Headshot photography is all about capturing people through a lens for businesses and brands. But there is another important step that clients never see.
Role of post-editing
Post-editing is the process of developing RAW image files into clean, balanced, carefully refined headshots. A RAW file is an uncompressed, minimally processed digital negative. I transfer these into Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, where the real shaping begins — much like the traditional darkroom, but digitally. For headshots, the goal is always authenticity: natural skin tones, flattering but realistic lighting, and colours that feel true to life. Post-editing allows me to control every detail and remove small distractions so the focus stays on you.
Post-editing process
After your session, I first transfer and back up the images (including off-site backups, plus keeping the originals on the memory cards until final delivery). Then I review the full collection and remove any images that don’t fully represent your best expression or posture. Headshot sessions usually produce a tight, intentional set — but culling is still essential for quality. Once the gallery is prepared, you select your favourite images for editing. The second round is where the real craft happens. Every chosen image is edited individually — no batch edits, no presets. Each face, skin tone, lighting setup, and outfit requires bespoke adjustments to look clean and consistent. Presets create artificial colours, so instead I keep tones natural, neutral, and timeless.
• Tidying flyaway hairs
• Balancing skin tones
• Softening under-eye areas (without removing natural texture)
• Whitening teeth subtly
• Removing lint, fluff, or pet hair from clothing
• Cleaning up minor background distractions
I may also refine or replace the background, or create a little separation light behind the subject to give a modern, polished look. The final part of the process focuses on broader refinements to ensure consistency across your chosen set — smoothing gradients, balancing contrast, adjusting colour casts, and ensuring your images feel cohesive and professional, both individually and as a series.
Conclusion
As you can see, post-editing is a detailed, time-intensive part of the headshot process. While I always aim to deliver efficiently, this stage can take just as long — or longer — than the photoshoot itself. But it’s this careful attention to detail that transforms a RAW file into a polished, confident, brand-ready portrait. Understanding the post-editing process helps set realistic expectations and gives you insight into the craftsmanship behind your final images. Great headshots aren’t rushed — they’re shaped thoughtfully, with precision and intention. While I keep the editing time as streamlined as possible, if the post-edit timeline exceeds the shoot, it’s simply because your images deserve to look their absolute best. This is the stage that elevates your headshots above the generic and helps you stand out.
Below I’ve included a selection of before-and-after examples to show how a RAW file becomes a finished, professional headshot.
