through internships, freelance projects, or online courses can help improve your skills and credibility in the industry.

What is a retouch job description?

A retouch job involves editing and enhancing photographs to improve their visual quality, often using software like Adobe Photoshop. Retouchers adjust elements such as skin, background, and lighting to meet client specifications, typically working in a digital environment with attention to detail and color correction skills.

What are popular job titles related to Retouch jobs in Michigan?

For Retouch jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Retouch jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Retouch jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Retouch job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 36% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 43% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,573 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Photography Intern

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$42K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration and should be attached as the first page of your resume. Use the cover letter to explain your interest in the position, highlight the skills and experience that make you a strong candidate, and include a link to a portfolio featuring 15-20 of your best images along with at least one photo essay, multi-image project, or a video story. Applications missing any of these components will not be reviewed.
Job Summary
Michigan Photography nationally recognized for delivering outstanding professional photography services to the University of Michigan community, the media, and the public, and the exclusive provider of still imagery for U-M Athletics is seeking a talented and versatile Photography Intern to join our award-winning team. This is a post-graduate internship.
As the visual storytelling arm of the Office of the Vice President for Communications, Michigan Photography produces portraits, event coverage, athletics photography, and creative imagery that help shape how the university is seen, remembered, and celebrated. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful assignments across a world-class institution while collaborating with a team of experienced visual storytellers. The position reports to the Director of Michigan Photography.
Responsibilities*
As a member of our creative team, you will have the opportunity to photograph people, places, events, and activities across the University of Michigan. Your work may be used for university news, marketing, social media, publications, and other communications.
Responsibilities may include:
  • Photographing campus events, student activities, academics, and university programs
  • Creating portraits of individuals and groups in a variety of settings
  • Photographing athletic events and other fast-paced assignments
  • Assisting photographers with shoots, equipment, lighting, and other production needs
  • Editing and organizing photographs for delivery and use
  • Learning and following digital file management, captioning, and metadata practices
  • Helping maintain and organize the university's digital photo archive
  • Working with photographers and staff on a variety of creative projects
  • Communicating with team members and clients in a professional and friendly manner
  • Being flexible and willing to learn as assignments and priorities change

This role routinely moves audio/visual equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus to client locations and remains in a stationary position throughout the entire shift, including evenings and weekends.
Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience
  • Demonstrated experience producing visual storytelling through portraits, events, athletics, and feature photography
  • Photo-editing and retouching skills while maintaining authenticity

Skills You Have
  • Collaborative: Works effectively as part of a team and supports colleagues when needed
  • Adaptable: Thrives in a dynamic environment with changing priorities and schedules
  • Communicative: Builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues through clear, responsive communication
  • Organized: Maintains accurate workflows and attention to detail while managing multiple assignments
  • Self-Motivated: Demonstrates sound judgment and accountability while working independently

Desired Qualifications*
  • Experience working in higher education, editorial, collegiate athletics, or similarly fast-paced environments
  • Video experience is a plus, as social media and b-roll shooting is a regular

Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
  • Generous time off, including family care and maternity and parental leaves
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after one year
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Dental coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Work Schedule
This is a full-time, 40-hour position that includes paid overtime, as evening and weekend work is often required to support university events and athletic coverage. Occasional overnight travel outside of Michigan is required. A valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle are necessary. While most assignments take place in Ann Arbor, travel throughout the state including Detroit, Dearborn, Flint, Lansing, and Grand Rapids may be required.
Work Locations
This position is based in the Michigan Photography studio on the University of Michigan's central campus in Ann Arbor. The role follows a hybrid schedule that includes studio work, on-location assignments, and remote work.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281672
Working Title
Photography Intern
Job Title
Photographer Associate
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Vice Pres Communicat
Department
MI Photography & Media
Posting Begin/End Date
8/17/2026 - 8/24/2026
Salary
$42,000.00 - $42,000.00
Career Interest
Communications & Marketing

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About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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