Spotting is a photographic retouching technique used to correct small imperfections on prints, such as dust marks, hairs, or other blemishes. The process typically involves using a very fine sable brush loaded with watercolour, dye, or similar pigments to carefully blend corrections into the print without leaving visible traces.
In addition to adding colour to cover imperfections, spotting can also involve using bleach or other chemical agents to remove unwanted black spots or marks. This meticulous process is commonly applied in traditional darkroom printing as well as on high-quality photographic reproductions to ensure the final image appears clean and professional. Spotting requires patience, a steady hand, and an eye for detail to maintain the integrity and tonal balance of the original photograph.