Fixing Photos - AKA Post Processing - and Beauty

Depending on why you took a photo, the subject of the photo, and the technical aspects of the photo, would determine if you want or need to fix it in post processing.  If shot in RAW mode, it would almost have to be processed afterwards, but in JPG your camera will do most of the processing inside the camera (the problem with this is that some of the information about the photo is discarded).  Either way, almost all photos can be made to look better by post processing.

Some of the things that can be done include adjusting the color balance, sharpening or softening the photo, increasing or decreasing exposure, smoothing skin tones, reducing shininess, removing temporary blemishes and stray hairs, and more.  All this would be done to ensure that the subject looks like they look when at their best.  It may be used to highlight their best features, or hide or downplay their worst.  But it should still look like them.

The more you get right when capturing the photo, the less will need to be done in post processing.  If you've watched "America's Next Top Model" you've seen the transformations from before to after just from using make-up and hair changes.  With everything done right (makeup and hair, lighting, posing, proper exposure) the models end up looking like they could be on a magazine cover.  In every day life, they look like you or me.

Here is an example of a before and after photo done in post processing:

The skin tones were smoothed out, blemishes removed, the eyes were brightened just a little bit, and a little contrast was added, etc.  All were very minor changes, but I think the final effect is much more beautiful.   If you wanted to have a framed photo of yourself, which would you rather have?  Subtle changes can make a huge difference.