A Quick Guide to Photography Editing Styles

Non-photography people rarely think about color correction or the work that goes into a photo AFTER it is taken. But a lot of the unique style of a particular photographer depends on their skill in Lightroom or Photoshop. So here, I’m going to cover three popular editing techniques.

Editing Style vs. Shooting Style

Editing style is actually not the same as shooting style. Editing is everything that happens after the pictures are done. Shooting style is how much the photographer poses people, choice of locations, how he or she interacts with you two, etc.

It’s important to know what you’re looking for beforehand, because it’s hard for many photographers to change, and when we shoot, we usually shoot towards a specific style. For example, light and airy looks best back-lit, with lighter backgrounds, whereas more moody photographers will shoot on heavy, darker backgrounds and use light differently.

Popular Editing Techniques

Most experienced photographers have a style they use dominantly. So if you’re looking for a wedding photographer in LA or anywhere else, make sure he or she likes the same style that you do. These are terms most photographers will understand:

• Natural: Minimal editing, basic color correction and lighting, more true to real life.
• Light & Airy: Very light, gives it an ethereal, romantic quality. Not high contrast at all, very soft.
• Vintage: Higher contrast, blacks are flattened out a little, adds a little grain.

How to Choose Your Style

Not every photographer likes (or is able to) do all of these. So just be aware of what you’re choosing. If you see all three in their portfolio, that’s awesome! Just talk to them beforehand about which one you like the best.