"Can you photoshop my...?"

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is, “Can you photoshop my…?” The short answer is, yes. However, there are a few things you need to know.

“Can you photoshop….the people out of the background?”

Every session is different and depending on the location you can have some “not so pretty” things in the background of your images. For the most part, people, objects, cars and trash cans CAN be photoshopped out. But keep in mind that when choosing a location, not EVERYTHING can be photoshopped out. Photoshop isn’t magic and I will need to place something in the object/persons place.

For example, during a Beach Session I can take parts of the sand, water, or trees and layer it over what I want gone. However, if we are in downtown Boston and the background is filled with people this could prove harder.

Before and after of a Beach Session

“Can you photoshop…out the bruise/cut?”

Probably one of my most asked photoshop request is for scrapes and bruises, especially working with lots of tiny humans. If your child falls before our session, bumps and bruises ARE something that can be photoshopped out - with the exception of it being directly on the eye lid.

If you find yourself in this situation, the best thing to do is to contact me with a photo of what it looks like. I will be able to instantly tell you if its fixable - or if we should postpone our session.

Before and After of a newborn session where big sister got a little too excited stepping off a curb at school.

“Can you photoshop…my newborns baby acne/dry skin”

Yes, yes, yes! This is one of the easier things for me to photoshop. I find that 4 out of 5 babies that come see me have some type of baby acne or dry skin. Don’t worry! This is absolutely something that can be taken care of so there is no need to reschedule your session.

Unless I am asked not to, baby acne and flakes will always be edited out in your final gallery. The only thing I will not edit out ( unless it is requested ) are birthmarks, such as stork bites.

Newborn acne before and after

“Can you photoshop…a photo of my kids together?”

Sometimes. If during a session your children do not want to sit next to each or participate in a sibling photo there are some things that I can do. I might ask your kids to sit separately for the image so I can piece them together later. Or I might have the older sibling take a photo with a stuffed animal in a basket instead of their baby sister. This is where you trust the process.

However, if it’s not done at the session - the chances of finding two images that are at the same lighting and angle can be hard and it will most likely not be possible.

Before and after of a sibling photo during Tree Farm Mini Sessions

List of some things that can or cannot be photoshopped.

Yes:

  • People in the background

  • Objects or trash

  • Baby acne or flakes

  • Bruises, bumps, scrapes

  • Face swapping ( within reason )

  • Combining images

  • Adding sunsets

  • Hair flyaways

No:

  • Anything to do with your eyes

  • Large crowds

  • Faceswaps and combining images not at the same angle.

These are just a few of the things that can and cannot be photoshopped. These edits will come with your package and will be reflected in your final gallery.

At a cost:

  • Hair ties

  • Apple watches

  • Logos

  • Stains

  • Phone, wallet and keys in pockets

  • Anything cosmetic

Above are the photoshop requests that would require an additional fee. I am very vigilant about asking for apple watches, hair ties, ect. However, I cannot force someone to remove these items - I can only suggest.

Photoshop is a great tool for making your images beautiful and can sometimes even be magical. But keep in mind, that your photographer is not a wizard - and might not be able to fix everything.

Check out some magic made with photoshop at the link below:

Caitlin Lynch