How much photo editing is too much?
"The RAW is better."
This is what many photographers who share their editing process on social media have heard - me included.
And I must say, it doesn't make me feel great.
Those who leave these comments often argue they prefer photos of how it "actually was" at the location.
The question is... are they right? Should we edit less? Is there a limit to how much we should edit our photos?
I believe, there's not a thing as too much editing.
And today, I'll argue why this is the case.
1) Creative freedom
Photography is a form of art.
And art is subjective.
Someone can like an edited photograph of yours - some will hate it.
And both cases are OK.
Photography is a combination of:
1) Thinking of what will look good in a photo
2) Finding a composition that works
3) Taking the photo
4) Processing (aka editing) the photo.
Editing is part of the combination.
It's an ingredient of photography.
And the thing is... we've always edited our photographs...
2) The Evolution of Photo Editing
Darkrooms.
Maybe you've been in one - maybe you've not.
I've not been in one more than once in my life, but it was a cool experience.
They're entirely dark with the exception of red light being there.
These rooms, for those unaware, are for processing the photographs that have already been taken.
In other words, they're for making the image come alive, and they're a place where to edit photographs.
Yes, people edit(ed) photos also in darkroom.
Here's an example of a photograph taken by Pablo Inirio.
See, he has made all kinds of markings on how to manipulate the photo he had already taken.
He is enhancing the photograph.
This is the same thing most of us do in Adobe Lightroom.
Editing has always been an ingredient of the photography process, and it'll continue to be.
3) Storytelling
Editing can help you enhance the story you want to tell.
I know this is why I edit my photographs, sometimes more, sometimes less.
I want to bring out certain emotions to myself, and others.
If I slap out a photograph with no editing, it can be alright... but without processing the photograph in Lightroom, I'm leaving the potential to the table.
You can make a photograph convey more happy emotions or sad emotions.
You can boost the colors, or decrease the colors.
You can make a place feel vibrant or warm, or make it feel cold.
And all this is OK.
Photography is one way to tell stories.
A RAW file might not be able to bring out the same emotions as an edited photograph.
Editing can add meaning to a photo, and make it an incredible shot.
4) Who's judging?
One of the best advice I've ever got (as I discuss here) is not to take advice from everyone.
I don't want to be rude here, but most people, who comment "The RAW was better" probably are bad photographers.
Now, there are times when a RAW can be better. There are certainly ways you can turn a RAW photo into something "terrible".
But most photographers don't go around saying they like the RAW better.
They've perhaps tried editing too, and they know the scenario.
Some people are terrified of showing their edits because of what people will think and for a reason!
There are many people who can come at you with their opinions... but that's all it is... opinions.
You can't say someone is wrong that a RAW is better - again - because art is subjective.
However, you don't need to listen to their advice.
Now, if a photographer you look up to comes say advice on your editing... consider taking it.
I got feedback for my editing style (because I asked for it) from Joonas Linkola many many years ago - and transformed my photos overnight.
You can see a difference in my editing style in 2020 when he gave me the advice.
One of the things he advised on, was to use the "Clarity" slider more carefully. And so I did.
(This is an editing mistake most photographers make at some point. Read more on the common mistakes here.)
He's a professional photographer, and I certainly looked up to him - so it made sense to take his advice.
If a random dude from the other side of the world says your edit is sh*t, why would you listen?
Be aware of who's giving you the advice - don't listen to all of it.
5) Should you say you've edited a photo?
No.
No, you don't need to.
Again, photography is art, and it's yours.
You don't need to go and explain your process to anyone if you don't want to.
However, I feel that if someone asks you have you edited this, it's good to be open about it, and not hide it.
If I've made an edit, I don't hide it.
Sometimes, I just don't care to disclose it more.
But if someone were to ask did I edited something, did I removed rocks etc. - I'd say yes.
It's good to be honest about what you're doing to your images.
This is especially true if you're promoting something through the images.
I had 1 small convo on this in the comment section on IG.
If you promote a photo tour, you should be clear on how it looks at the location.
This is quite easily done, but if you're into composite photography, then it might be more difficult for you.
If you take people on a trip, and the mountain is missing, that's bad. Lol.
And that brings us to composite photography...
6) Is composite photography.... photography?
Yes, it is.
I mean the name itself says it's photography.
To me it's clear. And it's also clear, what's the difference between that, and traditional photography.
Traditional photography = You capture a scene as it is, and you can enhance the photo in editing.
Composite photography = You make a photograph based on multiple photos to reflect on what you felt, or what emotion you want to convey.
If you want to swap skies, go ahead.
Put the Northern Lights in the middle of London if that's what you want.
I personally don't like to swap skies or add things that actually weren't present at the location.
I used to do that, but it's not something I like to do anymore.
If I did happen to get extra creative and change something huge, like a sky, I'd be open about it - as most people expect my photos to not be edited as much.
But that's my personal choice.
Composite photography is photography.
You can be open about it if you want.
But you can also be quiet about it if you want.
But if someone asks is it a composite, it's good to say it is. Especially if people expect your photos to not be composites.
7) AI editing - the future of editing?
Some people have already handed out the editing process to AI.
I, personally, don't see why.
I mean I do... they don't need to spend any time editing...
But... that's part of the process!
I'd never want an AI to edit my photos... they're mine! I have my vision I want to bring alive, and I don't want an AI to decide it for me...
However, I must say, I don't have experience playing around with AI tools that literally edit the entire photo for you.
Maybe there's a way to say "Please make my photograph vibrant so that someone feels happier watching it."
This way, you'd still kind of be in control of the edit. You're just using AI to help you out.
What's the future of editing?
I think there will be 3 types of people:
1) Who edits in Darkroom
2) Who edits in Lightroom (without massive AI editing)
3) Who edits purely using AI
And - I think that all is OK.
Again, it's an art form, you can do whatever you please.
However, I do see AI tools increasing.
As seen in my Editing Masterclass, I use some AI presets.
They don't edit the photograph for me, but they assist me with selecting specific areas of the photograph and make edits to them I've pre-set myself, by using AI.
Such as the "DESATURATE BLUE SKY" preset. It selects the sky with AI and will bring the blues down.
I see people using these kinds of tools more in the future, as it speeds up the editing process.
And I'd argue, most people, will want to retain a lot of control over the edit... as it's a major part of the process.
Summary
There's not a thing such as too much editing... if you believe so.
If you don't want to edit much, don't edit much.
But some will want to edit their photos - and that's OK!
Don't go and hate on them. They're just embracing their creativity... and how could that be a bad thing?
Editing has always been a part of photography, and it will continue to be so.
Edit if you want, don't edit if you don't want...
It's that simple.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this, my friend.
If you want to learn more about photo editing, and get the exact same tools I use to enhance my photos, check out my Editing Masterclass & Preset Pack here.
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Till next emails,
Hugo
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