It’s Not Just the Shot, It’s the Edit.
Every time someone tells me, “I wish I could shoot like you,” I want to reply, It’s not just the shot, it’s the edit.
I get overexposed and underexposed photos all the time. Not every show has perfect lighting. Not every shot is composed perfectly in the moment. But I know how to fix it. Or crop it. Or turn it into something worth sharing.
The truth is, editing isn’t cheating. It’s where the photo becomes yours.
Most of the time, we’re not printing our photos. We’re sharing them online. That means you can crop heavily, fix white balance, add mood, and bring focus to small details.
There was a moment recently when I just wanted to post a few shots for fun. But the perfectionist voice kicked in: This isn’t good enough. So I paused. Reopened Lightroom. Re-edited everything.
And suddenly, I liked the photos. I didn’t change the moment. I just helped it come through better.
Sometimes, you look at band tags and wonder if you were even at the same show. One person posts flat, grey, out-of-focus shots. Another brings the moment to life. Same scene, different tools.
Some media outlets ask you not to change colors too much. They want it to stay “real.”
But what is real in a venue full of purple strobes and flashing red LEDs? What is real when a spotlight hits half a face and leaves the rest in deep shadow? Editing is how I keep it real. Real to how it felt, not just how it looked.
Don’t let bad lighting stop you.
Don’t believe every photo has to be perfect in-camera.
Don’t assume someone is a better photographer just because their edit is stronger.
Take time to learn editing. It’s not just about fixing. It’s how you shape your visual voice.
Here are a few editing habits that helped me improve:
Zoom out often. You’ll catch weird crops, distractions, or off-balance compositions.
Tweak HSL instead of global color. It gives you more control over specific tones without ruining the whole image.
Save versions. Use virtual copies or snapshots when trying bold ideas. Don’t lose the safe one.
Edit in sessions. Walk away and come back later. Fresh eyes catch mistakes you didn’t see the first time.
Look at your own work with fresh eyes. Go back and re-edit old photos. You’ll see growth. And sometimes, that second version becomes the one you’re proud to share.
You don’t have to post everything you shoot. But don’t delete it too fast either. Give it a second look. Your future self might see something your tired self missed.
Editing is part of storytelling. Part of memory-making. And definitely part of concert photography.
Let your edits speak. That’s where your story lives :)
Want to see the difference editing really makes?
I use my own Lightroom presets for every concert and tour I shoot. They help bring the mood back, even when the light sucks.
Check out my presets here — the same ones I use on the road.