One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is taking a beautiful moment and enhancing it through editing. The photo itself captures the memory, but the edit is what brings out the story I want to tell.

Take this portrait for example. On the left, you see the “before”—straight out of my camera. It already captures her sweet smile and the beautiful fall setting. But when I bring it into my editing process, that’s where the magic really happens.

The “Before” – Straight Out of Camera

The original image has all the important elements in place: great expression, natural light, and a soft background. But it also has a few distractions—like the brighter highlights and muted tones—that can take away from the overall impact of the photo.

The “After” – Enhanced with Editing

In the edited version, I adjusted the lighting and color to highlight her natural features and bring out the warmth of the scene. Notice how:

✨ The tones are richer, making her blue sweater pop while still looking natural.
✨ The background feels softer and more dreamy, so the focus stays on her.
✨ The overall image feels warmer and more polished—like the moment looked in real life.

The goal of editing isn’t to change who someone is—it’s to enhance what’s already there. Her personality, smile, and natural beauty were already shining. Editing simply helped bring those qualities forward.

Why I Love Sharing Before & Afters

I think it’s important to show what goes into creating the final images my clients receive. A lot of thought and care happens behind the scenes to make sure every gallery reflects the very best of your session.

For me, editing isn’t about filters or trends—it’s about timeless images that will still feel beautiful years from now.

Every “before” photo holds a story, but the “after” helps tell it in the most meaningful way. This little shift—from raw to refined—is what turns your photos into heirlooms.

If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, know that the images you see in my portfolio are the result of both my time behind the camera and the artistry that happens after. Together, those two steps create photos you’ll treasure forever.