Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to reveal a crucial part of my photography process that happens after the camera is packed away. Many are familiar with the final, polished images, but let’s dive into the journey they take, starting from the initial selection to the artistic editing.
The First Cut – Culling the Images: The journey to the final gallery begins with a process known as ‘culling.’ This is where I go through each shot taken during our session. It’s a critical step where I select only the best images that meet my standards. This means eliminating photos where the focus isn’t quite right, someone blinked at the wrong moment, or the composition doesn’t convey the story I aim to tell. It’s about quality over quantity, ensuring that every image you see is worthy of both our time and your memories.
The Magic Begins: Once the culling is complete, the editing process begins. This is where artistic vision comes into play. Editing is not just about correcting imperfections; it’s about enhancing the mood, emotion, and overall impact of each image while preserving its authenticity and keeping to a certain level of consistency.
My philosophy is about striking the perfect balance in editing. While I aim to make each photo pop, it’s important to me to maintain the authenticity of the moment. I believe in enhancing, not altering. Whether it’s brightening a smile or making colors more vibrant, every edit is made with the intention of preserving the true essence of your special moments.
Before and After: Consider this image from the Brunsman family session. The ‘before’ image shows the raw, unfiltered moment. The ‘after’ image, however, has been carefully culled and edited. Notice the subtle enhancements in lighting and color that bring the subjects into focus and make the moment feel even more alive.
Tools of the Trade: My editing toolbox is filled with various software and techniques, with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop being my go-to tools. However, it’s the vision and artistic touch applied to each photo that truly creates the magic.
The Time Factor: People often ask how long it takes to edit photos. It varies significantly, with some images requiring only a touch-up and others needing more detailed attention. On average, I might spend anywhere from a few minutes to 20 minutes on a single image. It’s a labor of love, ensuring that every photo you receive is a piece of art.
Editing is an art form, a process where technology meets creativity. From the initial culling to the final touches, each step ensures that the memories we captured are presented in the best possible light. I hope this peek behind the scenes helps you appreciate not just the final photos, but the journey they take to get there.
If you have any questions about my editing process or are ready to create some beautiful memories together, feel free to reach out. Let’s capture life’s moments and make them unforgettable.
