Fotografie Mythos aufgeklärt #1: “Gute Fotografen müssen kaum etwas nachbearbeiten” – Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen der Bildbearbeitung – Bildbearbeitung Fotograf

The myth that talented photographers don't need any post-processing persists. But the truth is: image editing is an essential part of professional photography. It is the key to making images shine and getting the best out of every photo. Good image editing is not just a question of technique, but also of creativity and skill - and that starts with the selection of images.

Step 1: Image selection in Adobe Bridge

Der Prozess der Bildbearbeitung beginnt direkt nach dem Shooting mit der Auswahl der besten Aufnahmen. Hier kommt Adobe Bridge ins Spiel, ein unverzichtbares Tool für jeden Fotografen, das den ersten Schritt in der “Bildbearbeitung Fotograf” maßgeblich unterstützt. Nach einem Shooting können, je nach gebuchtem Paket, hunderte oder sogar tausende Bilder zusammenkommen. Jedes Bild erzählt seine eigene Geschichte, doch nur die besten schaffen es in die nächste Runde.

In Adobe Bridge, each image is carefully analysed and evaluated. This is where the photographer decides which images are worthy of further processing. This is a time-consuming process in which image composition, sharpness, exposure and overall impression play a major role. It is often difficult to select the best images from a large number of shots, but this selection lays the foundation for the next step in image processing.

Image editing photographer using the example of a photo shoot on Mallorca

Step 2: Colour retouching in Lightroom - Image editing photographer

After the initial selection, the images end up in Adobe Lightroom, one of the most popular programmes for colour correction and retouching. Lightroom enables photographers to take their images to the next level by optimising colours, contrasts and brightness. Image editing is all about adjusting the light and colours to give the image exactly the look you want.

Especially for outdoor shoots, where the light can change quickly, adjusting the exposure and white balance is crucial. In Lightroom, shadows are brightened, highlights are reduced and colours are balanced to create a harmonious overall image. There are often small details that only really come into their own through editing - be it the lush green of nature or the soft glow of a sunset.

Lightroom also offers the option of editing images in series, which is particularly useful for larger projects. This creates a consistent look that connects the images and creates a coherent series.

Step 3: Upload to the customer selection gallery

After colour retouching, the edited images are uploaded to a customer selection gallery. This gallery is an important part of image processing and the collaboration between photographer and customer. Here the customer can look through the edited images at their leisure and select their favourites.

The customer selection gallery not only provides an overview of the edited images, but also gives the customer the opportunity to co-determine the next step in the editing process. Depending on the selection, the final retouching in Photoshop can be customised to take individual wishes into account. This personal touch is an important aspect that can make the difference between a good and a great photo.

Step 4: Final retouching in Photoshop

Der letzte Schritt der “Bildbearbeitung Fotograf” ist die finale Retusche in Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop ist das Werkzeug der Wahl, wenn es um die Verfeinerung und Perfektionierung der Bilder geht. Während in Lightroom hauptsächlich globale Anpassungen vorgenommen werden, konzentriert sich Photoshop auf die Detailarbeit.

Disturbing elements are removed, skin blemishes are corrected and small imperfections are evened out. Skin retouching is a central component of image editing, especially for portraits. The aim is not to alter the image unnaturally, but to emphasise the natural features and present the image in its best form.

In addition to skin retouching, Photoshop can also be used to adjust image sections, correct perspectives and optimise other subtleties. The aim is to create an image that is both technically and aesthetically pleasing.

Image editing before and after at Leandra Weber Photography

Why image editing is indispensable for photographers

Post-processing is not a question of right or wrong, but a creative process that makes every image unique. Good photographers know that the work doesn't end when the shutter button is pressed. Rather, the real magic that brings a picture to life only then begins.

Image editing gives photographers the opportunity to realise their vision and emphasise their own style. It's not about distorting reality, but about getting the best out of every moment. For me as a photographer who often works outdoors, post-processing means compensating for differences in light and optimising the image so that it perfectly captures the moment.

Conclusion

Die “Bildbearbeitung Fotograf” ist ein komplexer, aber unerlässlicher Teil der Fotografie, der weit mehr umfasst als nur ein paar Klicks. Es ist ein Prozess, der Erfahrung, Wissen und ein gutes Auge für Details erfordert. Von der Bildauswahl in Adobe Bridge über die Farbretusche in Lightroom bis hin zur finalen Bearbeitung in Photoshop – jeder Schritt ist wichtig, um am Ende Bilder zu liefern, die begeistern.

These steps are often invisible to the viewer, but this is precisely where the art of professional photography lies. Image processing turns a good image into a perfect photo - and that is what makes a photographer's work so special.