Editor's Note on Style and Photography Editing

the truth is:

I don't think great photography looks one particular way. Sometimes the best images are relaxed and natural. Sometimes they're carefully posed. Sometimes it's clean and commercial. Sometimes we may have a need for show a little more personality.

It really depends on what the photograph needs to communicate.

Natural Doesn't Always Mean Better

I enjoy photographing people when they aren't thinking too much about the camera.

I'm fond of genuine expression, natural movement, and a photograph that doesn't feel overly constructed. But I don't think candid photography is automatically more authentic. There are plenty of situations where direction makes the photograph stronger.

A professional headshot may need a specific expression or pose. A business portrait may benefit from showing the person's environment. A commercial image might need a particular pose to communicate energy or confidence.

When the Photograph Has a Job

Photography in corporate settings are especially interesting because the images usually have somewhere to go immediately after:

• A website.

• Social media.

• A campaign.

• A presentation.

• A publication.

• A product listing.

• An event announcement.

That doesn't mean the photograph needs to feel overly commercial, though. In fact, I think some of the most useful business photography still feels natural.

The difference is knowing what you're trying to communicate. If you're unsure, please feel free to reach out via email at noelleamazza.com and I'm happy to help with recommendations.

If we're creating something polished and professional, the flow will probably be more intentional. If we're trying to make someone stop and look, we might take a few more creative adventures.

Minimal Editing, Unless There's a Reason

I tend to keep editing fairly minimal. I like photographs to look clean and finished without looking overly processed. Skin should still look like skin. Color should still feel believable. People should still look like themselves.

There are also times when editing is the creative direction.

If we're intentionally creating something editorial, stylized or artistic, I'm happy to push an image further. Color, lighting, backgrounds and composition can all become part of the final concept.

The important part is that there's a reason for it.

I don't think every photograph needs to be heavily edited simply because it can be.

Sometimes the strongest edit is knowing when to stop (just like in painting).