There’s something really magical about a photograph: a real moment in time, captured. As a photographer whose heart is set on preserving moments, I believe in telling the truth of your story. Truth exists in the editing. That’s why when clients sit down with me to talk about editing their images, I always explain: I’m not here to rewrite history. I’m here to preserve your family right where it is authenitcally.
Because editing images is not just “fixing”
Let me share a little anecdote: A wonderful family came in for a session with me. They brought along their dog (who definitely belongs to the family moment). After the session, they asked: “Could you remove the dog from the picture? And maybe also take out the collar? Also, can we make it look like everyone is looking at the camera at the same time and smiling perfectly?”
Here’s how I feel. If I remove the dog, or erase the collar, or make it look like everyone turned at exactly the same moment, I’m changing the truth of your moment. And your moment is worth honoring.
Because in a real family, the dog nudges in, the collar is a sign of the dog’s personality, someone glances one way while another looks another. Sure, we can smooth skin, adjust light, maybe soften background distraction. That all just enhances the image. I feel that once you start erasing parts of the story, you’ve turned your genuine moment into something imagined. Something that didn’t happen exactly that way. Something, dare I say, artificial.
Why I believe in real editing (not rewriting)
Here’s what sets my editing apart from just running your image through an AI filter or automatic fix-kit:
- Intentionality: I look at each image. I ask: how can I keep the truth, respect the moment, and elevate it?
- Story respect: You’re a family in motion. AS a mom myself, I know that is sometimes chaotic, but always beautiful. My editing honors the “you” in front of the camera rather than trying to manufacture the perfect “model family.”
- Fine-tuned craftsmanship: The AI might apply a generic “cleanup” or “erase object” mode and leave a weird ghost or uneven edge. I use my eyes and my art to make sure the editing is invisible in the best way—so you see you, not a filter.
- Ethical fidelity: I believe your photos should hold up to tomorrow’s “What were we like?” moment. If you go back ten years and your memories say “the dog was there,” I want your photo to say that too. Instead of hiding it.
- Emotional impact: The best photos make you feel again. When I didn’t remove the dog, and instead I lifted the light so you could see his happy face, or cleaned up a branch behind him so his wagging tail popped—those are edits that serve the story, not rewrite it.
Because trust matters
When you hire me to edit your photos, you’re trusting a human heart behind the lens and behind the screen. Not just an algorithm. That matters. Here are a few things you’re trusting me for:
So, why choose me to edit your photos?
Because your family session isn’t just a set of photos, it’s the preservation of a memory. When you choose me, you’re choosing someone who cares about all of that. I care enough to preserve the little wonderful imperfections that make your family real.
When I edit your photos, I’ll polish the light, I’ll sharpen your smiles, I’ll remove distractions. One thing I won’t do is erase the story. I won’t replace what was real with what could have been.
Because your story deserves more than automation. It deserves care. It deserves heart. It deserves the kind of editing that says: “Here we are, at this moment, forever.”
If you’re ready to book a session where the editing is done for you by someone who sees you, knows you, and honors your story—let’s do this together. You can book a session now!
