In the digital age, editing tools are more powerful than ever. Sliders tempt you to push contrast higher, colours richer, and skies bluer. But restraint can be the difference between a timeless image and a passing trend.
Start with the basics: correct exposure, adjust white balance, and make gentle tweaks to highlights and shadows. Leave enough of the original scene intact that it still feels real. Over-editing can strip a photo of its authenticity, especially in documentary or street work.
Think of editing as seasoning a dish — enough to bring out the flavour, but not so much that it overwhelms the ingredients.