My Summer 2024 Editing

Over the summer, I have really enjoyed going through all the photos I took in 2024. I love spending time with my camera and then with my computer. I have been busy sorting out my images in Lightroom and giving each one a little tweak. This simple editing makes my photos ready to post on Instagram or to enter in our local photography club competitions.

I keep my editing simple. I adjust the exposure, contrast, and colours so that the beauty of New Zealand really shines through. I love how a few small changes can make a landscape or a bunch of pretty flowers pop. Editing is my way of reconnecting with nature. I learn something new every time I edit. Thanks for joining me on this editing adventure—stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes fun!

Organising My Photos in Lightroom

A big part of my workflow is organising my photos. In Lightroom, I spend time rating each photo. I go through each image and decide if it is a keeper or a dud. I remove the dud photos so I only work with my best shots. I also give each photo the right keywords. This way, I can find them later without any hassle.

My system is very simple. Lightroom automatically stores my photos in folders by date. This makes it easy to see my progress through the year. I also create collections for specific themes. For example, I have collections for birds, waterfalls, and sunsets. This means that when I need to find a photo of a bird or a waterfall, I can just go to that collection. Organising my photos well means I spend less time searching and more time enjoying the editing process.

Simple Editing in Lightroom

Once my photos are organised, I start the editing process. I like to keep my editing very simple. I adjust the exposure to make sure the image is bright and clear. I then work on the contrast so the details in my photos come to life. I adjust the colours to reflect the true beauty of New Zealand. Whether it is the deep blue of the ocean or the bright green of a garden, I want my photos to show it all.

I often work with simple editing tools in Lightroom. I do not add too many effects. I let nature speak for itself. Sometimes I crop an image to remove a distraction. This makes the main subject stand out even more. Simple editing lets me enhance what nature has already given me. I feel happy when I see a photo that looks natural and true to life.

Bringing My Vision to Life with Photoshop

Sometimes, I like to take a creative leap. I move my photos into Photoshop. This is where I let my imagination run free. I take a photo and then build something new from my mind. It is a bit like a painter working on a canvas. I start with the scene I saw, but then I add my own twist.

In Photoshop, I might adjust the colours of the light or even remove a few objects. I keep the key parts of the scene. This extra editing allows me to create something special. I enjoy this creative process. It is fun to change a photo from what my eyes saw to what my mind dreams. This editing is my way of adding a personal touch to my work.

A Day in My Editing Workflow

My days are busy, and my workflow can be a bit complicated. I work part time in the family business. This means I often cannot start any editing until the afternoon or evening. I plan my editing sessions around my work. Some days I set myself a task. I go through one day of shots or simply look at some lovely sunsets. I decide which photos I want to work with. The next day, I then focus on the chosen images.

My day in editing is split into small sessions. In the evening, I open Lightroom and begin by organising the photos from one day. I look at the images and rate them. I remove any that do not work. Then I add keywords so I can find them later. I also check my collections. I may add new photos to collections such as “Birds” or “Waterfalls”. This way, my work is well organised and easy to navigate.

When I have a good batch of photos ready, I start the simple editing process. I adjust exposure, contrast, and colours until I am happy with the image. Sometimes I take breaks and let my eyes rest. I might go for a short walk outside to enjoy the New Zealand air. This break helps me come back to my editing with fresh ideas.

Sharing My Edited Photos

After I finish editing, I love to share my work. I post my photos on Instagram and my photography blog. I also enter them in local photography club competitions. Sharing my photos is a fun way to connect with other photographers. I often get comments that make me smile and inspire me to keep editing.

Sometimes, I like to do something a little different. I take a collection of photos and turn them into a reel. I share these reels on Instagram or even TikTok. It is fun to see my photos come to life in a short video. This type of editing is creative and modern. It gives a new twist to my work and reaches a wider audience.

The Joy of Editing

Editing is more than just a technical step. It is a creative journey for me. Each time I open Lightroom or Photoshop, I see endless possibilities. With simple editing, I can take a photo and make it tell a different story. A few small tweaks can change the mood or highlight a particular detail. I love that editing allows me to explore my creativity.

Every photo I edit teaches me something new. I learn more about light, colour, and composition. I learn how a small change in exposure can bring out the best in a photo. Editing is a learning process, and I enjoy every moment of it. I believe that simple editing makes each image a little better than it was when I first clicked the shutter.

Learning and Growing Through Editing

I have grown a lot as a photographer through the process of editing. I try different techniques and see what works best. Sometimes I watch online tutorials or join a photography club discussion. I learn new tricks that I can use in my editing. This constant learning makes my editing process exciting and fun.

I have also learned to appreciate the small details. Whether it is a tiny droplet on a flower or the soft glow of a sunset, I try to capture these moments in my editing. I believe that every detail counts. Simple editing helps me show these details clearly. I am always on the lookout for ways to improve my work.

Editing for Personal Growth

Editing is not just about making photos look pretty—it is also about growing as a person. Every time I edit a photo, I see a chance to learn something new. I learn more about what works for me as an artist. I learn how to tell a story with simple editing. This journey has taught me to trust my instincts and to enjoy the creative process.

I sometimes look back at my older photos and see how my editing has improved. I see the small changes I made and how they add up over time. This reflection makes me appreciate my progress. I am always excited to learn more and try new things. Editing has become a way for me to express myself and connect with others.

The Creative Freedom of Editing

One of the best parts of editing is the creative freedom it offers. I often take my photos into Photoshop to explore new ideas. Here, I let my imagination lead the way. I might change the colours, adjust the light, or even remove a few objects. I keep the key parts of the scene, but I add my own twist. This extra editing makes my photos unique.

It is a bit like painting. I start with a base image, and then I add layers of creativity. I try to capture the feeling of the moment and then enhance it in my own way. This creative editing is my way of showing how I see the world. It makes each photo more personal and artistic. I enjoy the freedom to experiment and create something new.

Creating Reels for Social Media

Sometimes, I like to share my work in a different way. I take some of my photos and turn them into a reel. I share these reels on Instagram or TikTok. This type of editing is different from what I usually do in Lightroom or Photoshop. It involves putting together several images to create a short, fun video.

Making reels is a great way to show off my work. It brings a dynamic and modern touch to my portfolio. I can include clips of my editing process or showcase a series of photos that tell a story. It is fun to see my photos move and come to life in a video. I enjoy the creative challenge of putting together a reel that is both engaging and true to my style.

In Conclusion

I believe that every photo has a story. Through careful and simple editing, I am able to tell that story in my own way. My workflow may be busy, but each step is filled with passion and a love for New Zealand’s stunning nature. Whether it is a quiet landscape or a vibrant garden full of flowers, my editing helps to highlight the beauty of our country.

I love sharing my work on social media. From posting individual images on Instagram to creating fun reels for TikTok, I enjoy connecting with other nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Every reel and every photo is a small piece of the bigger picture of my creative journey.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I hope you feel inspired to pick up your camera and try a bit of editing of your own. Remember, simple editing can make a big difference. Enjoy the process, and keep capturing the magic of nature!

Cheers from New Zealand, and happy editing to you all!