My own personal opinion on cosmetic skin retouching is very clear. Transient flaws are removed. This includes for example sores, bruises and obvious pimples. Permanent features such as moles, scars and birthmarks are not removed. The latter may well be disguised a little, especially when high-contrast black and white images would make them more prominent than they really are. This opinion match what most people want – but you have to ask them. You will meet parents that will get upset, if you remove as much as a pimple. And you will meet those that expect you to do a fullscale supermodel treatment of the face. I try to avoid the latter, but – it’s their money.
But please – don’t ask them in front of the children! Children – and actually most young people – worry a lot about their appearance and you will hurt their feelings bigtime if you start asking about their imperfections and what to do about them. I usually ask the parents by phone or email afterwards.
