One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is getting to revisit a moment—not just once, but twice. First, during the session itself, and again when I sit down to edit the images and bring out the magic I saw through the lens. This sweet photo from a session at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC, is the perfect example of how a few subtle edits can elevate a photo without changing the moment.

The Before

In the original image, this little girl is absolutely glowing—her bright smile, the pastel blues of her dress, and the pop of pink blossoms create such a joyful, springtime scene. But the light was a little harsh in places, and the background didn’t quite reflect the dreamy vibe I envisioned.

The After

With just a few enhancements, I was able to bring out the full potential of this portrait:

🌸 I softened the highlights and added a gentle sun glow to the top corner to warm up the image.
🌸 The background colors were enriched to create more depth and softness—without taking attention away from her.
🌸 I lifted the shadows around her face just slightly so that her smile became even more of a focal point.

The end result is a photo that still feels natural, yet just a touch more magical—like how the moment felt in person.

Why I Share These Before & Afters

These subtle enhancements aren’t about perfection. They’re about honoring the mood and emotion of the moment. I want every family to look at their final gallery and feel the joy, the light, and the love that was present that day.

So if you ever wonder what editing actually does—this is it. It’s about enhancing what’s already there, and helping the story shine just a little brighter.