3 Reasons You Should Stop Over-Editing Your Images

As a professional photographer, the issue of over-editing is a topic that holds significant importance in our work. In this case, the term over-editing refers to the excessive use of post-processing tools and techniques, often resulting in images that deviate from the natural and authentic representation of the subject. While we cannot deny that the process of editing is an essential aspect of photography, overprocessing images can sometimes compromise the integrity of the image and do more harm than necessary. Here are several reasons why one should refrain from over-editing their images.

Loss of Authenticity

Over-editing images can often strip away the authenticity that gives a photo its unique charm. When we push adjustments too far, such as excessive tweaking of colors, contrast, or sharpening, we risk distorting the original scene. What started as a simple enhancement, when stacked one after another, may end up as a version of reality that no longer feels genuine. This artificial look—or as we can now better label it, an “AI look”—can distract viewers from forming an emotional connection with the image, as they might sense something unnatural about it.

Photos are often appreciated for their ability to tell a story, and when over-edited, that story becomes altered or even lost. The subtleties of light, texture, and atmosphere are the core elements that make a moment special, and they can be erased in the process of over-editing, leaving behind an image that feels soulless and deviates from the original narrative.

As full-time professional commercial photographers, we are often guilty of the pursuit of perfection in images. We should realize that over-editing can often blur the line between artistry and reality, diluting the authenticity that originally made the photograph meaningful. We should learn to embrace a more restrained editing approach that allows the true essence of the image to shine through, preserving its integrity and ensuring that the final product remains a faithful reflection of the scene.

Distortion of Reality

Personally, I believe photography is a powerful medium for capturing and preserving moments in time. But when editing is taken too far, the natural elements in an image might end up being manipulated to the point of looking unnatural. For example, skies are frequently altered to an unrealistically oversaturated blue, or greens in landscapes are made overly vibrant. This creates an image that no longer reflects what was originally seen by the photographer or what could naturally exist, resulting in a distorted representation of the environment, which can deceive viewers about the authenticity of the scene.

Over-editing can also create a false narrative, particularly in genres like photojournalism or documentary photography, where authenticity is crucial. Manipulating the lighting or adding and removing elements from an image can change the story of the image completely, leading to a misleading or inaccurate portrayal of events. The truth of the situation, setting, or person is compromised, leading to a potential distortion of how viewers interpret reality. As a detrimental effect, over-editing may also end up compromising the inherent nature of photography’s ability to preserve the memory of the captured moment.

Short-Lived Editing Trends

Over-editing often reflects short-term trends that come and go, rather than a lasting, personal style. One prominent example is the overly edited HDR (High Dynamic Range) trend that dominated the photography industry almost a decade ago. HDR, when used subtly, can bring out details in shadows and highlights, but when it was introduced, many photographers pushed this technique too far, resulting in unnatural, hyper-saturated images with exaggerated contrasts. These photos, while visually striking, lacked the authenticity and realism that often make a photo expire with time when the trend dies.

Similarly, the teal and orange look became wildly popular in recent years, particularly in cinematic editing and Instagram posts. While this color scheme can create a striking visual effect by playing off complementary colors, when overused, it may end up causing the images to look horrible and lose the individuality of the scene.

To avoid falling into the trap of trend-based editing, photographers should focus on developing a personal editing style that aligns with their shooting style and brings out the best in their images without straying too far from the natural look. A well-rounded approach is to enhance rather than manipulate, working with the tones, colors, and light that are already present to create a subtle, timeless effect. By mastering this balance, photographers can create images that not only feel genuine but also stand the test of time, regardless of fleeting editing trends.