Editing Process

Photography has always been a two-step process – the first step is to capture the image as best as possible in-camera at point of shoot and the second is to polish and refine it by bringing forward or knocking back elements within the shot using the darkroom or software.

My approach has always been a simple one – I often refine an image after shooting by slightly reworking the composition with a well-thought-through crop. Using the crop tool I will remove elements that I could not remove from the frame during shooting, or use it to bring more balance to a shot. Cropping is by far the most important tool that I will deploy during the editing process as it gives me a “second chance” to take the shot.

I try my best to use minimum manipulation and will mostly just apply some dodging and burning (Local contrast adjustments) to bring out details and textures as well as using curves and colour correction with some additional sharpening. Having started life as a photographer in the darkroom, I still find these techniques and approaches continue to serve me well even when translated into digital software.

Croatia – Dubrovnik Old Town

This image was taken just inside the walls of old town Dubrovnik and was shot as dusk had begun to fall – this image had some fantastic symmetry and texture but needed a strong crop to bring an element of balance to the composition and remove some distractions in the frame. Some slight curve adjustments were also used to bring out the colour and the strong texture elements.

Unedited Shot

Dubrovnik Street Photography

Editing Plan

Dubrovnik Street Photography

Final Image

Travel Photography Croatia

Borj El Baroud Ruins & Beach

This Shot was taken on a strand near the ruins of Borj El Baroud Fort – This image was taken just after the sun had dipped below the horizon and a mist was rolling in off the sea and settling on the strand as the last camel trains were returning off the beach – I wanted to keep the balance of the half-light and the delicate mist that was falling and still bring across the intense colours that illuminated the evening sky.

Unedited Shot

Borj El Baroud Ruins & Beach morocco

Editing Plan

Borj El Baroud Ruins & Beach

Final Image

Travel Photography Morocco

Ounagha, Argan Plantations

This image was taken at an Argan nut plantation just outside Ounagha – Taken at midday, the light was a little flat, but the scene was rich in texture so, in the editing process I opted for a black and white conversion with split toning to bring across and enhance the details in the shot.

Unedited Shot

Ounagha, Argan Plantations Africa

Editing Plan

Travel Photography North Africa

Final Image

Ounagha, Argan Plantations Africa

Montenegro – Budva Medieval Walled Town

This shot was taken inside the walls of old town Budva in Montenegro and was shot at night – In this scene, I wanted to bring out the spotlight of the streetlamp as the cat walked under it, as well as to increase contrast in the scene and rework the composition.

Unedited Shot

Budva - Montenegro - Travel Photography

Editing Plan

Budva - Montenegro - Travel Photography

Final Image

Travel Photography Balkins

North Africa – Essaouira Citadel

This photo was taken just inside the walls of Essaouira citadel, just after sunrise as the fishermen landed their catch – This image is part of an ongoing photo essay in the area showing life in a thriving industrial fishing port. In this image, I wanted to emphasize the large rusted propeller in the foreground to bring across the industrial nature and age of the port.

Unedited Shot

Essaouira Citadel - Travel Photography By Stewart Kenny

Editing Plan

Essaouira Citadel - Travel Photography By Stewart Kenny

Final Image

Essaouira Citadel - Travel Photography By Stewart Kenny