✨ Behind the Edit
The Subtle (and Sometimes Dramatic) Magic of Post-Processing
If you’ve ever wondered what happens after a photo session — the quiet part when I’m back at my desk — this post is a peek behind the curtain.
Editing is where each image comes to life. It’s not about changing what’s there, but about guiding the viewer’s eye — balancing the light, softening distractions, and pulling the focus to what matters most.
I love that part. It’s where I slow down and really see the photo again — all the emotion, the story, the small details that give it its soul.
🌤 The Subtle Shifts
In every gallery, there are quiet adjustments that help me pull out the essential elements I want you to notice.
I start with lighting, bringing warmth back into the image and softening anything too harsh. Then, I gently pull the subject into focus — not by changing how they look, but by letting the light and tones guide your attention to the subject.
Sometimes it’s as simple as toning down a bright background or removing a small distraction that the eye can’t help but catch. Notice the Trader Joe’s bag Sierra is sitting on in this first video 🤪 - editing magic takes care of it!
Watch these mini videos showing the before and after of some recent edits:
⚡ The Sports Drama Edit
Then there’s the other side of my editing world — Sports Drama portraits. (Stage Drama hopefully coming soon!)
These are the sessions where I get to lean into light, intensity, and storytelling. I’ll shift the contrast, deepen the shadows, and fine-tune the highlights to give the image that bold, cinematic feel.
It’s about creating focus and energy — making the athlete stand out against their environment and letting their personality and strength fill the frame.
The dramatic lighting in these shots is intentional. It’s me emphasizing what’s already there — the determination, the grit, the presence. It’s storytelling through light.
🍃 Details to Notice
When you watch these edits come together, pay attention to how:
The light shifts and moves with the subject.
Background distractions fade so your eyes stay where the story is.
The overall image feels cleaner and more focused.
These are the small choices that give a photo its finished feel.
💬 Why It Matters
For me, editing isn’t about perfection. It’s about honoring the moment you trusted me to capture.
Sometimes that means softening the light on a child’s face during golden hour. Sometimes it means building contrast and power into a Sports Drama portrait. Every image asks for something a little different — and my job is to listen to it.
That’s where the magic really happens.
💛
Erin
Erin Cummings Photography
P.S. Every season tells a story — let’s capture yours. You can grab your session time [here]
