9 Pro Tips to Edit Engagement Photos

“Engagement marks the end of whirlwind romance and the beginning of an eternal love story!”- Unknown

Well engagement is indeed the first step towards the happily ever after for a couple and this memory is something they want to cherish forever. Then why not preserve it in such a way that it refreshes this beautiful memory everytime one sees the photographs.

Here engagement photography editing is the skill every wedding photo editor needs to learn while creating a memory out of a picture. And this is why we have jotted down some most important and pro tips that will help you become an expert engagement photo editor.

But before we discuss the tips on how to edit engagement photos, let us first have a look on what are the things one must consider before editing the engagement photos.

Before you go for the editing part, first consider these important pointers that will help you even in the post-processing stage.

1. Think of your signature style

   Knowing your engagement photo editing styles is an important step when it comes to editing engagement photographs before you start your project, it is always good to have your own signature style that reflects in your work and that makes you stand out from your competitors.

   Apart from that, your clients will also have a set expectation from you after looking at your portfolio.

2. Don’t leave everything for post-processing

   If you are very new to this subject, then you must know that there are certain things you must check beforehand because later you will not be able to correct them. Or in simple words we can say that the photo editing part has its own limitations and one can’t fix every single flaw post-processing.

3. Keep a hold on image exposure

   It is true that the lighting and exposure can be done post-processing but to a limited extent this is why it is important to get a hold on both before you even plan to start editing or if you are a photographer by yourself, you can fix both during your photoshoot only.

   This way you will save a lot of your time in the post-processing process and can focus on other elements of your editorial engagement photos.

4. Don’t miss out minute details

   In order to become the best wedding photo editor, you must have honing eyes for minor details, especially for the frame you are planning to use for your photographs.

   It is wise to keep a close eye on these elements as you don’t want to waste your several hours in fixing these issues that were left unnoticed during the framing part.

Now comes the most essential and awaited part of the blog that is the best tips for engagement photo editing for both beginners and experts, after all a piece of knowledge does not harm right?

Here are some important things you must consider:

1. Choose the editing software as per your needs

   It is most important to choose the best photo editing software that helps in deriving the results you want from your work. For this, first jot down your project related requirements and then check with all the available software that matches those requirements. Once you have found the perfect match, it’s time to check with the pricing.

   However, if you are a beginner, it is always good to start with the free or student versions to get a hold on the software first. There are several free or free trial-based software available that will solve your purpose.

2.  Use AI tools to enhance the photograph

   With technological advancement, we now have photo enhancement techniques beyond our imaginations, and artificial intelligence falls in this category. Using AI tools, you can now enhance your photographs, do the next level of skin retouching, and also give a new dimension to wedding portrait enhancement.

   There are several paid and free versions of AI software available that will help you get that finishing touch. Some of the software to mention are befunky, LuminarAI, Fotor AI, Imagen’s AI and more.

3. Enhance the focus by cropping

   It is important to understand that when you are capturing the scenic shots, you can use the ultra-wide lens, but when you want to focus on a couple, it is always good to enhance your focus using cropping because this is what even your clients want as it is their special day and all they want you to capture, edit and showcase is the pure emotion!

4. Capture photographs light & dark based on the mood

   There are certain photos that fall under the moody engagement photos category and for these needs to have a separate approach while capturing the images. These need to be either well-lit to have the maximum exposure or dark based on the type of image your client requires from you.

   Hence, it is very important to understand various styles and to blend them with your signature style to give the maximum satisfaction.

5. Blur the distracting backgrounds

   Yes it is very important for a couple photographs to be crisp and clear showcasing the emotional tangent and if the background is busy when captured, you can blur that to highlight the subject. This will enhance the picture as well post-processing as it will showcase your skills to the client when you submit the final output.

6. Give an extra bling on the ring

   While editing the photo of ring exchange movement, try to add an extra bling to the ring because it is the showstopper of the event and when you add that little shine, the picture can do wonders for both you and the client.

7. Fix the Skyline

   While cropping the photos, if you have forgotten to adjust the horizon then it is good to fix the skyline first so that your picture comes out to be of top-notch quality, unless you purposely captured the same.

   Fixing the skyline can always help you in getting the edge of the editing part and will bring out the best versions of your photograph.

8.  Use vibrance tool for color correction

   Last but not least on the list of tips, when you see your picture lagging behind because of a lack of proper color correction and balance in the tone, you can always use the vibrance tool in Photoshop or Lightroom to enhance the feel, naturalness, and balance of the colors to make your output look true to life.

9. Less is more 

   When it comes to photo editing, always remember less is more!

   Don’t hustle to try each tool or option available in your arsenal, avoiding that will save your time and also give you the best and most natural shot that will pop in the eyes of the clients.

   Give your artistic flair which is fine but don’t overdo the efforts as it can ruin the essence of the photograph and the emotions behind it.

1. PhotoDirector

   Features:

   • Professional level editing program
   • Easy learning curve
   • Apt for both beginners & advanced editors
   • Combines the features of Adobe lightroom and photoshop into a cohesive program
   • AI based photo management
   • HDR exposure blending
   • Lens correction and more.

   Pros:

   • Powerful interface yet user-friendly
   • Extensive layer support
   • AI based sky replacement & animation
   • Gives access to multiple stock images
   • Compatible for Windows and MacOs.
   • Apps available for Android and iOS users.

   Cons:

   • Import & export is slow
   • Limited tools for professional editing

   Pricing: Free and Paid versions available.

2. Adobe Lightroom

   Features:

   • Best for batch editing & photo compiling
   • Basic features with advanced impact
   • Easy learning curve
   • User-friendly interface
   • Fast organization process with high efficiency

   Pros:

   • Unlimited editing options
   • Multiple sharpening tools
   • Complicated sections made easy

   Cons:

   • Easier for single image edits
   • Less intuitive to learn

   Pricing: Free and Paid versions available.

3. Adobe Photoshop

   Features:

   • Easy to learn with learning content available online
   • Apt for high-end engagement photography effects
   • Offers a wide range of filters and editing options
   • Professional software with advanced features

   Pros:

   • Intuitive & robust interface
   • Comes with tool suite subscription
   • Comes with an arsenal of video tutorials

   Cons:

   • Steep learning curve
   • Contains a lot of intricacies in one
   • Limited tools receive updates

   Pricing: Free and Paid versions available.

4. Capture OneFeatures:
   • Offers annotations & keyword search facility
   • Eases bulk photo editing
   • Easy to learn & fast to process
   • Offers advanced color editing

   Pros:

   • Ease of integration with multiple cameras types
   • Editing & managing of photos is easy
   • Best in speed and stability when it comes to rendering

   Cons:

   • Many functions are outdated
   • Very limited number of supported lenses
   • Does not support HDR stacking and panoramas

   Pricing: Free and Paid versions available.

5. DxO PhotoLabFeatures:
   • Has DeepPrime noise reduction tool
   • Can be used as an organizational tool
   • Customizable workspace
   • Offers high-quality finish in editing

   Pros:

   • Easy and clear user-interface
   • Best for noise reduction and haze removal

   Cons:

   • Slow processing
   • Few workable tools

   Pricing: Free and Paid versions available.

This brings our blog to an end, and we hope you thoroughly enjoyed reading the complete piece and found it informative and helpful.

We understand the wedding industry is the most growing one and photographers and photo editing studios always have a lot of things on their plate, this is why it is important to have some essential pointers on tips that will help in enhancing their work and the portfolio.

However, if you have multiple tasks in hand, it is always good to outsource your wedding photo editing tasks to third party companies. These service providers not only share the burden, but their team of subject matter experts understand what a client can possibly demand from you, and they work in that particular direction to make your business outstand every time.