Preserving Moments
As a photographer, I’ve always believed that the most beautiful images are the ones that reflect real life, honestly, joyfully, and without apology. And while editing plays a big role in polishing up your photos, there’s a line I’ve chosen not to cross: cosmetic alterations that change the essence of who you are.
Let me explain why...
The Power (and Limits) of Editing
When I photograph your family, I capture images in professional RAW format. This gives me the ability to make detailed adjustments after the session, refining light, color, contrast, and sharpness to bring out the best in each image. While our session together may last an hour or so, the editing that follows often takes several more. Every photo is reviewed and carefully edited to professional standards.
Standard editing includes:
- White balance and exposure correction
- Color tone and contrast adjustments
- Light retouching for a clean, cohesive gallery
- Cropping, sharpening, and subtle enhancements
If you’re ordering a large wall print or canvas, I’ll provide touch-ups normally included in the à la carte editing (see below) on that one particular image as a complimentary service within 14 days of the delivery of your image gallery.
What I Don’t Edit... and Why
First and foremost, I look at an image as a "moment captured". Altering the subject(s) by default creates a counterfeit of that moment. Secondly, Photoshop editing takes time that isn't included in your session pricing. Not to mention the common misconception that Photoshop is a magic wand and you just have to "push a button" to fix an image, which is not true.
I’ve received requests over the years for things like slimming arms, reshaping faces, or swapping heads in group shots. While I understand these requests come from a vulnerable place I've found that, in my experience, doing so doesn’t lead to happiness. I’ve seen it happen too many times: someone requests edits thinking it will make them feel better, but instead, they become hyper-focused on every detail that wasn’t changed to satisfy their vision.
That’s why I don’t offer:
- Body reshaping or slimming
- Makeup adjustments or clothing alterations
- Sunburn removal (skin tones are VERY complex)
- Head swaps or compositing people into photos
Image touch-ups... à la carte
If you do need more advanced retouching... say, for a professional headshot or very specific image, or you have more images than the one I'll do as a courtesy, I refer those requests to a professional retoucher for $25 per image.
Included in the professional ($25/image) touch-up are:
- Teeth whitening or eye brightening
- Hair fixes, or skin softening
- Cut and bruise removal
- Makeup adjustments or clothing alterations
- Removing perspiration spots on clothing
Let’s Celebrate YOU !
I photograph families because I love the messy, beautiful, unfiltered joy that comes with it. Windblown hair, sandy toes, and big, unguarded laughs... that’s where the magic is. My goal is to deliver a gallery that feels like you, not a filtered version of someone else’s idea of perfection.
So if you’re feeling nervous about how you’ll look in your photos, please know: you are not alone. And also know that I’m here to guide you through outfit choices, session timing, and location tips that will help you feel confident and relaxed.
Authentic images are the ones you’ll love forever. They hold emotional truth. They reflect the people you love just as they are, perfectly imperfect. That’s the kind of work I’m proud to stand behind.
