When asked about how I edit, I often explain that I have a “light hand”. What do I mean by that? I edit the image to match what I see when I push the button. The goal is to get it right in camera and then touch up the image by removing or hiding things that weren’t there. At least, they weren’t something I picked up on at the time. Or, it may be to add something that I wanted to be there and we planned the shot to make it happen. It can be hard to explain what I mean sometimes. That is why, with the new website update, I added a before and after comparison section.
Before and After Is Often Simple
In some images, the difference is hard to see. When someone steps in front of my camera looking perfect, it can take just a few seconds to “clean up” an image. There are always minor adjustments. I might adjust the crop a bit or tweak the color temperature. Maybe the shadows could be just a bit lighter or I need a touch more contrast. These images make me happy. Quick, simple, and you look as stunning as you do in real life!
Bigger Adjustments
In other images, the technicality of getting exposure right across an image leaves the image wanting. Getting detail at sunrise while lighting the subject properly can be a trick. Yes, I still want to get it right in camera, but it isn’t always that easy. Bump the saturation or shift the hues just a bit and the vibrant, morning colors are where they should be. In these cases, I often lean on a little bit of artificial intelligence to separate the subject from the background so I can tweak them individually. The trick is to make it look real.
Super Edits
Finally, there are the bigger editing jobs. Take the before and after shot above. Taken in studio, ending up flying downtown. I am not, by any stretch, among the best at doing this sort of editing, but it can be a fun challenge. These usually come down to finding the right images to merge together combined with some knowledge of how to blend them successfully. These are the edits where the before and after clearly show what I wanted to see.
Whatever the look you’re going for, I’m usually up to the challenge of making it happen. But, as I said at the start, I tend to have a “light hand” when it comes to editing. Come looking your best and I’ll do my part. Whether you are reclining on a granite floor or floating amidst a city skyline, let’s make it happen!
