Capturing the perfect portrait is only the start of the process. The magic truly happens during the editing phase.
Subtle adjustments to light and colour and careful skin retouching can transform a great photo into an exceptional one.
In this blog post, I’m taking you behind the scenes to see how I edited this striking image of fashion model Carla Monaco, taken recently during a styled sixties-theme shoot at Neon Dreams Studio in Hampshire.
I enhanced the photo using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop while preserving its authenticity, ensuring it radiates the vintage glamour of the era.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a flawless, magazine-quality image, read on for a behind-the-scenes look at my editing workflow.
Step 1: Starting in Lightroom
I always begin my editing process in Adobe Lightroom, where I make foundational adjustments to the image.
For Carla’s photo, the sixties-inspired look demanded a warm, nostalgic tone, so I fine-tuned the colour temperature to enhance the ambient hues. I then adjusted the exposure, ensuring the lighting complemented her skin tone and the studio setting.
Lightroom’s intuitive sliders are perfect for achieving these initial corrections, laying the groundwork for the more detailed edits to follow in Photoshop.
Step 2: Cleaning Up in Photoshop
Moving into Photoshop, I turned my attention to refining the image further.
One distracting element in the original image was the edge of a Christmas tree visible in the background. Using Photoshop’s powerful Generative Fill tool, I seamlessly removed it, replacing the area with a clean, studio-appropriate backdrop.
This feature also allowed me to expand the canvas, preparing the image for a versatile 4:5 Instagram-friendly crop.
With the background perfected, I focused on enhancing Carla’s natural beauty. Using a technique called frequency separation, I smoothed out any minor skin imperfections while retaining her skin’s fine details and texture. Carla has incredible skin, but this method ensures a flawless result.
To bring out the best in Carla’s facial structure, I used dodging and burning, subtly enhancing highlights and shadows to emphasise bone structure. This step draws attention to her face, giving the image depth and dimension.
Finally, I tidied up any stray hairs and removed small dust spots on Carla’s striking sixties-style outfit. These minor adjustments ensure the final image looks polished and professional.
Step 3: Back to Lightroom for Final Touches
Once the heavy lifting was complete in Photoshop, I returned the image to Lightroom for the final flourishes. Here, I used masks to selectively brighten and add contrast to key features such as Carla’s eyes, lips, and hair. This extra attention ensures her facial features stand out.
Carla wore a fabulous furry top in this particular image that perfectly encapsulated the sixties vibe. I used masking techniques to enhance the texture of the top, ensuring it drew the eye without overpowering the rest of the image.
Finally, I applied a vintage-inspired colour grade to the entire image. Adding warm tones and subtle fading, I created a look reminiscent of classic sixties fashion photography.
The result? An image that’s beautiful and perfectly aligned with the styled shoot’s theme.
The Difference Attention to Detail Makes
The transformation between the original and edited versions of Carla’s portrait is striking. The image is elevated by removing distractions, refining the skin and hair, and carefully colour grading. It captures the essence of sixties fashion while showcasing Carla’s beauty and the creative styling of the shoot.
Why My Photo Editing Expertise Matters
When you work with me as your portrait photographer, you’re not just getting someone who takes great photos—you’re hiring an editor who understands how to make those photos shine. My in-house editing expertise ensures every image you receive is polished, professional, and tailored to your unique vision.
Let’s make it happen if you’re looking for stunning portraits that capture your best self, styled to perfection and edited with care. Get in touch today to book your session—I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.
Your photos deserve the same attention to detail as Carla’s sixties-inspired shoot. Together, we can bring your vision to life, one expertly edited portrait at a time.
