How I Edit Family Portraits In Lightroom | Dallas Family Photographer
My Step-By-Step Process for Editing Family Photo Galleries in Lightroom
UPDATED MARCH 2023
TIPS ON EDITING FAMILY PHOTOS IN LIGHTROOM
The lead-up to a family portrait session is as exciting as it is (sometimes) nerve-wracking. Yet, after the final shots are taken and we say our goodbyes, there often comes a period of relief for families, while I, as I begin to edit your gallery, go into full-blown hermit mode. So, I want to take you behind-the-scenes with me. What goes on during the course of those seven days between your shoot and receiving the link to your final gallery? In this post, I'm sharing my process, and the tools I use to edit your family portrait gallery.
WHY IS EDITING IMPORTANT?
A common misconception is that, in order to take create beautiful photographs, all you need is a camera body, suitable lens, and the knowledge to make it work. Even I, during much of my time as a “hobbyist,” prioritized mastering light, motion, and stabilizing the balance meter on my Nikon over the after-the-fact editing process.
For most photographers, the joy that comes with the job is the in-person stuff: meeting and getting to know families, laughing with the kids, and creating natural moments of connection that make sure gorgeous family portraits.
Now, as a professional family photographer, I’ve come to learn that photography and editing are two completely different skills. A strong editor can’t fix a broken image, while a strong photographer can’t surpass the quality-threshold of an unedited image.
DO I USE A PRESET WHEN EDITING FAMILY PHOTOS IN LIGHTROOM?
These days, a lot of portrait photographers use a preset when editing their galleries in either Lightroom or Photoshop, depending on their preference. There is some polarization among photographers regarding how useful presets are, especially considering the high saturation of low quality presets currently on the market. The truth is — and if you’ve ever used purchased presets before, this shouldn’t come as a shock — no preset will be a one-click-fix to your editing workflow.
SO, WHY USE PRESETS?
What presets offer is a level of consistency in your portfolio and photography style. In particular, I’ve found that molding my ideal professional preset had more to do with customizing the perfect HSL for my specific style than anything else: finding the perfect shade of green, deciding how much orange you want in your photos, and creating soft skin-tones that glow all trace back to a thoughtfully designed preset.
MY FAVORITE LIGHTROOM TOOLS:
Lightroom has the ability to do a ton of unique tasks; however, my favorite tools to use in Lightroom are the ones I use the most when editing family portraits.
Here are my favorite Lightroom tools:
The Brush Tool
The brush tool is by far my favorite tool to use in Lightroom when editing portraits. Essentially, its function is just what the name implies: a paintbrush you use on the photo to brush on various effects. Most commonly, I use the brush tool to soften skin texture, reduce shadows in the face, sharpen the subject, and decrease background clarity.
The Clone Tool
The clone tool is likely the most powerful Lightroom tool I use when editing family portraits. It’s the tool that allows me to cover up flyaway hairs, distractions in the background, etc. Knowing I have access to the brush tool gives me total freedom when on-location at a photoshoot.
Here is the clone tool put to use.
. Radial Gradient
The radial gradient tool is a hidden gem and absolute time-saver for photographers using Lightroom. The function of the radial gradient tool is to apply specific effects to particular areas of a photograph. Personally, I use the radial gradient to highlight and bring brightness to the subject of an image.
MY FINAL LIGHTROOM EDITING WORKFLOW:
Correct lens distortion and horizontal perspective
Sharpen and soften texture of skin
Sharpen and deepen eye color
Decrease background clarity and shadows and increase white vignette
Sharpen entire image to finish it off!
Next, learn how to prepare your kids for your family photo session in my complete family photoshoot prep guide!
