Editing Is Where The Art Happens
Most people think a great photo ends with the shutter click….
But that’s where the real work begins.
Below, you’ll see the raw version next to the final edit, with a breakdown of exactly what changed, and why it matters.
Before
This shoot was unfortunately timed during a period when Chinatown had temporary banners obscuring much of its iconic neon.
Despite this, strong composition and genuine Chinatown energy still present in the frame
Mixed neon light sources casting inconsistent colour across skin. Purple, green and red competing simultaneously
Face slightly underexposed, losing definition against the bright background
Right side of frame cluttered with a flat, distracting building facade and signage breaking the cinematic quality of the location
After
The temporary banners blocking the location's character have been removed using AI generative fill, restoring the regular Chinatown aesthetic.
AI generative fill also used to replace the distracting building facade on the right with clean bokeh neon orbs.
HSL adjustments used to cool the purple spill on skin while keeping the neon colours vivid in the background
Subject's face lifted with selective exposure masking.
Tattoo detail, chain and watch all sharper and more defined through targeted clarity adjustments
Before
Shot at night on a rooftop. Ambient city light creating a warm, slightly orange cast across skin and dress
Background bokeh present but colours muted and lacking contrast
Skin tones slightly flat and blending into the warm ambient light
The sequined dress losing its sparkle and definition in the unedited warmth
Overall image lacks the cinematic separation between subject and city
After
Colour grade shifted to bring out the cool cyan and blue tones of the Bangkok neon skyline
Skin tones balanced to appear natural and luminous against the cooler background
Background bokeh now vivid. Cyan, blue and pink neon lights fully saturated and distinct
Sequinned dress catching and reflecting the cool light, creating depth and texture
Subject pops clearly from the background with strong subject-to-background separation
Overall image now feels cinematic. Bangkok at night as a film still rather than a snapshot
Before
Shot in harsh midday light creating flat, underexposed skin tones on the subject
Overall image heavily underexposed. Subject's face and body lost in shadow against a bright sky
Sky completely blown out and featureless
Colours dull and desaturated throughout. The warm tones of the pool bar completely absent
Chandelier and bar architecture barely visible, losing the premium venue feel
Subject blending into the background with no separation
After
Exposure lifted and balanced so that the subject is now well lit and skin tones warm and natural
Sky recovered and given a warm blue tone that complements the overall palette
Chandelier and bar architecture now sharp and detailed. The venue reads as luxury
Contrast added to give the subject definition and separation from the background
Overall image now feels like an aspirational Bangkok pool bar energy rather than a casual holiday snap
Before
Classy shot in a stylish venue, with strong composition and natural pose
Rich colours in the scene. The warm wood, soft light and glowing skin didn’t come through in the raw image
Low indoor lighting flattened her features
Dark outfit merged into the background shadows
Her skin lacked the healthy glow and dimension it had in real life
The photo felt muted and underwhelming, despite a strong visual base
After
Shadow recovery used to bring out outfit details
Subtle glow added to skin tone for a polished, radiant feel
Colour grading warmed the skin while preserving the bar’s cool, moody ambience
Greens and blues brought forward to enhance the environment’s depth and cinematic mood
Background selectively darkened to make the lighting in the bar pop more vividly
Clarity and contrast fine-tuned for a premium, editorial finish