Editing Fun:Spring Practice with My Babe, Kiki-Syracuse family photographer
I think one of my favorite things about photography in this age of technology is the ability to manipulate photographs like never before. I know there are people who will completely disagree with me on this but, for me, it is a lot of fun to take a photograph to a different place.
Even when I shot film, processed and developed my own images, I still was messing around with the final product. I would dodge and burn, hand color and tone my photographs. I learned a fun process of double exposing my film in camera and always loved the results.
Now, thanks to photoshop, I can take a image and play with it as little or as much as I want.
I really haven't developed a set style yet. I know many photographers that I could pick their photographs out a line-up based on how they are edited. Some have an extraordinary polished, pure, rich look. Others have a bright, soft pastel... while others choose a matte, dreamy kind of look. The list goes on and on.
I don't know where I will fall just yet. I am narrowing down my style more and more. I definitely love warm tones. I like rich images. I do love a good matte background. I love, love, love shooting during golden hour to get those tones.
However...photoshop CAN NOT and WILL NOT fix everything. To get an amazing image you have to do a lot of work in camera. I am so MUCH more aware of what type of images I want to capture BEFORE I even click the shutter. I spend a lot of time before a session letting the location's background, setting, or the props for a session inspire me. Then, I view photos after the session I just kinda let the photos "speak to me." Weird, I guess... but, that is how my brain works.
I love emotion. I love the little details. I want an image to stop you in your tracks. This requires A LOT of work in camera. I can't magically create that in photoshop. I've learned a lot about manipulating my camera. I shoot only in manual and can quickly fix my settings.
I think my biggest tip for clients is to find a photographer whose images speak to you. A lot of photographers put a lot of of time and effort into making sure every detail about your image is absolutely perfect. Actually, don't just find a photographer. Find an artist.
Seriously, in 2015 ANYONE can take a picture. They can buy a fancy camera. They can edit them on their phone app. I get that and, hey, that's awesome. I'm happy to see people being able to capture more moments in their lives. But, if you want TIMELESS. If you want ART, pick a photographer that is good at their JOB.
Before/After-White balance issue in camera, desaturation of color.
Before/After--White balance issue fixed, enhanced the color, dramatic vignette:
