Whenever I pick up my camera and frame a scene, spontaneous or planned, I’m not just capturing reality – I’m interpreting it. Each click of the shutter is a blend of my technical ability as well as my artistic vision.

But that’s just the beginning of the creative process. In the name of storytelling, by retouching my photographs, I am allowed to truly imprint my signature on every image.

Here’s why:

Firstly, let’s acknowledge that all cameras are already subjectively programmed. From the outset, the color management (color science) in all cameras are designed by engineers who make decisions about how colors should appear for their particular product.

These decisions are influenced by a multitude of factors, including the intended use of the camera, market preferences (i.e regional/cultural), and technological constraints. This inherent subjectivity means that every photo is already a step removed from pure, objective reality from the very moment it was captured.

Consider the development of camera sensors and lenses. Each lens has its own unique characteristics – its way of bending light, its clarity, and its color rendition. Similarly, the sensor’s interpretation of light and color further skews the image towards a certain aesthetic. For instance, some sensors might produce warmer tones, while others lean towards cooler hues. This variability underscores that even unedited photos are far from neutral or objective; their interpretations molded by the biases of their creators.

Given this inherent subjectivity, retouching photographs isn’t just an optional enhancement – it’s a vital step in the storytelling process. By retouching, I can emphasize the elements that resonate most with my vision. Whether it’s enhancing the contrast to bring out the dramatic interplay of light and shadow or adjusting the color balance to evoke a particular mood, these edits allow me to tell a more compelling, cohesive story.

Moreover, retouching enables me to correct the temporary or permanent discrepancies that might detract from the narrative I am aiming for. Cameras, despite their sophistication, can’t always capture the scene as I perceive it.

The dynamic range might be too limited, or the automatic white balance might miss the mark. Through retouching, I can bring the final image closer to my original vision, ensuring that what I present to the viewer is a true reflection of the story I want to tell.

This process of retouching is akin to a painter refining their strokes or a writer editing their prose. It’s about honing the initial capture to its finest form. Just as a writer’s voice is found in the choice of words and structure, my photographic voice emerges through the subtle nuances of my edits. It’s in the highlights I choose to emphasize, the shadows I deepen, and the colors I either mute or saturate.

In the end, retouching is about authenticity—ironically, it’s about making the photograph more genuine to my experience, vision and heart. It’s my way of transcending the mechanical limitations of the camera and imbuing the image with the emotional and aesthetic layers that a mere click rarely captures on its own.

Therefore, embracing retouching is not about distorting reality but rather about expressing a personal truth. It’s the final, essential step in making the captured scene truly mine, stamped with my unique perspective and artistic signature.