As a professional photo editor with over 25 years of experience, I’ve seen just about every kind of editing request imaginable. From restoring treasured family photos to enhancing high-end fashion images, the right edit can completely transform a picture. Whether you’re an individual with a once-in-a-lifetime photo or a business needing polished visuals for marketing, professional photo editing makes all the difference.
Here are some of the most common requests I receive – and how I bring them to life:
1. Removing Unwanted People or Objects
Ever taken the perfect photo, only to realise a stranger walked into the background? This is one of the most frequent requests I get. With advanced Photoshop retouching techniques, I can seamlessly remove people, distractions, and objects – leaving you with a clean, natural-looking image.
2. Background Changes and Replacements
Whether you want to swap a cluttered background for something simple, or place a subject in a completely new setting, background editing is a powerful way to elevate a photo. Businesses often use this service for product images, while individuals love it for portraits, weddings, and family photos.
3. Photo Restoration
Old and damaged photos hold priceless memories, but time isn’t always kind to prints. I specialise in restoring faded, torn, or scratched photos, carefully repairing them while keeping every detail intact. Restored photos make wonderful gifts and preserve family history for future generations.
4. Colour Correction and Enhancement
Lighting can make or break an image. I frequently adjust colours, tones, and contrast to bring out the best in every shot. Whether it’s enhancing the vibrancy of a wedding photo or correcting skin tones in a portrait, subtle editing can make your images stand out beautifully.
5. Retouching Portraits
From smoothing skin and brightening eyes to refining details without losing natural character, portrait retouching is an art. I always aim for a polished yet realistic look – avoiding the “plastic” effect that quick filters often create.
6. Creative Edits and Composites
Sometimes, clients want something a little different – a fantasy-inspired background, a composite image, or special effects. These creative edits are where imagination meets technical skill, producing truly unique results.
7. Case Study: Preserving Precious Memories
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on involved a client, Alexandra Foster, who wanted a photo of her late husband. The only suitable picture she had was a group photo taken at a family wedding, with him positioned at the front.
I carefully removed the surrounding people, leaving a natural, lifelike portrait of her husband. Alexandra later asked me to edit two more photos, removing the backgrounds with precision to create timeless keepsakes.
Here’s what she kindly shared in her review:
“I needed a photograph of my late husband and the best one I could find was a group photo from a family wedding with him in the front of the photo. I sent it to Stephen who removed all the other people in the photo leaving just my late husband. At every step Stephen’s communication was excellent. The quality of the finished product is also excellent. I was so impressed I sent him two more photographs of my husband and I where he removed the background with absolute precision. I would have no hesitation in recommending Stephen for any photography and will no doubt use him again in the future.”
This project highlights how photo editing isn’t just about technical skill – it’s about preserving memories that truly matter.
Why Work With a Professional Photo Editor?
While apps and filters can provide quick fixes, nothing compares to the precision and quality of a professional edit. Every photo is different, and my goal is always the same: to enhance your image while keeping it natural, authentic, and tailored to your needs.
Ready to Transform Your Photos?
If you have a photo that needs editing – big or small – I can help. From wedding and portrait photography to commercial and product work, no edit is too complex.
📩 Get in touch today to discuss your photo editing needs:
👉 Contact Me Here
