Editing Images
Editing is a controversial topic: some people love manipulating and changing images, others regard editing with horror. Our editing policy explains how we process photographs and the rationale behind what we do and what we don’t.
Golden Rule
Our golden rule when processing images is to ensure that the final photo looks like the person posing for it.
What We Edit
As a general rule, we take images in a format called RAW, capturing a vast amount of data; due to display limitations, only a fraction of this data is available to view. An essential part of this editing process is deciding which part of this data pool is used to provide the best image and which parts to ignore. For example, darker areas, referred to as shadows, can be brightened to bring out details that would otherwise be hidden, but leaving other areas of the image unchanged. Depending on the desired look, we’ll alter things such as exposure, saturation, and white balance.
All lenses distort the image: we’ll use image correction software to remove this distortion.
As a general rule, we will make the following edits to photographs:
- Remove unwanted creases, marks or stains from clothing or a backdrop
- Correct uneven skin tones (typically to remove red blotches not covered by makeup and which show up under the studio lighting)
- Remove shine from skin (when it reflects bright studio lights)
- Correct unwanted shadows or enhance desired shadows (especially to the face)
- Add volume (to give a two-dimensional image a more three-dimensional look)
- Brighten and sharpen eyes
- Clean teeth
- Remove and tidy up stray hairs
- Remove temporary facial and skin features (for example, a temporary scratch on the face)
- Remove unwanted background objects
We may apply a filter to a photograph to give an image a specific look, such as retro, vibrant, or black and white; these filters are not intended to alter someone’s appearance.
What We Don’t Do
As a general rule, we will not do the following:
- Apply filters to remove wrinkles and permanent marks and other features beyond what makeup and soft lighting can achieve
- Apply filters to slim a model down or tone a model up
- Do repeated and/or complicated edits in response to a model’s poor makeup or outfit choices
Exception
The main exception to these rules is when photos are adapted for creative and artistic purposes: for example, making an image look like a cartoon or an oil painting, or creating a composite in which the model is inserted into another photo. In these instances, it should be clear that this is an artistic choice rather than trying to create a false image of someone.
Working with Clients
We will consult clients about their editing preferences in line with this policy; however, the editing process is our decision. Models should confirm in advance that they are happy with our image style and editing process before attending a shoot.
Detailed editing is likely to incur additional charges.
Where possible, we will work with clients to ensure that they are happy with makeup and outfit choices before taking photos (and review during the shoot). However, the responsibility for makeup and outfit choices rests with the model.
Editing of Photos by Clients
Clients do not have permission to edit photos or ask a third party to do so (except for cropping to fit a specific size for social media, websites, or printed material [for non-commercial purposes]). Editing photos without our prior consent will result in the withdrawal of permission to use all the photos from a shoot; refunds will not be issued in these circumstances.