As you might be aware, I use large format 10x8 cameras. These cameras don’t allow for the extensive post-processing that digital photography offers. The only editing possible is the one that happens within me—my perceptions, emotions, thoughts, and intentions.
When I stand behind the camera, the editing begins long before I press the shutter. It's a process that involves deep introspection and connection with the moment.
What do I see? What do I feel? What do I think? What do I want to record, and what story do I want to tell?
These questions guide my decisions, influencing how I frame the shot, the lighting I use, and the essence I aim to capture. That's why it sometimes takes me weeks to take a picture waiting for the perfect light.
In the digital world, editing often happens after the picture is taken. Photographers can manipulate colours, contrast, exposure, and even remove or add elements to create the desired image. While this offers incredible flexibility and creative possibilities, my approach is different.
For me, the moment of capturing the image is sacred. It’s about being fully present and making conscious choices in real-time. The large format camera requires patience, precision, and a deep connection with the subject. It’s about capturing the authenticity of the moment without relying on post-processing to correct or enhance the image.
This method of editing—of the heart and soul—requires me to be more attuned to my environment and my emotions. It’s a holistic approach that ensures the final image is a true reflection of what I experienced and felt at that moment. Every detail, every nuance is considered and decided upon before I even click the shutter.
This process might seem limiting compared to the endless possibilities of digital editing, but it’s precisely these limitations that make it profound. It demands that I be more deliberate, thoughtful, and connected with my subject. It’s a dance between the technical aspects of photography and the emotional and spiritual journey that each image represents.
So, how do I edit my pictures? By editing myself.
By immersing myself in the moment, feeling deeply, thinking critically, and making conscious choices. It’s an ongoing process of self-discovery and expression, where every image is a testament to what I see, feel, and believe. It’s this authentic connection that I hope shines through in my work, creating images that resonate with the heart and soul.
Want to learn more? Stay tunned!