Image editing before and after: What is standard image editing - and what is not?
In my career as a photographer, I have heard many surprising and sometimes funny editing requests. AI has certainly added a lot of ideas about what is possible these days. When it comes to image editing, especially with before and after comparisons, it is often expected that every wish can be fulfilled with just a few clicks. Whilst I am happy to fulfil many customer requests, there are also things that are often taken for granted but are not. Even "simple" image editing can take several hours, depending on the effort involved.
To avoid any misunderstandings, I would like to explain here what standard image editing involves and what goes beyond it. Of course, I'm talking about my scope of services here - every photographer can deal with the topic of image editing differently. So here is my checklist so that you know exactly what you can expect when it comes to image editing:
Which is part of standard image processing:
✅ Colour selection for the images: Colour selection plays an important role in image processing. Suitable colours are selected that ideally match the customer's current brand colours. This step is an important part of the editing process to achieve the desired look.
✅ Sharpness, cuts & contrasts: Standard image editing involves optimising sharpness, image sections and contrasts. The aim is to get the best out of every image and achieve a professional before-and-after result.
✅ Removal of skin impurities and small wrinkles: For a fresh look, the removal of skin blemishes and, if desired, small wrinkles is part of standard image editing. The aim here is to preserve the natural expression and get the best out of the image.
✅ Removal of distracting objects in the background: Another typical task in image editing is the removal of distracting elements in the background, such as people, traffic signs or other distractions. These interventions help to direct the focus onto the main subject.
Image editing before and after - which is not part of standard image editing:
❌ Customisation of clothing: The adjustment of non-fitting outfits is not part of the standard image processing. We recommend carefully selecting and trying on outfits before the shoot. Image editing can do a lot, but ill-fitting clothing is not always easy to correct.
❌ Converting brightly coloured garments into other colours: Colour changes to items of clothing are also not standard. It is advisable to choose the right colour before the shoot. If support is required, stylists can be recommended.
❌ Changes to the make-up: Changing the make-up is also not part of standard image editing. Good preparation is the be-all and end-all for a successful shoot. On request, I am happy to recommend professional make-up artists who will create the perfect styling before the shoot.
❌ Extreme remodelling of the face: While minimal adjustments in the image processing before and after are still acceptable, extreme changes to facial features are not part of my work. I see myself as a photographer, not a digital plastic surgeon 😉 The aim is to preserve the authenticity of the person.
❌ Insert other backgrounds: The choice of shooting location should be carefully considered in advance in order to create the perfect backdrop. Adding other backgrounds afterwards is not part of standard image editing and often looks artificial.
❌ Figure retouching à la -20 kilos: Major changes, such as a drastic reduction in body size, are not part of standard image editing. While small adjustments are possible, such editing goes far beyond what I offer as a photographer. The aim should always be to show the person as they really are - not a distorted version of them.
In my work, it is extremely important to me to preserve the authenticity of my clients. I want them to be recognised in my pictures as they really are - even in a before and after comparison. If there are special editing requests that are not part of standard image editing, an external retoucher can be commissioned. However, this is then associated with additional costs.
I hope this checklist gives you a clear insight into what can and can't be expected during the "before and after" image editing process. Good preparation and open communication are the key to a successful shoot - and to a great result during image editing!