Professionals are results-oriented. Even with average inputs, professionals can achieve remarkable outputs.

Even so, the best practice is to begin with the stuff of good quality.

Not relying on Photoshop.
Not relying on audio editing.
Not relying on butter and salt.
Not relying on improv skills.
Not relying on tricks of the trade.
Not relying on charm and a winning smile.

But instead, doing the careful work — whether it’s of selection, curation, or preparation — such that the professional polish adds to the effort, but it’s not doing the heavy lifting.