Before and After: How much editing is too much?
Who doesn’t love a good before and after while editing?
Recently there has been discussion around the use of editing in photography and how much of the creativity from photography comes from the photo itself, or from the editing done afterward.
Personally, I adore editing. I believe that photoshop is an amazing platform with an endless array of possibilities. Sometimes the pictures you take do not turn out the way you think they will. I’m sure I am not the only photographer who has felt betrayed after opening an image that looked amazing on the 2-inch screen of your camera. That’s where editing comes in for me.
I also cannot deny that I get an intense sense of satisfaction seeing the edits side by side. Being able to see the tangible evidence of photos I have spent hours working on and editing is extremely gratifying.
Sometimes shadows are too intense or colors don’t transfer the same way they appear. So why not fix it?
When it comes to editing portraits, I think the rules change. To what extent is it okay to edit someone’s body? Personally, if it is something temporary (acne, stray hair, etc) I think it is fair game. If it is something that could be altered if it had been noticed during the shoot, such as lacking some volume in their hair, I am okay with fixing it as well. However, making physical edits to someone such as altering their natural body shape, scars, and other features is a big no for me. It is also generally not something I am comfortable ever editing.
If you are planning on doing heavy editing, consult with the person who the photo is of as well. They are going to be the one looking at the photo for years to come. Having open communication is important. There is not just one set of rules that can apply to everyone. There is no right or wrong, it is subjective.
In the end, Photoshop is an artistically based software. It is a fun way to engage with your photography and express your creativity. Editing has allowed me to experiment with backgrounds, lighting, and tones without having to commit to just one idea. The choices are endless and there are thousands of possibilities.
While I love editing, I do think there can be such a thing as too much editing. As with any other form of art, it is subjective. If someone does not like your editing style, just know that there is no art that will ever appeal to everyone.
