Editing from the Heart
OVERVIEW:
DO NOT let others determine how your art looks. EDIT HOWEVER your heart+soul desires! This will not only help you grow as an artist but it’s YOU staying TRUE to YOURSELF! We all get imposter syndrome at some point but it’s how you deal with it that will either make or break you.
Not only is photography the art of capturing emotion, but it delves into the heart and soul where your emotions intertwine with your clients. Really think about that for second. Once you understand that; when your editing you’ll be able to edit each session how you FELT and SEE it for what it is, EMOTIVE ART.
When you send out your questionnaire and/or have a client call GET TO KNOW your clients! This will entail how you’re going to prompt them to get their true colors to shine! This will be how you get those raw connections and realllllly get to know your clients. When you put all of that together your editing process for sessions will begin to be a lot easier.
Once I started not worrying about how other photographers were editing and started honing in on my own art the editing process was a lot less stressful.
Putting Passion Behind Color Grading:
- Color evokes emotion and each color sends different stimulants to the brain. Think about what kind of story you want to tell with your images. Do you want to tell a happy story with lots of good energy? Or one that soothes and calms the soul?
- Bringing in warm tones like red, orange, and yellow can emote passion and comfort. While on the other hand cool tones like blue, green, and purple will create a calming sense. Experiment with hues to find the palette that resonates with the emotions you aim to convey.
EMBRACING
IMPERFECTIONS:
- Think outside the box. Go for the blurred look or the grainy film vibes. Really challenge yourself to get creative, as cliche as that may sound, DO IT! You will find yourself in a whole new realm of artistry. This is when you will see yourself start to grow and become the photographer you always wanted to be or maybe never knew you could be.
STORYTELLING THROUGH COMPOSITION:
- Composition is a powerful tool for storytelling in photography. Consider how the arrangement of elements within frame can guide the viewers emotional experience. Experiment with cropping, framing, and focal points to enhance your images and lead the viewer’s gaze through a visual journey.
- Be intentional about what you’re shooting. Think about what story you’re telling whether it’s a motherhood session or a family session; really get behind the storyline and shoot with INTENTION.
- For example: The mama filled out the questionnaire and said that she loves it when her little girl plays with her hair. Get them posed and give them the prompt of playing with mamas hair how she would if they were at home. Lean in and get a close up of the little girls hands playing with her mamas hair. Focus on her fingers and strands of hair. Then pull back and get a shot of mama breathing that moment in.
- SHOOTING TIP: Go in, out, above, and around during ONE prompt to get several different shots plus bring depth to your galleries.
PLAYING WITH LIGHT AND SHADOWS:
I. Over-cast: face your clients towards the sun
Face your clients towards the sun
II. Sunny
Move your clients around play with direct light, back light etc. Don’t be afraid to change your settings and play around. (This is how you learn new things.)
III. indoor
Pay attention to where the windows are and how the light is coming in. Is there a shadow w/ light trickling in? Place your client/subject within the shadow and watch where the light lands on them. Focus on where the light is and move your clients around to see what you can create.
This image was shot on an overcast day. But just look how beautiful the colors are! Editing makes a world of difference when shoot for how you're going to edit!
- Interplay with light and shadows can infuse your images with depth and emotion. While you’re editing enhance and manipulate your light buy using brushes to emphasize specific elements to evoke the story you’re trying to tell. For example: Say mama + baby are giving kisses and the light is placed on their noses or lips… take your brush and enhance the light to make that part of the image POP.
