Editing is where a good newborn photograph becomes a great one. This post takes you behind the scenes so you know exactly what happens to your images between the session and your gallery.
Why editing matters in newborn photography
Newborns have beautiful but unpredictable skin. Blotchiness, redness, milk spots, dry patches, little scratches from those impossibly sharp fingernails — all of it is completely normal and none of it needs to be there permanently in your photos. Gentle editing lets me create images that reflect how you actually see your baby, calm, soft, and peaceful, without making them look like they’ve had a filter applied.
The goal is always to enhance, not to alter. Your baby should still look like your baby.
What I do edit
Skin softening and colour balancing is the most common adjustment. Newborn skin can be blotchy or red simply from the process of being born and adjusting to life outside the womb. I even out the skin tone while keeping the natural texture, no plastic-like smoothing or over-processed finishes.
Temporary blemishes like milk spots, baby acne, and small scratches can be softened or removed. Permanent features, birthmarks, dimples, anything that’s part of who your baby is, are always left untouched unless you specifically ask me to address something.
Flaky or peeling skin, which is especially common on hands, feet, and around the tummy, can be gently reduced while keeping the image looking natural.
Colour and lighting are adjusted individually on every image to get the warmth, brightness, and tone right. This is what gives the finished portraits their consistent, soft feel.
Composite images are edited to blend the multiple frames together seamlessly. For poses like the froggy pose or shots using props like helmets or baskets, a parent is supporting your baby at various points throughout. Those frames are combined in editing so the support is invisible in the final image, but your baby was held safely in every single shot.
What I don’t edit
Facial expressions stay exactly as they are. Smiles, yawns, frowns, sleepy little grimaces, those are the moments you’ll want to remember.
Body shape isn’t something I adjust. Your baby looks exactly as they should.
Natural features, birthmarks, dimples, unique characteristics, remain untouched unless you’ve specifically asked me about something.
How long does editing take?
I hand-edit every image individually, which takes time. You can expect your gallery to be ready within two to three weeks of your session. You’ll receive a link to your private online gallery where you can view everything and choose your favourites in your own time.
Your Newborn, Your Memories
The editing process is about making sure the images you receive feel like a true record of those early days, not an airbrushed version of them. If you have any questions about how I work or would like to book a session, just get in touch.
