Photoshop is not a magic tool! Yes, it can do some incredibly amazing things, but still, there is no Photoshop magic. I think photography clients have been led to believe that Photoshop can achieve ANYTHING—and, in a lot of cases, it can achieve almost anything… but IT CAN NOT make your eyes happier, or your smile happier. I saw this post on Facebook yesterday and it made me cringe, then giggle a bit, and finally realize that I may be contributing to this problem.

photoshop magic

Here are some simple, yet very effective, tips to help achieve the best images:

  1. Make sure everyone is well rested and fed prior to your session.
  2. If you want to appear happy, find something to be really happy about and then, smile about it.
  3. If you don’t want wrinkled clothes, iron them.
  4. If you want a blue shirt in the image, wear a blue shirt.
  5. If you want to take your portrait in an open field, communicate that to your photographer.
  6. If you want your nails to look good, groom them.
  7. If you want professional hair and makeup, hire a professional hair stylist and makeup artist.
  8. If you want a dinosaur to chase you and your wedding party, let me know where I can find one.

I’m all about using Photoshop as a tool to improve an image and make my clients feel their absolute best. However, I am not about changing an image so that it morphs into something completely unrecognizable. I feel my job as a photographer is to capture the truth—a very beautiful version of the truth. On average, I retouch a session for four hours for every hour I spend shooting it. Most of my portrait sessions last about two hours. This means I spend eight hours retouching—that’s a total of 10 hours working and it doesn’t include posting proofs, writing an accompanying blog, submitting the print order, or delivering the client’s products. The last thing I want is to do is add another 22 hours in my work flow Photoshopping happier smiles.

I’m considering that maybe I am part of this problem. I occasionally like to showcase my Photoshop skills. At least once in every session, I’ll point out a power line, or some other obtrusive object, and advise my clients not to worry about “that” being in the final image… I’ll Photoshop it out. What I don’t mention is that the Photoshopping is a last resort.  I don’t let them know that there is no possible angle to avoid to the obstruction.  I neglect to say that I am purposely shooting from an angle that will create the most ideal situation to remove the obstruction in Photoshop. I don’t explain that I’m capturing the image full-knowing that I will have to Photoshop it and it will not be an afterthought.

In my  mind, I think I’m pointing out how this sets me apart from other photographers and proves my worth, knowledge and skill. However, what I may actually be doing is feeding into the idea that Photoshop will fix anything. From now on, I will take a slightly different approach to better educate my clients about the complexities of Photoshop. The bottom line is that photographers don’t finish a session and start thinking of additional ways to spend time working on it. A professional photographer simply wants to be able to deliver the best product possible without spending 17 hours changing your paisley-patterned tie to a checker board one. And, honestly, I don’t even know what to say about a smashed nose. Until next time, be positive, happy, and healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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san antonio senior portrait photographers ata-girl photography since 2010I am a San Antonio-based wedding and senior photographer who started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. As one of the up-and-coming San Antonio wedding photographers, I am also available to shoot in Austin, Houston and Dallas and the surrounding areas. I am also available for destination weddings worldwide. Ata-Girl Photography Co. offers an amazing wedding photography service that you won’t soon forget.  As a professional photographer, my sole purpose is to provide you the absolute best photography experience.

I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I love hiking, cycling, reading, listening to Elvis and most importantly, I enjoy seeing my daughters happy!

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