What Goes into Editing Your Portraits?

When you schedule a professional portrait or branding photo session, you're not just investing in the photoshoot experience itself (though for us, the experience is as essential as the outcome), you're also investing in the magic that happens after the shoot. That’s where professional editing comes in.

So many people have questions or concerns about the editing process. So, if you do too – you are not alone. It’s actually so important to ask your photographer about their approach to editing. You wouldn’t go to a hairstylist and not ask them about how they plan to approach your hair coloring, so why wouldn’t you ask your photographer about editing? When you put your aesthetic into the hands of someone else, it's wise to ask how they plan to take care of it and you.

As for me, let me be candid: I will never airbrush you into something you’re not. At Valentina Portraiture, my goal is to create images that are not only beautiful but also authentic to who you are. Let me give you a little more insight about my editing process in this post.

Step 1: Image Culling (a.k.a. Making the First Cut) 

After your photography session, I sit down and review hundreds of images.(And I mean hundreds…click click boom!) I’m looking for the best of the best as I make decisions about which images to further edit. Specifically, I look for those that best tell your story, evoke connection and showcase your personality.

Step 2: Color Correction and Light Balancing

Before retouching begins, each selected image is fine-tuned for color balance, exposure, contrast and cropping. I want to ensure your skin tones look natural, the images are not too dark or too bright, and that there is a cohesive feel across your gallery.

Step 3: Retouching with Intention

I use a light hand when retouching and generally leave elements like scars and tattoos that tell your story (unless otherwise specified). My natural approach to editing may include minimizing temporary blemishes or redness and smoothing or brightening as needed, but my goal is always authenticity. Editing should focus on highlighting your stunning self and that’s precisely what I do.

Step 4: Final Image Selection

Once editing is complete (about one to two weeks after your session), you will come back into the studio and select your final images with me. This is a private appointment where, through bubbles and chocolate, you get to see a slideshow, and your images side by side to select your very favorite ones.

Still Have Questions? Call Me! 

Professionally edited portraits stand out because of their intentionality. It isn’t about changing who you are, it’s about honoring your authentic self in the best light possible.

If you’d like to learn more about my process or have questions about which photography session is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Valentina Portraiture today!