"Keep it natural" is something I keep hearing when people comment on my work. Unfortunately, many individuals have always viewed photography editing negatively, and I'm here to address that.

Definition of editing

What is editing? It's simply digitally enhancing photos to:

• Achieve a more visually appealing look
• Add a unique personality to the photo
• Make the photo appear closer to what the photographer envisioned it as.

Editing vs Manipulation

NOTE: There is a clear line between editing and manipulation. Manipulation is done to create and enhance images by removing or altering several subjects in a way that differs from the original form, whereas editing involves enhancing and adjusting pre-existing forms of a photo.

• Editing: Exposure, contrast, saturation, hues, texture, selective adjustments, etc.
• Manipulation: Adding objects, complete removal, changing sky, etc.

BOTH ARE AN ART! And I have great respect for both forms. But any artist needs to be honest and indicate whether it's manipulated or not. This is because it can manage the audience's expectations. Imagine you see a reputable photographer post a photo of a lion with the northern lights (lol) without indicating that it's manipulated, the audience (beginners) would start believing that this is possible to get in a single frame. When they go out on safari, those false hopes would destroy their drive completely.

I personally never manipulate my photos, and I distinguish both by indicating the software used. That is why I don't use Photoshop. However, I know a lot of photographers who Photoshop but don't necessarily manipulate their photos, they use it simply cause they are more comfortable with it. Basically, Lightroom is separate, but it's similar to a small section of Photoshop (camera raw).

Should I edit my photos?

Many people find this fact mind-boggling: every professional photographer I have ever known, edits their photos! If you want my opinion, then yes, you should get into editing! It's your own choice to how deep you want to get into it.

The software that I have used for years is Adobe Lightroom (Mobile). Believe it or not, 90% of the photos that you see are edited on my phone.

For me, editing has become one of my greatest strengths! When I was starting, it was difficult to stand out from others - especially when every other photographer had really expensive equipment. Therefore, in trying to stand out with limited resources, I leaned into what I had control of; editing. 4 years ago, on a single photo, I'd spend an hour or two editing it. I spent hundreds of hours practicing different Lightroom editing settings on several photo scenarios, and that's what made me 'master' it. Now, I'd take 15 mins or less to edit the same photos and achieve the same look.

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Tips to improve your editing

• In the beginning, don't put too much pressure on yourself to be unique, It's okay to take inspiration from others and try replicate their styles; as long as you add your own small twist to it.
• Spend time experimenting with all kinds of settings on multiple photo scenarios. With time, you'll be able to see a random photo and briefly tell what the photographer has done with the image. (It's impressive)
• With time, you should try to envision a finished image even before you start editing the image. This way, it gives your brain a mental direction to head toward; thus making your process more focused.
• Try to nail the lighting and composition while you're shooting on the field, it's going to make your editing much simpler! It's easy to make a good photo better, but almost impossible to make a bad photo good.
• Check out Youtube tutorials on photo editing! That's how I learned a lot.
• Have fun with it :)

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If you are interested in joining me on a safari, DM me! We usually do 1 on 1 editing sessions, amongst many other activities. Also, I'm actually considering doing online 1 on 1 editing sessions. If you might be willing to invest in that, let me know too.

If you're interested in purchasing any of my prints, you can DM me or visit my website.

Other than that, thanks for reading my second blog! It would mean the world to me if you let me know whether you got any value from it, or any feedback whatsoever!

Until next time,

Dhir