Sometimes photography is all about flexibility. On the day I needed to photograph the football players, the rain rolled in and forced me to make quick adjustments. Instead of the outdoor setting I had planned, we had to move inside, which meant finding a neutral backdrop and making sure the lighting was as even as possible. I knew going into it that these photos would need a little extra editing since my plan was to cut the players out from the hallway background and design a bold, game-day inspired final image.

This particular before-and-after is extra special to me because the player is my son. He’s not always a fan of being in front of my camera (most teenage boys aren’t!), but I love capturing him in this season of life. After I delivered his image, he mentioned something I honestly hadn’t noticed at first—that in the original, his chin was stretched a little higher than normal. He said it didn’t feel like him.

As an editor, I usually avoid making drastic changes to someone’s appearance. My philosophy is that my clients should look like themselves—real, authentic, and true to life. But in this case, it was a subtle adjustment that made him feel more confident and better represented. I lowered his chin and neck ever so slightly in the edit, just enough to reflect how he usually stands.

The final result is one of my favorite things about photography: the transformation. What started in a hallway on a rainy day turned into a professional, powerful portrait he’s proud of. And to me, that’s exactly the point of editing—not to change who someone is, but to highlight them in the best and most authentic way.

Why This Matters for Every Session

Whether it’s sports portraits, family sessions, or business headshots, small adjustments can make a big difference in how someone feels about their images. My job isn’t to create a version of you that feels unrecognizable—it’s to bring out the confidence, joy, and personality that’s already there.

If you’ve been putting off photos because you’re worried about little details, know that I’ve got you covered. From finding the right light to making thoughtful edits, I’m here to make sure you look and feel your best.