Editing isn’t a miracle cure for bad photography
- Herbert Iponla

- Nov 27, 2024
- 2 min read
1/ 📸 So, a client reached out to me recently… They didn’t hire me as their photographer for an event but later asked me to edit the photos they took on their phone. Let’s talk about why this is problematic and what it says about valuing creative work. 👇
2/ Photography is more than just pressing a button. It’s about lighting, composition, angles, and capturing moments. Editing is part of the craft, but it’s not there to "fix" bad photos—it's meant to enhance great ones.
3/ When you hire a professional, you're paying for expertise, equipment, and an eye for storytelling. Asking for edits on poor-quality images assumes the "magic" of photography lies in Photoshop or filters—it doesn’t.
4/ Here’s the thing: Editing can only do so much. If the source material (photos) isn’t great, the final product won’t be either. It’s like asking a chef to fix a meal you microwaved. 🍳
5/ This also raises a bigger issue: undervaluing creative professionals. By not hiring a photographer, you're skipping the investment in quality and then asking for a patch job afterward. That’s not respecting the craft.
6/ To those considering this approach: Please understand the value of hiring professionals from the start. It saves you time, stress, and ensures you get beautiful, timeless memories.
7/ To my fellow creatives: Don’t hesitate to stand firm on your boundaries. Editing is part of our service, but it doesn’t replace the skill and vision behind capturing the shot. Know your worth! 💪
8/ TL;DR: Hire a photographer if you want great photos. Editing isn’t a miracle cure for bad photography, and professionals deserve respect for their work. Let’s elevate the art, not shortcut it. 🎨


Comments