With the rise of AI-powered apps and instant filters, we’re all getting more used to seeing ‘perfected’ images on a daily basis. With that, clients – especially those planning weddings, elopements or once-in-a-lifetime trips – are starting to ask more about what’s possible when it comes to editing their photographs.
One of the most common questions I get asked is: “Do you retouch the images?” And the answer is: yes… and no.
Editing: Polishing the Real Moments
Every image you receive from me has been professionally edited. This is a standard part of my workflow, and it’s all about enhancing the natural beauty of what was really there on the day.
I use tools like Adobe Lightroom to carefully adjust and refine your photos. Here’s what that usually includes:
- Selecting the strongest images – part of my job is storytelling, and that includes choosing images that genuinely reflect the feel of the day: the laughter, the light, the location, the little in-between moments.
- Tweaking exposure and contrast – to ensure the tones and mood match the moment. This might mean lifting the shadows in a woodland elopement or deepening the warmth of golden-hour light in the hills.
- Balancing colour – adjusting white balance so skin tones look natural and images sit together as a cohesive set.
- Cropping and straightening – fine-tuning composition to make sure the image flows beautifully.
This kind of editing isn’t about altering reality. It’s about enhancing what has naturally been captured in your raw image. It brings consistency, clarity and polish—while staying true to the mood and feeling of your session.
Retouching: Going Beyond the Moment
Retouching is something else entirely. It goes beyond editing to change or remove elements within the photo. This usually involves more detailed, pixel-level work done in Adobe Photoshop.
Retouching might include:
- Removing blemishes or smoothing skin
- Whitening teeth or brightening eyes
- Eliminating stray hairs or background distractions
- Fixing creases in clothes or adjusting the shape of something
- Compositing elements or adding things that weren’t there in the original image.
In other words, retouching is more about creating a version of reality that didn’t quite exist in the moment. It’s a manufactured enhancement – not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s worth being clear about what that involves.
In high-end fashion photography or commercial work, retouching is often expected. But in my style of storytelling photography – where the goal is to capture real emotion and genuine connection – less is more. I want your images to reflect the day as it truly felt, not a glossy version that loses the essence.
Why Integrity Matters in My Work
Photography, for me, is about capturing a moment. About being there. The wind in your hair, the texture of the land, the way someone looked at you when you weren’t even aware. Editing helps me bring those things to the surface—it lets me shape the visual language of the day without changing the message.
Retouching, on the other hand, can sometimes interfere with that. Used thoughtfully, it can elevate an image. But overused, it can strip away the character and truth that makes a photo powerful.
That’s why I’m always led by your story first. I’ll always take care to edit your images with love and attention – but I’m also trying to avoid over-processing to the point where it no longer feels like you.
What If I Want Something More Retouched?
No problem at all – just let me know.
I offer light retouching services as an optional extra, charged separately depending on what’s required. If you’ve got a favourite photo you’d love to have printed, or there’s something specific you’d like softened or removed, I’m happy to provide you with some options.
A Note on AI Tools
There are now lots of tools out there that promise instant improvements – from one-tap skin smoothing apps to AI-powered object removal. Some of them are genuinely impressive. Others… not so much.
They’re great for casual sharing or quick fixes, but they often fall short when it comes to nuance. They can smooth too much, brighten too far, or create results that feel plastic and disconnected from the real experience.
The difference with professional editing is care. Craft. Human judgement. We can utilise AI tools to assist with that when and where it’s needed, or more likely, where it’s requested – although that usually takes up more time, and therefore more resource.
in summary
- Editing is part of every shoot—it’s about polish, consistency and making your images shine while keeping them honest.
- Retouching is extra—it’s more in-depth, more artificial, and not always necessary.
- I believe in telling real stories with care and integrity. That’s always my starting point.
- If you ever want something extra, just ask. We can discuss what’s possible, what’s appropriate, and make sure the result still feels like you.
If you’re planning a session or have questions about how I handle editing and retouching, drop me a message—I’m always happy to talk through what’s involved.
