No Filter - oh, realy? Why?
What do you say when you share a stunning photo on Instagram? Maybe something like “#NoFilter” or a similar comment, letting everyone know that the image was perfect as it was, with no additional tweaks needed. It’s a proud moment, right?
Other time, you might use a filter to give your photo that extra sparkle. Today, let’s delve into the world of filters and explore their connection to professional photography.
The Social Media Era
Many of my clients are modern families who love sharing their lives online—just like I do! Social media has become an essential part of our lives, a place to capture and celebrate special moments. Personally, I enjoy using Instagram to share little glimpses of my family life. Though I’m passionate about capturing memories for my clients, I often find myself using my phone to snap casual photos of my kids. Instagram acts as a virtual family album, allowing friends and relatives, no matter how far away, to stay connected to our lives.
To make these everyday snapshots more visually appealing, I occasionally enhance them with filters. I’m sure you do the same! Filters can be a fun way to elevate your feed, adding a touch of creativity and personal flair to your photos.
However, when it comes to professional photography, filters aren’t necessary, even more, adding a filter isn’t just unnecessary but can lead to bigger issues.
Filters: A Fancy Word for Editing
At their core, filters are simply pre-made editing steps applied with a single click. In the photography world, we often call them “presets.” Regardless of the name, they’re a form of editing.
When you book a professional photo session, editing is a vital part of the service. Every photographer has their own unique editing style—a signature look that sets them apart and resonates with their clients. When you choose a photographer, it’s because you admire their style, including how they create and edit their images. Or, in social media terms, you love their “filters”!
So, when it comes to professionally edited images: #NoFilter, please.
orinal photo:

the same one, but with filters:
Maybe now you will see what I mean.
Why This Matters
Imagine this scenario: You book a session with Kidi Photography by Ella. We find a beautiful location and we have a wonderful time during a shoot. I adjust colors to perfection, ensure your child’s skin looks natural and warm, and enhance the overall vibrancy while staying true to the scene. I did everything like in my porfolio. You receive a gallery of polished, professional images that we’re both proud of.
Excited to share the photos, you upload one to Instagram. Before posting, you scroll through Instagram’s filter options and find one that catches your eye. Maybe it adds extra contrast or a vintage glow. You hit share, tagging Kidi Photography by Ella with a caption like, “In love with these photos from our session!”
But what just happened?
Copyright Violation: Unless you’ve obtained explicit permission to edit the photos, altering them breaches copyright law. In the UK, copyright belongs to the photographer, and unauthorized edits are illegal.
Misrepresentation: By applying a filter, you’ve created a version of the image that no longer reflects my work. It’s like drawing on a masterpiece in a gallery. Remember the viral story of the “Ecce Homo” fresco that was disastrously “restored” by an amateur? It’s a bit like that—funny but also deeply frustrating for the original artist.
Misleading Potential Clients: Filters can mislead others into thinking the altered image represents my editing style. This can create confusion and unrealistic expectations for future clients.
A Polite Request
If you’re drawn to a specific editing style, choose a photographer whose work aligns with your vision. My studio and outdoor photography is characterized by a vibrant, distinctive style that evokes emotions and adds a magical touch of color to childhood memories. It’s a style I’ve carefully crafted and am immensely proud of, even earning recognition on an international stage. However, I understand that this bold approach isn’t for everyone, which is why finding a photographer who matches your preferences is crucial.
Once you receive your professionally edited photos, cherish them as they are. They reflect the passion, time, and artistic vision I pour into every image. And if you love them, share and tag your photographer! We appreciate it more than you know.
Let’s keep it simple: When it comes to professionally edited photos, let’s leave the filters out. If you want to know more about copyrights, check this blog too.
Remember, #NoFilter, please!
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