Hi I’m Laura , With over 20 years of experience in the creative industry, I specialize as a Senior Creative Lead, Photographer, and High-End Retoucher, focusing on beauty, fashion, music, and luxury visual storytelling. My expertise seamlessly blends photography and retouching, ensuring that each image is meticulously crafted to meet and exceed brand standards. Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with top-tier brands such as Revlon, Tiffany & Co., and Bloomingdale’s, as well as high-profile talent including actors, musicians, and models. My work spans the full creative process, from concept development and on-location photography to precise post-production, all while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and visual integrity. In addition to hands-on execution, I have served as a creative imaging lead within fast-paced studio environments, collaborating closely with art directors, producers, and marketing teams to ensure visual consistency across digital, print, e-commerce, and social platforms. I have supervised accounts, spearheaded cross-functional partnerships, developed retouching standards and workflows, and overseen quality control across multiple projects, ensuring alignment between creative intent, operational processes, and final delivery. I am frequently trusted with visual curation and final image selection, and I thrive in environments that foster a collaborative and innovative culture. My approach is grounded in restraint, detail, and respect for the human element, but also creating imagery that feels elevated, conceptual yet intentional, and authentic. Whether leading creative execution or contributing as a senior individual contributor, I am dedicated to delivering imagery that is refined, cohesive, and impactful.

Laura Esner

Hi I’m Laura , With over 20 years of experience in the creative industry, I specialize as a Senior Creative Lead, Photographer, and High-End Retoucher, focusing on beauty, fashion, music, and luxury visual storytelling. My expertise seamlessly blends photography and retouching, ensuring that each image is meticulously crafted to meet and exceed brand standards. Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with top-tier brands such as Revlon, Tiffany & Co., and Bloomingdale’s, as well as high-profile talent including actors, musicians, and models. My work spans the full creative process, from concept development and on-location photography to precise post-production, all while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and visual integrity. In addition to hands-on execution, I have served as a creative imaging lead within fast-paced studio environments, collaborating closely with art directors, producers, and marketing teams to ensure visual consistency across digital, print, e-commerce, and social platforms. I have supervised accounts, spearheaded cross-functional partnerships, developed retouching standards and workflows, and overseen quality control across multiple projects, ensuring alignment between creative intent, operational processes, and final delivery. I am frequently trusted with visual curation and final image selection, and I thrive in environments that foster a collaborative and innovative culture. My approach is grounded in restraint, detail, and respect for the human element, but also creating imagery that feels elevated, conceptual yet intentional, and authentic. Whether leading creative execution or contributing as a senior individual contributor, I am dedicated to delivering imagery that is refined, cohesive, and impactful.

Available to hire

Hi I’m Laura ,
With over 20 years of experience in the creative industry, I specialize as a Senior Creative Lead, Photographer, and High-End Retoucher, focusing on beauty, fashion, music, and luxury visual storytelling. My expertise seamlessly blends photography and retouching, ensuring that each image is meticulously crafted to meet and exceed brand standards.

Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated with top-tier brands such as Revlon, Tiffany & Co., and Bloomingdale’s, as well as high-profile talent including actors, musicians, and models. My work spans the full creative process, from concept development and on-location photography to precise post-production, all while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and visual integrity.

In addition to hands-on execution, I have served as a creative imaging lead within fast-paced studio environments, collaborating closely with art directors, producers, and marketing teams to ensure visual consistency across digital, print, e-commerce, and social platforms. I have supervised accounts, spearheaded cross-functional partnerships, developed retouching standards and workflows, and overseen quality control across multiple projects, ensuring alignment between creative intent, operational processes, and final delivery. I am frequently trusted with visual curation and final image selection, and I thrive in environments that foster a collaborative and innovative culture.

My approach is grounded in restraint, detail, and respect for the human element, but also creating imagery that feels elevated, conceptual yet intentional, and authentic. Whether leading creative execution or contributing as a senior individual contributor, I am dedicated to delivering imagery that is refined, cohesive, and impactful.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Digital Retoucher at REVLON / RED HOUSE
March 1, 2011 - January 1, 2016
Retouched high-quality images for social, digital, and print; focused on beauty, fashion, cosmetics, and products; pathing, masking, compositing, and non-destructive skin techniques; 3D deco-wrapping, GIF creations, and Photoshop AI work; color correction and color management for RGB/CMYK workflows.
Senior Digital Imaging Specialist at Creative Drive
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2021
Spearheaded Clinique account; collaborated with cross-functional teams to create action plans, organized operational processes and retouching standards; prepared images for client review and delivery; created retouching guidelines for staff; advanced compositing, color theory, non-destructive workflows, and swatch libraries; CMYK proofing and color management for pre-press; high-volume e-commerce and print.
Image Editor at Bloomingdale’s
September 1, 2012 - July 1, 2016
Demonstrated high-quality techniques in compositing, color correction, skin retouching, merch matching, tight paths, and non-destructive workflows; retouched for print and e-commerce across beauty, on-figure fashion, jewelry, and home; managed photography assets and collaborated with art directors, pre-press, and web teams.
Photographer / Retoucher at STYLE EXPO STUDIOS
May 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012
Photographed and retouched product and on-figure images for high-end clients; styled merchandise; collaborated with art directors to meet vision; digital tech duties including Lightroom/Bridge; file management; studio setup and wireless tethering; Broncolor lighting; Nikon D300s.
Retoucher at TIFFANY & CO.
February 1, 2012 - April 1, 2012
Retouched jewelry/merchandise for Tiffany.com and interactive media photography; paths, color correction, adjustment layers/masks, and custom lighting treatments; collaborated with Interactive Media photography and art direction to build compelling visual experiences.
Photographer / Retoucher at OGRUDEK STUDIOS LTD
February 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Photographed and retouched jewelry for editorial print, catalogs, direct mail, national ads, and e-commerce; styling; collaborated with Art Directors; large-format Sinar 4x5, Schneider macro lens, Phase One digital back; processing in Capture One; met tight deadlines with high-volume workload.
Production Artist / Graphic Designer / Retoucher at SARAH MERIANS PHOTOGRAPHY & CO.
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Ordered photographic prints, edited image selects, assembled albums, framing; digital layout and design for photographic C prints; retouched wedding and special event photographs.
Photographer / Assistant Photo Editor / Photo Producer / Retoucher at THE AVE MAGAZINE
March 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008
Photographed on-location assignments for celebrities and artists; photo research, stock pull, and photo shoots; coordinated call sheets; booked hair/makeup artists, stylists, and talent.
Senior Digital Retoucher at REVLON / RED HOUSE
March 1, 2016 - January 31, 2021
Retouched high-quality images for social, digital, and print across beauty, fashion, cosmetics, and product categories; applied pathing, masking, compositing, non-destructive skin techniques; created 3D deco-wrapping, GIFs, and Photoshop AI-driven effects; performed color correction and management for RGB and CMYK workflows.
Photographer / Retoucher / Freelance at STYLE EXPO STUDIOS
May 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012
Photographed and retouched product and on-figure images for luxury clients; styled merchandise; collaborated with art directors; on-set duties; processed images in Lightroom/Bridge and organized imagery; studio setup with Broncolor lights and tethering.
Retoucher / Freelance at TIFFANY & CO.
February 1, 2012 - April 1, 2012
Retouched jewelry and merchandise for Tiffany.com and interactive media photography; used paths, color correction, adjustment layers/masks, and custom lighting treatments; collaborated with interactive media art direction to build compelling digital experiences.
Photographer / Retoucher at OGRUDEK STUDIOS LTD.
February 1, 2008 - January 1, 2012
Photographed and retouched jewelry for editorial print, catalogs, direct mail, national ads, and e-commerce; styled merchandise; worked with art directors; large-format camera work; processed in Capture One; met tight deadlines with high work volume.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts at School of Visual Arts
September 1, 2003 - April 1, 2006
Associate Degree at Kingsborough Community College
September 1, 2000 - March 1, 2003

Qualifications

Chairman Merit Award
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Other