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Ahwatukee Children’s Photographer- “Before and After Editing”

I am part of a group of very talented photographers who participate in a monthly blog circle.  If you are not sure what that is, you can read my explanation from a previous circle here.  For this month the theme was :before and after.  I thought it would be fun to post a before and after of my editing process because I get many emails weekly from photographers wondering exactly what I do to edit my photos. I also haven’t shared a before and after since February when i shared my “Love is in the Air” balloon photos. This post will not be a step by step tutorial on how I got from the SOOC to the final image, it will however give some tips and tricks that I have learned to produce a bold and colorful image.
Before and After Editing Picture  Children's Photography in Ahwatukee

 

NO ACTIONS REQUIRED

A big reason that this is not a step by step tutorial is because this was edited quite a few months ago and honestly, I do not remember all the steps I took to get from point A to point B.  That is because I do not use saved actions when processing an image.  Each image for me is different and I use a different set of techniques to achieve a look I was hoping for.  I do not use other people’s actions when processing so that I have total control over what happens in my photo. Learn as much as you can about Photoshop and apply it to your work.

DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS!

It is important to look at your composition and colors around you before you start taking photos.  Think about what will look compositionaly well and work from there. Pay attention to your models clothing and what will look good with the environment  Pay close attention to details.  Notice the details of what is around you and then step back.  If everything is in place you can start snapping.

UNDERSTAND THE COLOR WHEEL

This is extremely important both while shooting and during processing.  Know which colors complement each other.  Pay attention to color around you.  Once you look back at your RAW files decide what  colors you really want to stand out in the image- or which colors you want to change.  For this particular image here, I saw that I  had a more purpley flower in the foreground as opposed to a redder flower in the background.  I know that green and red complement each other so I decided to make all the flowers a bright bold red to complement all of the green that surrounded her.  Now when playing around with color, Photoshop has many tools you can choose from to really make things pop: levels, curves, color balance, selective color and more.  Play around with them and see what you can learn!

 

Want to see more fun before and after photos??  Check out the very talented Susy Martinez to see her take on this theme!

18 comments
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  • lisa lacroixSeptember 30, 2014 - 12:41 am

    gorgeous before and after. you brought out the beauty in this shot!ReplyCancel

  • CarmenSeptember 29, 2014 - 6:34 am

    Wow!! Great before & after. She’s a doll!ReplyCancel

  • Jenna MIchelleSeptember 28, 2014 - 4:25 pm

    I love how much color you brought into this children’s portrait!ReplyCancel

  • Allison AndersonSeptember 27, 2014 - 8:26 pm

    Wow. This before and after is stunning. The light and the colour is perfect. Wonderful job.ReplyCancel

  • SamanthaSeptember 27, 2014 - 5:43 am

    i love the edits on this photo session!ReplyCancel

  • SugaShoc PhotographySeptember 27, 2014 - 5:39 am

    Thank you for sharing your before and after. I love seeing how a photographer interprets a photos.ReplyCancel

  • brookeSeptember 26, 2014 - 10:22 am

    LOVE this edit. Would love to be able to make such beautiful art. WOWReplyCancel

  • connieSeptember 26, 2014 - 9:19 am

    I really like the deep colors in this edit! Well done!ReplyCancel

  • connieSeptember 26, 2014 - 9:16 am

    Love the deep colors in this edit! Well done!ReplyCancel

  • Kelley SpurlockSeptember 26, 2014 - 7:56 am

    So cool that you’re sharing your technique with people!! Your shots are great!ReplyCancel

  • Laura ClouseSeptember 25, 2014 - 5:19 pm

    I love the before and after shots. You show true talent in your finished products! Details are key and you prove to provide that here!ReplyCancel

  • BaileySeptember 25, 2014 - 4:35 pm

    Such an amazing before and after transformation.ReplyCancel

  • BrookeSeptember 25, 2014 - 3:29 pm

    You did an amazing job with your post-processing of this shot!! So beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Kristen RosenbuschSeptember 25, 2014 - 3:06 pm

    What a beautiful edit! Ahwatukee looks so gorgeous! How fun for a photographer to have such an amazing backdrop.ReplyCancel

  • CourtneySeptember 25, 2014 - 3:00 pm

    absolutely love the before and after of this image!ReplyCancel

  • cariSeptember 25, 2014 - 1:54 pm

    Beautiful edit- wonderful child photography!ReplyCancel

  • CoreySeptember 25, 2014 - 1:28 pm

    Great tips and a fantastic example! Lovely editing!ReplyCancel

  • DannielleSeptember 25, 2014 - 10:18 am

    Absolutely gorgeous work! I love how an edit can take a great shot and make it a WOW shot!ReplyCancel

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