Welcome to Visual Serendipity! This wordy expression of visual delight comes from a space of education based off my 30+ years in the industry of photography. Whether you're an observer, a budding photographer or a seasoned pro, understanding the nuances between photo processing and editing can elevate both your comprehension and craft. In this blog, we’ll explore how processing lays the groundwork for stunning visuals, while editing allows your creativity to shine. I hope that I can demystify these essential techniques and by sharing a few tips to help you transform your smartphone snaps I hope it helps you get more captivating Instagram-worthy images.

So let's delve into a taste of the art and science behind perfecting your photos shall we!
 

 

Processing vs. Editing Digital Photos: What's the Difference?

1. Initial Development vs. Artistic Enhancements:
   • Processing involves the initial steps to convert raw image data into a viewable format. This includes adjusting basic parameters like exposure, white balance, and contrast.
   • Editing goes beyond the basics to include creative adjustments such as retouching, adding filters, or manipulating elements within the photo for artistic purposes.
2. Batch Handling vs. Individual Attention:
   • Processing often deals with batches of photos, applying consistent adjustments to ensure a cohesive look across a series of images.
   • Editing typically focuses on individual photos, allowing for meticulous attention to detail and specific creative tweaks.
3. Technical Adjustments vs. Creative Input:
   • Processing is primarily about correcting and optimizing the technical aspects of a photo to achieve accurate and high-quality results.
   • Editing involves creative input, where the photographer can experiment with different styles and effects to enhance the artistic vision.
     
     A young me working in a photolab.This lab is where I learnt the art of processing photos, my mentor would not let me touch the printer until I first studied light in nature and around town. I had to show the understanding of how light changes, grows and behaves in different conditions and times of day, then I had earnt the right to process our customers photos. That uniform though - so cute with the red bow!
4. Basic Corrections vs. Advanced Manipulations:
   • Processing addresses basic corrections such as fixing exposure, sharpening, noise reduction, and lens corrections.
   • Editing can include advanced manipulations like removing unwanted objects, blending multiple images, or adding artistic elements that transform the original photo.
5. Automated Actions vs. Personalized Adjustments:
   • Processing can be largely automated using presets and batch processing techniques, making it efficient for handling large volumes of photos.
   • Editing requires personalized adjustments and a hands-on approach to achieve the desired look and feel, often involving manual techniques and creative decisions.

Understanding these differences can help you appreciate the distinct roles that processing and editing play in the world of digital photography. Each step is crucial in bringing out the best in your photos, from ensuring technical excellence to expressing artistic creativity.

A little old school "editing" from my film days.

These photos are from the early 90's when I started my creative boundaries pushing ways.The first image was captured in about 1992 on Kodak slide film and then I processed it through C41 (negative film chemistry), very naughty but hey I was on a path of experimentation. This image was been scanned from the original film and not the photo.
 

Oyster Lease on the Hastings River Port Macquarie, circa 1992. Cross process film image.This image was captured in about 1992 on Kodak slide film and then I processed it through C41 (negative film chemistry), very naughty but hey I was on a path of experimentation. This image has been scanned from the original film and not the photo.

This second photo was taken using Agfa film with a Nikon F90 I used a polarising filter to get extra impact from the colours and sky. This was a tool or "editing process" on camera, today we use filters in post production, back in film days we normally put the filters on when we captured the photo. 
 

Tree taken on Agfa, a polarising filter was used to enhance the sky colour and detail in the clouds - an old school "editing" trick.This photo was taken using Agfa film with Nikon F90 I used a polarising filter to get extra impact from the colours and sky. This was a tool or "editing process" on camera, today we use filters in post production, back in film days we normally put the filters on when we captured the photo.

Cross Processing Slide Film using C41 chemistry instead of E6What is Cross Processing? Cross processing is a fun technique where film is developed using the wrong chemical solution, intentionally mixing things up. Each type of film has a specific chemical process designed for it, so when you swap them, you end up with unpredictable (and often exciting) results. The most common switch-up happens in color photography, using C-41 chemicals (meant for color negatives) and E-6 (designed for color slides/positives). By cross processing in this way, you’ll get some unique color shifts and contrast variations. For example, if you process slide film using the C-41 chemicals, you’ll still get negatives, but with vivid, Lomography-inspired color explosions and surprising effects. The results are often saturated, grainy, or high contrast. Each film stock behaves differently when cross-processed—some lean towards yellow or green, while others take on red or purple tones.

---

 

Contextual Roles: Artistic vs. Practical Applications

Artistic vs. Functional Objectives:

Processing is essential for creating functional, high-quality images that meet professional standards, such as for print media or commercial use. It ensures that the final image is accurate and visually pleasing according to technical standards.

Beric Henderson at Sunset Framing & GalleryThis image is a simple portrait of the artist sitting in front of his artworks, the natural light is falling on his face as he looks out the window. The image was taken for general content in newsletters and marketing.

Editing, on the other hand, is often driven by artistic goals. It allows for personal expression and creativity, transforming the image beyond its original form to evoke emotion or convey a specific message.

Montage by Reimagined Images of Beric Henderson V3A montage of the artist within one of his works - the concept of this image was to have the artist within the artwork and also introspectively looking to the art and himself. This image was created as specific blog content for an article on the arts.

Examples in Practice:

In professional photography, processing might be used to ensure consistency in a series of product images for a catalog, focusing on accurate color reproduction and detail.

Dipacci Coffee Company - Port MacquarieCoffee making equipment - basic stock image. Simple processing applied. Dipacci Coffee Company - Port MacquarieCoffee making equipment - basic stock image. Simple processing applied. Dipacci Coffee Company - Port MacquarieCoffee making equipment - basic stock image. Simple processing applied.

In expressive art photography, editing could involve creating a surreal effect by combining elements from different images, or applying unique filters to create a distinctive mood.

Dipacci Coffee Company - Port MacquarieImage edited to create a texture, warm background, highlighting the item to make it look clean and crisp against the almost grunge style background.

Understanding these contextual roles can enhance your appreciation of how processing and editing contribute to different photographic outcomes, whether for practical purposes or artistic expression.

---

5 Tips to Get Better Photos from Your Smartphone for Instagram:

1. Master Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Shoot during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, flattering light. Avoid harsh midday sun that can create unflattering shadows.

2. Use Grid Lines: Enable the grid lines in your camera settings to help with composition. Following the rule of thirds can make your photos more balanced and visually appealing.

3. Focus and Exposure: Tap on your screen to set the focus on your subject. Adjust the exposure by sliding up or down to ensure your photos are neither too bright nor too dark.

4. Edit with Purpose: Use Instagram’s built-in editing tools or other apps to enhance your photos. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your images pop, but avoid over-editing to keep them looking natural.

5. Clean Your Lens: Seems silly but this will make a big difference. Smudges or dirt on your smartphone lens can affect image clarity. Regularly clean your lens with a soft cloth to ensure sharp and clear photos (unlike myself who uses the inside of what ever I am wearing - do as i say not as I do right!)

 

I hope this exploration of photo processing and editing has illuminated the distinct yet complementary roles these techniques play in creating captivating images. By mastering the basics and embracing your creative instincts, you can transform everyday shots into extraordinary visuals. Keep experimenting, stay inspired, and remember that every photo is a chance to tell a unique story. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and don’t forget to apply these insights to make your next photo project truly shine. Happy shooting