A photoshoot is one of those great experiences that smells of creative energy and the thrill of beautiful moments being captured.
But when it wraps up, the magic actually begins.
Editing turns the raw images into polished masterpieces showcasing you in your best avatar. Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes?
Here’s a detailed look at how I go about my process, from culling the batch to delivering the final gallery.
Step 1: Culling the Images
First, after shooting, one has to go through all the photos taken during the session. That means he or she has to choose good shots and discard those that are not up to the mark—the process known as culling.
I always pay close attention to every image for the elimination of:
Out-of-focus shots: Crisp, sharp focus is paramount for that professional finish.
Badly composed shots: Photo compositions that have distractions or are poorly balanced are rejected.
Unflattering moments: Photos of closed eyes, expressions gone wrong, or not-quite-right poses.
Duplicates: I make sure to just pick the best images from similar poses and angles, so I am not overwhelmed.
This first step ensures that only the best and most flattering photos advance to the next stage.
Step 2: Sharing the Preview Gallery
From here, I would cull the strongest images from the session and put together a preview gallery for you to look at. This is an edited selection of your finest images from the session, really giving you a chance to pick some favourites.
I want you to have a say in which images resonate with you the most. Whether it’s a perfect portrait that captures your personality or a branding shot that speaks to your vision, this step ensures that the final gallery will look exactly as you had it in your head.
Step 3: Editing in Lightroom
After selecting your favourites, the images go into Adobe Lightroom, where the main editing takes place. This is where any adjustments to the look and feel of the image are refined.
Here’s what happens in Lightroom:
Adjusting Exposure: Maintaining the right brightness to make the image flattering.
Colour Temperature Correction: This simply fine-tunes the warmth or coolness of the image better to match the mood and lighting of the scene.
Contrast and Vibrance: Enhance the richness of colours and details.
Cropping and Straightening: It enhances the composition by straightening the subject and removing distractions at either edge.
These adjustments provide a refined base upon which the final retouching is done.
Step 4: Retouching in Photoshop
After Lightroom edits, images move to Adobe Photoshop for finer levels of retouching. This is much about the details, refining the finish to perfection without losing the photo’s natural skin.
Here’s what happens when retouching takes place:
Removing Blemishes: Temporary imperfections are removed, like spots or wayward hairs.
Smoothening Skin Tones: Refine the skin subtly to make it smooth yet natural without over-airbrushing it.
Eliminate Distractions: This removes distracting objects in the background or unwanted details that may be present, placing the focus on you.
This is the stage at which each image is brought to full effect through a combination of art and attention to detail right through to a professional finish.
Step 5: Presenting Your Final Gallery
Once I have finished editing, I export the images into a deliverable format, ready for you to enjoy and use.
Each image is delivered in high-quality and black-and-white versions, giving you options for different moods and uses.
Your images will be uploaded into a secure client gallery, where you can download them in resolutions suitable for print and web.
Whether you’re framing your portraits, updating your website, or sharing on social media, you’ll have perfectly tailored images at your fingertips.
Why This Process Matters
Editing is not just about “fixing” pictures; instead, it’s about elevating them.
Literally, every step—from culling to detailed retouching—is done with the thought of presenting images that reflect your best self and your vision, transforming each and every image delivered to you into a finished work of art that you may share, display, or treasure forever.
Your Portraits Perfected
Creativity is all about the journey, from photo shoot to gallery. Combining technical expertise with an artistic flair, your images are sure to exceed your expectations.
Want to see yourself in a whole new light? Call now and book a session today so we can create something that will blow your mind from start to finish.
