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  • What Is Photo Editing: Definition + Tips (2025)

    What Is Photo Editing: Definition + Tips (2025)


    Photo editing is more accessible—and essential—than ever. Whether you’re a business owner, ecommerce seller, or busy creative, knowing what photo editing is (and isn’t) can help you elevate your visuals and reach your goals faster. 

    In the following guide to photo editing, you’ll learn: 

    • What photo editing means (and why it matters)
    • Different types of photo editing, from simple to complex
    • Real-world examples of edits for portrait, sports, and product photography

    And if you’re ready to level up your own photo edits, check out our free tutorials and professional editing services.

    What is photo editing?

    Photo editing is the act of image enhancement and manipulation. This process is usually done with a digital photo editing software. Photo editing can involve basic tweaks like when you crop and resize images or adjust saturation. It also includes advanced techniques like swapping faces or photo retouching to get rid of distracting elements or unwanted objects.

    Some image editing techniques are done manually, while others are conducted through automated photo editing tools and software. Most edits to digital photography involve some one or a few photo editing programs. Some edits are even done offline on actual photographs, posters, or other printed collateral without any image editing software.

    Other terms for photo editing include:

    • Image editing
    • Post-processing
    • Image/photo manipulation
    • Photoshopping
    • Image/photo enhancement

    Let us look after your image edits, so you can get back to the fun stuff. Try Path free.

    The importance of photo editing

    Editing helps you fine tune and get the best image possible, as close to what you imagined when you took the photo (or better perhaps). Niche photographers can hone and emphasize their personal style. And for businesses, editing helps cement branding and optimize for business goals.

    Photo editing is particularly important for ecommerce companies. Image quality directly affects people’s opinion of the product and sales numbers. If you have ugly photos, it’s going to be tough to convince a shopper to purchase your product. 

    Types of photo editing

    There are many ways to edit a photo—some simple and others more complicated.

    Many people can figure out simple photo editing techniques on their own—though this does require time and patience. More complex adjustments may require using dedicated programs with specific photo editing features or hiring a trained professional editor.

    Simple photo editing techniques include:

    • Straighten: adjust the horizon of the photo

    Side-by-side comparison of cropped and straightened pink shoes against a pink background.

    • Crop: image cropping involves trimming out a portion (usually peripheral) of the image to help draw attention to the subject or otherwise improve the composition

    Pink sneakers on pink background with cropping grid overlay for adjustment.

    • Resize: adjust the dimensions of the image

    Crop ratio selection menu showing various aspect ratios with adjust option.

    • Sharpen: enhance the definition of the edges in an image (won’t make a blurry image in-focus)
    • Noise reduction: smoothing the picture out, typically accomplished by reducing the pixel size
    • White balance: the color of the light in the image

    Comparison of white balance adjustment for pink shoes, showing cooler and warmer temperature and tint settings.

    • Contrast: higher contrast makes an image more punchy, while lower contrast makes it flatter in color

    Side-by-side contrast adjustment of pink shoes on pink background, showing low and high contrast levels.

    • Exposure: the brightness of the photo

    Side-by-side exposure adjustment of pink shoes on pink background, showing low and high exposure levels.

    • Lens correction: lessens the effect(s) of the camera lens
    • Color adjustments: change the color of an item or element in the photo
    • Background removal: delete the background from the image, isolating the subject (this is often used for white background product photography)

    Smiling woman with curly hair in a striped top, isolated on a transparent background.

    More complex techniques include:

    • Clipping paths: vector path that differentiates the part of the image that’s visible and the part that’s transparent (extracts a subject or element from an image)
    • Portrait corrections: complexion touch-ups and enhancements
    • Drop and reflection shadow: create and adjust shadows
    • Special effects: this can mean an array of things, from animation to adding weather conditions like fog or snow
    • Adjusting text and visuals: add overlays or manipulate what’s already there
    • Photo stitching: when you seamlessly put two images together to make it look as though they were shot that way
    • Photo masking and Layers: the process of hiding and revealing specified portions of an image
    • Mirror effect: when you create a perfectly symmetrical photo, often used for apparel product shots

    Get pro image editing from just 25¢ per image

    Pixel editing and parametric image editing

    Two methods of digital photo editing are pixel editing and parametric image editing. Let’s look at their definitions:

    Close-up of a pixelated image in Adobe Photoshop, showing toolbar and grid view.

    What is pixel editing?

    Pixel editing, or pixel-level editing, is when you alter an image at the pixel level. Because you’re altering the pixels themselves, this also permanently changes the image file. That’s why pixel editing is considered a destructive form of photo editing because it’s not as easy to undo the changes and restore the original file.

    Pixel editing allows you to make extremely detailed edits and accomplish certain functions that parametric image editing can’t (like CMYK color modes, for example).

    What is parametric image editing?

    Parametric image editing (PIE) doesn’t change the pixels of the image. Instead, these edits are recorded as a set of steps to follow to accomplish the final look. Thus, it’s a non-destructive mode of photo editing. However, PIE doesn’t always allow for all types of edits.

    Many in the industry recommend starting with PIE, and then using pixel editing to refine the final details.

    Examples of photo editing

    There are so many ways to edit photos, and everyone has a unique approach. You might see examples of photo editing on social media or YouTube.

    Here are some examples of photo edits the team at Path have done for businesses from all around the world: 

    Background removal

    Before-and-after product photo editing with background removal for a bottle. Before and after sports action photo editing with background removal of a basketball player dribbling. Before and after portrait editing with background removal of a woman wearing a brown t-shirt.

    Save a ton of time with pro background removal from 39¢ per image

    Photo retouching

    Set of metal straws with cleaning brush on a cloth pouch, labeled before and after.

    Polish up your product shots with pro retouching from 79¢ per image

    Before and after close-up of an eye with photo retouching to smooth facial skin and enhance clarity. Before and after photo retouching showing wrinkle removal from a blue sports shirt worn by a man on a tennis court. Before and after photo retouching showing wrinkle removal from a mustard shirt worn with denim jeans.

    Ghost mannequin

    Patterned blouse displayed on a mannequin, with background removed in the

    Let us look after your ghost mannequins, starting at just 99¢ per image

    Editing different types of photos

    Technique Skill level Use case
    Cropping Beginner Ecommerce, social media, marketing, headshots
    Background removal Intermediate Amazon product listings, white background product photos
    Retouching Advanced Portraits, headshots, fashion, jewelry

    Product and ecommerce photography

    Product images will almost always require or benefit from post-processing. Aim for consistency, especially if you’re working on multiple products for the same company or are providing several types of photos of the same product.

    Infographic on photo editing for ecommerce, covering benefits like branding and customer trust, plus issues like noise, background, and lighting.

    Visuals help market brands and sell products, but you should also think about where the image will be used. Is it for an advertisement, ecommerce page, social media, or a print catalog? A white background shot will call for much different edits than an image for a Facebook ad. Likely, you’ll be able to get more creative with advertising imagery.

    Here are some of the most common types of edits for product photography:

    Before-and-after product photo of a bottle with editing notes on retouching, background removal, sharpening, resizing, and color treatment.

    Image source

    • Brightness and exposure: If you didn’t nail the lighting, you can make substantial adjustments post-shoot.
    • Background removal: This is a common edit for product photos, especially if you’re listing the item on Amazon, which has a white background requirement. Regardless, white background maintains consistency.
    • Color correction: It’s important that product photos portray the item as accurately as possible so it’s a smart idea to color correct all of your product images. As many as 64% of returns happen because the product didn’t match customer expectations based on product images and descriptions.
    • Color change: For products that come in several colors, it’s important to showcase the variety. Instead of photographing the product in every color, photo editors can make the changes post shoot.

    Three striped socks in red, purple, and yellow colors displayed on a gradient blue background.

    Sports photography

    Sports images are often captured in fast-paced, unpredictable environments—making photo editing essential for polishing the final result. Whether you’re working with action shots from the field or editorial images of athletes, editing helps enhance sharpness, fix lighting, and direct attention to the key moment.

    Common edits for sports photography include:

    • Cropping: Reframe the shot to highlight peak action or key players. A tighter crop can add intensity and drama.
    • Sharpening: Motion blur is common in sports. Sharpening can help make images feel more crisp and in focus.
    • Color correction: Natural lighting varies across stadiums and gyms. Post-shoot edits bring consistency and accuracy.
    • Background cleanup: Remove distractions from the crowd or surroundings that pull attention away from the subject.
    • Spot retouching: Clean up sweat, mud, or jersey wrinkles to create stronger, cleaner visuals for media or brand use.

    If you’re editing for a team, school, or sponsor, keep branding consistency in mind—many sports photographers rely on editing templates to maintain uniformity across hundreds or thousands of images.

    Headshot and portrait photography

    Headshots and portraits are often the first impression someone gets of a person—whether it’s for a professional bio, dating profile, modeling portfolio, or graduation announcement. Editing can enhance natural features while preserving authenticity.

    Here are common edits for portraits and headshots:

    • Skin retouching: Reduce blemishes, smooth skin, and even out tone without losing texture.
    • Whitening teeth and eyes: Brighten smiles and make eyes pop subtly and naturally.
    • Color correction: Adjust tones to match a flattering, realistic look or a specific brand aesthetic.
    • Flyaway removal: Clean up stray hairs or lint that distract from the subject.
    • Background editing: Simplify or replace backgrounds to match the intended context—e.g., corporate headshot vs. lifestyle portrait.

    The key with headshot and portrait editing is to enhance, not transform. The goal is to present someone in their best light while keeping the photo true to who they are.

    Learn how to edit your photos

    If you’re ready to learn how to edit your own photos, check out this handy collection of Photoshop tutorials. Here are a few to get started with:

    Photo editing history

    Timeline depicting key photo-editing milestones from the 1850s to 2011 on a gradient background.

    What is a professional photo editor?

    A person who edits images can either be self-employed, contracted by an outsourced company or agency, or someone who works in-house. There are many possible job titles for a photo editor, including digital photo editor, graphic designer or art director, among others.

    Typically, photo editors specialize in specific industries, much like photographers. For example, real estate, editorial, and product photography all come with their own set of trends and intricacies. Editors that focus on ecommerce images know how to make products pop.

    Our virtual photo editing studio is made of more than 300 trained professional photo editors who specialize in the following: 

    • Ecommerce
    • Product
    • Sports
    • Headshot
    • Portrait photography

    Let us look after your image edits, so you can get back to the fun stuff. Try Path free.

    Tackle your photo editing projects with Path

    Learning new photo editing techniques can be an enjoyable way to break up your day and add to your industry knowledge, but editing photos can be time-consuming, especially if photography is your specialty. If you need fast, affordable, high-quality photo-editing services, the professionals at Path are here to help.

    What is photo editing? FAQs

    Can I edit a photo for free?

    Yes, you can edit a photo for free. You can use free photo editing tools and do it yourself. You can also use free AI photo editing tools, but these edits require careful quality checks. Or, send your first two photos to Path to get them edited for free.

    How can I edit a picture image?

    • Open your photo editing tool of choice
    • Upload or open the photo you want to edit
    • Make your desired edits
    • Save your work

    What is the best app to use for photo editing?

    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Adobe Lightroom
    • GIMP
    • Pixlr
    • Snapseed
    • VSCO

    How do I edit my photos like a pro?

    Edit photos like a pro by learning basic and advanced Photoshop techniques, outsourcing the tedious edits, and optimizing for the right use and context.

    What is the meaning of photo editing?

    The meaning of photo editing is the process of manipulating and enhancing a photo. Photo editing can involve basic tweaks like cropping, resizing, and applying artistic filters. It also includes advanced manipulations like retouching and removing unwanted elements and distractions.

    What are the 5 basics of photo editing?

    • Cropping
    • Resizing
    • Applying simple clipping paths
    • Changing colors
    • Adjusting exposure

    What is the purpose of a photo editor?

    A photo editor can save you time and stress because they have the skills necessary to accomplish tedious, time-consuming, or complicated editing tasks for you.

    Let us look after your image edits, so you can get back to the fun stuff. Try Path free.

    Simple pricing for stress-free, pixel-perfect photo edits tailored to your needs.



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  • Follow These Long Exposure Tutorials To Make Your Ordinary Images Look Extraordinary

    Follow These Long Exposure Tutorials To Make Your Ordinary Images Look Extraordinary


    Long exposure photography is a genre where you intentionally increase the exposure time to blur certain parts of the image but there is also night sky photography or other night photography where long exposure can be made to capture as much light as possible. When you capture long exposure images depending on the time of the day and amount of light, you may need to increase the exposure times and sometimes use an ND or Grad-ND filter to lengthen the exposure times.

    Photo by Lopez Robin

    Besides using ND filters, you will also need accessories like a stable tripod and a remote release to avoid camera shakes. Long exposure photography can be applied to many genre of photography besides the landscape photography where this technique is more commonly used. In this article, we have put together a bunch of tutorials for you to get an understanding of long exposure photography and improve your skills.

    Photo by Gerald Berliner

    When capturing long exposure images, a few factors need to be kept in mind. The light in the location and how it is illuminating the subject, the time of day and what the end results would be, stabilising the camera, using the right settings based on the light and other elements, etc. Besides, you will need to use required accessories to get the best results. Check out these four easy to follow tips that will help make your long exposure photos successful.

    Photo by Nathan61

    If you are looking for a few more quick tips on capturing long exposure images, the above article has a few tips on the factors and settings you need to consider for good long exposure shots. There is also a useful chart that will help you to calculate your applied settings for normal light situations into the language of long-exposure photography.

    Image by BenFrantzDale 

    Capturing long exposure during the day time can be quite tricky because the light can be bright in most situations and you will need to cut down light based on how long you need the exposure time to be. This is where ND filters come in handy and they come in various strengths. Check out the above article to learn how to use an ND filter for day time long exposure photography.

    Here are some more handy tutorials:

    Photo by Jason Row

    Architectural elements can be great subjects in a long exposure photograph. If shot under the right light conditions and other elements in the frame like clouds or light trails architectural structures can lead to very interesting photographs. The above article is a quick guide on long exposure architectural photography.

    Photo by H Matthew Howarth

    Just like how you capture long exposure photographs during the day time, you can capture stunning long exposures at night too. Remember that you will definitely need a tripod and a shutter release to capture sharp images without any blur due to camera shake.

    Photo via Pixabay

    Night time photography can be interesting if you add a dynamic element to the frame. If you can safely photograph the light trails from traffic or from other interesting subjects like a carousel or a Ferris wheel, these can add visual interest and a story telling factor to the image. Here are some quick tips in the article above.

    Long exposure photography is so fascinating that it does not stop with capturing just light trails, moving water or clouds, star trails and so on, but can also be extended to capture sun trails. Here is an article that shares the work of photographer Kristian Saks and the process of how he captures these images.

    Photo by Federico Alegría

    Now if you are a street photographer, you are surely missing out on some creative photography if you do not capture long exposure street photos. Yes, long exposure is a great way to add a dynamic element to street photos and will help you to capture intriguing photos. The above article will help you with some tips to capture long exposure street photos.

    Photo by Jason Row

    There are times when we capture long exposure images that we think are technically perfect but the results may be very disappointing. The most common mistakes are camera shakes, colour shifts, noise, diffraction, internal reflection, etc. The article above will help you understand why these mistakes can happen and how you can rectify them.

    Photo by Diego Vitali

    Some situations will help some photographers capture long exposure images by just handholding their camera if they have a somewhat steady hand. But when you become quite serious about this craft and look to capture perfect and sharp photos, you will need to invest in some very essential gear. Here is what you need to capture the best long exposure shots both during the day and at night.

    Further Reading





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  • Working through a Seismic Industry Shift – A Photo Editor


     Working Through a Seismic Industry Shift : Balancing visibility and vulnerability in a constantly changing landscape.

    Lately, I’ve been hearing from more and more photographers who feel stuck, like the ground beneath them is moving and the usual paths forward no longer apply. I’m sure you’ve noticed, our industry is changing. While big budget ad campaigns and large-ish editorial shoots still exist, theyve become more elusive: fewer in number, harder to secure, and more tightly budgeted. At the same time, the industrys public-facing rhythm hasnt changed much. Photographers continue to share behind-the-scenes social media posts, announce new commissions, and keep their websites fresh. This isnt dishonest; its a form of forward momentum. But it can also mask a deeper truth many are feeling. The structure itself is undergoing a seismic shift, slow in some ways, sudden in others.

    This disconnect is not a sign of delusion, but of survival. Many photographers are quietly anxious, burned out, or disillusioned, not because they lack talent or drive, but because the industry they built careers around no longer behaves predictably or sustainably. This disconnect can breed a particular kind of paralysis: the knowing that things are wrong, paired with the fear of stepping outside the illusion. Its easier, and often more professionally acceptable, to play along with the facade than to confront the reality head-on.

    It can be disorienting. On one hand, were encouraged to keep up appearances, to maintain visibility, to show were still working. On the other, many creatives quietly admit to uncertainty about where the next job will come from or how to adapt to the growing presence of AI and the shrinking demand for traditional production. This isnt failure. Its a rational response to change. Acknowledging the gap between how things look and how they feel is not a weakness. Its the beginning of recalibration.

    This recalibration doesnt have to mean abandoning the craft. In fact, continuing to share your work, especially the honest, messy, beautifully human parts, can be a quiet act of resistance. Whether you’re shooting a big budget campaign for an agency or brand, or working on a personal project, your images and stories still matter. They remind others that the work is not only possible but still worth pursuing, even as the industry continues to shift. By recognizing the change, staying visible, and adapting to an evolving process, photographers can help shape what comes next.

    Instagram 

    About Christopher Armstrong

    Chris began his career as a photographer in Los Angeles, eventually moving through the worlds of film, television, and advertising before returning to photography in a new role as an agent and producer. Along the way, he worked with legendary filmmakers like Robert Altman, top production companies in Los Angeles and London, and global agencies including Wunderman, Publicis, and Deutsch. With 30-plus years of international experience, he has a panoramic view of the creative industry, one that’s occasionally dysfunctional but always worth sharing. That breadth of perspective informs everything he does, from creative strategy to mentoring emerging talent.

    In 2012, Chris founded PhotoPolitic in Stockholm as a response to the shifting landscape of commercial photography and production. Now operating between Amsterdam and Los Angeles, the invite-only platform connects elite photographers, directors, and digital artists with leading advertising and editorial clients worldwide. Carefully curated and fiercely independent, PhotoPolitic represents talent recognized for both aesthetic excellence and real-world impact.

    Today, the PhotoPolitic network includes some of the most respected names in advertising, editorial, architecture, interiors, documentary, reportage, and fine art photography. At its core, PhotoPolitic exists to champion creative integrity in an industry that often compromises it, working only with professionals whose reputations are built on craft, ethics, and results.





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  • Inon Releases Compact Tripod, Quick Shoe Ballhead and Various Accessories

    Inon Releases Compact Tripod, Quick Shoe Ballhead and Various Accessories


    Back in 2018, Inon announced a tripod system designed to provide a stable platform for underwater photo and video work. However, that modular system offered a highly flexible solution that may seem overly complex for casual shooters. Now, Inon has introduced a simpler, more compact, and more affordable option—the Compact Tripod (UWTP-C1)—which pairs with the new Quick Shoe Ballhead (UWTP-QB1).

    Alongside, the Japanese company has released various accessories that could be used with the tripod: the GP 1/4-20UNC Adapter ll (for GoPro), the Ball 1/4-20UNC Adapter, and the Direct Base YS ll.

    All the new offerings are available now. Consult your Inon dealer for pricing.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRESS RELEASE

    INON INC. is pleased to announce the release of the Compact Tripod UWTP-C1, a compact, lightweight, and affordable tripod and the Quick Shoe Ballhead UWTP-QB1, rigid and reliable ball head, on August 5, 2025.

    Compact Tripod UWTP-C1

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121104

    Quick Shoe Ballhead UWTP-QB1

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121128


    The company is also releasing a range of optional parts for various applications.

    GP 1/4-20UNC Adapter ll

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121142

    Ball 1/4-20UNC Adapter

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121159

    Direct Base YS ll

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121166


    *The original version of the Direct Base YS is not compatible with the Compact Tripod UWTP-C1 and the Quick Shoe Ballhead UWTP-QB1.





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  • 25 Examples Of Long Exposure Water Features You Can Photograph This Season

    25 Examples Of Long Exposure Water Features You Can Photograph This Season


    Depending on where you live, you may be experiencing the Summer or monsoons in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere maybe experiencing Winter weathers slowly transitioning into Spring. This is a time when people spend most of their time outdoors and photographers have a number of opportunities to photograph water features in nature, especially in the Northern Hemisphere.

    Photo by Adrian Mag

    Water features look magical when captured using long exposure techniques during certain times of the day under the right light conditions. In this article we have put together a collection of 25 long exposure photos of water features in nature, that may inspire you to go out and capture some yourself.

    Natural water features are found all around us if we move slightly from the most urbanised areas. Streams, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, beaches, oceans, are all great subjects to photograph using the long exposure technique. This technique renders a great mood, atmosphere and some dynamism to an otherwise static image.

    Long exposure photography can surprise you with stunning results and if you are looking for a creative surprise in your photography, we recommend you to check out this eBook “The Complete Guide To Long Exposure Photography” by Photzy.

    Photo by Landon Arnold
    Photo by Intricate Explorer
    Photo by James Feaver 
    Photo by Thomas Le
    Photo by David Becker 
    Photo by Riccardo Cervia
    Photo by Fulvio Cassani
    Photo by Bruno do Val

    Long exposure is not difficult if you get the basics right and an understanding of light and the gear required. You do not need to spend weeks or months practicing the long exposure craft in photography, but just refer to this eBook “The Complete Guide To Long Exposure Photography” by Photzy. This guide comes with 119 easy to follow pages that provide precise training for long exposure photography. It also comes with detailed descriptions and visual references to ensure you get a complete understanding of the craft.

    Photo by Richard R 
    Photo by Hans Isaacson
    Photo by Jms
    Photo by Anthony Cantin 
    Photo by William Warby
    Photo by Samuele Bertoli
    Photo by Tapio Haaja
    Photo by Soumya Banerjee

    When capturing long exposure images, you also need to make sure that you capture sharp photos under the right conditions using the right gear and setup. Whether you are a beginner or an amateur looking to brush up your knowledge or someone looking to learn more about capturing creative long exposure shots, we recommend you to check out this eBook “The Complete Guide To Long Exposure Photography” by Photzy.

    Photo by Fabien BELLANGER
    Photo by Armin Burger 
    Photo by Nick Fisher
    Photo by Adam Jaime
    Photo by Yousef Espanioly
    Photo by Luca Calderone
    Photo by  Jasper Gribble 
    Photo by Alen Rojnić

    Further Reading





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  • Stef King – A Photo Editor


    The Art of the Personal Project is a crucial element to let potential buyers see how you think creatively on your own.  I am drawn to personal projects that have an interesting vision or that show something I have never seen before.  In this thread, I’ll include a link to each personal project with the artist statement so you can see more of the project. Please note: This thread is not affiliated with any company; I’m just featuring projects that I find.  Please DO NOT send me your work.  I do not take submissions.

     

    Today’s featured artist:  Stef King

    Reflection of Beauty is a project I started about 15 years ago. It began as a series called Five Minutes With, which was essentially five minutes with a model in front of the camera. They came to the studio wearing whatever they wanted, with no professional makeup. It was a chance for them to be photographed as they were — to express their own perception of how they wanted to be seen, rather than how a stylist, makeup artist, lighting team, or Photoshop might shape their image.

    It was a raw, honest portrait session centered around one question: “What does beauty mean to you?”

    At first, the answers were simple — “To me, beauty is a great red lipstick.”, for example. But over the years, those answers have evolved into much more complex reflections, mirroring the growing complexity of that very question:

    What does beauty mean to you? What does beauty mean to all of us?

    My portrait of Katie (pictured at top) was taken after she underwent brain surgery to replace part of her skull. She explores how that experience has shaped her feelings about herself, her perception of beauty, and how others perceive her.

    Onella Muralidharan is a model and fashion influencer in Melbourne, Australia. – “The patterns of my Vitiligo are a reflection of how connected I am to the natural world and the inspiration for my definition of beauty.”

    Amy Evans (pictured above in wheelchair) is passionate about fashion, beauty, and horse racing. For her, there has always been a conversation around disability identity: whether one sees themselves as a person with a disability (person-first language) or a disabled person (identity-first language). However, she says, “For me, identity encompasses more than just what people see. My identity is my passion. My identity is Amy!”

    Leaning on my greatest strength as a photographer shooting for fitness and beauty portraiture and my internal need to connect with other women on what our perspective of beauty is.

    Reflection of Beauty has become something far greater. It’s an exploration of life — how we see ourselves, and how the world sees us.

    To see more of this project, click here

    Instagram

    Suzanne Sease is a creative consultant and former ad-agency senior art buyer. She works with both emerging and established photographers and illustrators to create cohesive, persuasive presentations that clients can’t resist.

    Suzanne offers something rare: an insider’s perspective on how client’s source creative talent. Her deep understanding of the industry is underscored by her impressive resume: 11 years as senior art buyer at The Martin Agency, seven years as an art producer for Capital One, and stints with the art-buying department at Kaplan-Thaler and the creative department at Best Buy, where she applied her expertise to reviewing bids to see which were most likely to come in on budget. Over the years, Suzanne has worked with a wildly diverse range of clients, including Seiko, Wrangler, Bank One, AFLAC, and Clairol Herbal Essence. Now, as a consultant, she is equipped to problem-solve for her clients from an unusually dynamic point of view.

    As a longtime member of the photo community, Suzanne is also dedicated to giving back. Through her Art of the Personal Project column on the popular website aphotoeditor.com, she highlights notable personal projects by well-known and up-and-coming photographers. The column offers these artists excellent exposure while reflecting Suzanne’s passion for powerful imagery.

    Instagram





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  • Inon Announces ZD Front Mask for Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro

    Inon Announces ZD Front Mask for Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro


    If you want to use your action camera with Inon’s latest wet lenses—the UFL-GR140 ZD/UFL-GR140 Pro ZD and UFL-G140 ZD semi-fisheye lenses, and the UCL-G55 ZD, UCL-G100 ZD and UCL-G165II ZD close-up lenses—you’ll need their latest ZD Front Mask, which attaches to your action cam’s waterproof case.

    There’s already an ZD Front Mask for GoPro HERO9–13. Now, Inon has introduced ZD Front Masks for the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. If you prefer a pistol grip, Inon will soon be releasing the 4D Light Grip, which can be used with the ZD Front Masks for GoPro, Insta360, and DJI action cameras.

    The new ZD Front Masks are available now, while the 4D Light Grip is arriving in September. Consult your Inon dealer for pricing.

     



    When purchasing underwater photography equipment like the products mentioned in this article, please support DPG by supporting our retail partner—Backscatter.com.



    PRESS RELEASE

    INON INC. releases two new ZD Front Mask on August 5, 2025: the ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2, designed to fit the official Dive Case for Insta360 Ace Pro 2, and the ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro, made specifically for the official Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case.

    Attaching the INON ZD Front Mask allows the use of the underwater semi-fisheye conversion lens UFL-GR140 ZD (*1) which can deliver wide and quality view with its  large-aperture optics across more wide-angle FOV settings on Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro, as well as the compact UFL-G140 ZD.*

    Also, the wide variety of INON close-up lenses (UCL-G165ll ZD, UCL-G100 ZD, UCL-G55 ZD) (*2) now allows Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro users to enjoy macro imaging that wouldn’t be possible with the camera alone.

    INON also releases the 4D Light Grip in late September, which can be mounted onto the housings of various action cameras. This highly versatile grip allows users to attach both an action camera and a light at the same time.

    (*1) Lens hoods included with UFL-GR140 ZD shipped before Augst 5, 2025 may be visible in footage. Please use the updated “Lens Hood II (for UFL-GR140)” which is available for separate purchase.

    (*2) UCL-G100 and UCL-G55 shipped on or after August 5, 2025 will come with newly designed Focus Stick that helps prevent interference when used with Ace Pro 2 and Osmo Action 5 Pro. For existing UCL-G100/UCL-G55 users, updated Focus Stick II is available for purchase to replace the original Focus Stick.

    ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121203

    ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro

    Released date: August 5, 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121210

     













    Model ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2 ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro
    Compatible housing Insta360 Ace Pro Dive Case DJI Osmo Action 60m Waterproof Case
    Mount INON ZD Mount
    Compatible lenses UFL-GR140 ZD/UFL-GR140 Pro ZD

    UFL-G140 ZD

    UCL-G55 ZD

    UCL-G100 ZD

    UCL-G165II ZD
    Size

    (excl. handle)
    82.0 mm/3.2 inch (W) ×

    98.0 mm/3.9 inch (H) ×

    41.0mm/1.6 inch (D)
    82.0 mm/3.2 inch (W) ×

    98.0 mm/3.9 inch (H) ×

    34.0mm/1.3 inch (D)
    Weight

    (incl. handle)
    Air: approx. 60g/2.1oz, underwater approx. 25g/0.9oz
    Material PC, POM, etc.
    Accessory Male Adapter (GP)
    Compatibility* Please see attached PDF  
    Remarks Third party housings are not supported Third party housings are not supported

    Compatibility with Osmo Action 3/4 has not been confirmed*

    *The compatibility information is for reference only as the lens hood or Focus Stick may interfere when the camera moves violently.

    ZD Front Mask for Ace Pro 2 Grip Set

    To be released: September 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121234

    ZD Front Mask for Osmo Action 5 Pro Grip Set

    To be released: September 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121241

    4D Light Grip

    To be released: September 2025

    JAN/EAN: 4570018121258





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  • DJI Releases Its First 360 Degree Camera – The Osmo 360

    DJI Releases Its First 360 Degree Camera – The Osmo 360


    We know of a few 360 degree cameras in the market with Insta360 being the best overall and then the GoPro Max and Ricoh Theta X also in line. DJI which did not have a 360 camera so far, has filled the gap with its recent release of the Osmo 360 that is capable of capturing 8K videos at 50fps.

    Image via DJI

    The Osmo 360 camera comes with a square 1 inch HDR image sensor, that provides great image quality while consuming low power and also helping with the ultra compact and lightweight design. This is the first of DJI’s cameras that offers 360 videos at up to 8K, 50fps and comes with a good dynamic range to help capture high contrast scenes, for example during sunrise and sunsets.

    One of the most interesting features is that the user can switch between front and rear cameras without the need to stop recording. The camera is very compact and weighs only 183g and comes with 105GB storage.

    The camera can record in extreme temperatures as low as -20 degree Celsius and can also be used underwater up till a depth of 10 meters without a protective case.

    Here are some of the most important features of the Osmo 360:

    • Square sensor design with dual 1 inch 360° image fields
    • Large f/1.9 aperture for maximum light intake in even low light situations
    •  SuperNight mode to capture all details in night scenes
    • 105GB of built-in storage
    • High-frame-rate with 4K 100fps 360° video
    • Up to 4x slow motion
    • Ultra-clear 360° photos up to 120 megapixels
    • Video format supports 10-bit color depth
    • D-Log M mode to capture all details and for flexibility when postprocessing
    • Continuous 8K/30fps recording for up to 100 minutes and 190 minutes of continuous recording when capturing 6K 360° video
    • Pair the camera with invisible selfie stick to make it vanish from the 360° videos without the need for editing, also third person views will make it look like the footage was captured by a cameraman
    • Switch between front and rear camera without the need to stop recording
    • Magnetic quick release design to pair with accessories

    If you are interested, here is a first impression and a hands-on comparison of the Osmo 360 with a leading 360 degree camera.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEDncuegfmQ

    The camera is out of stock on DJI’s website, but is available to pre-order from resellers. It is priced at $549.99. More details about this product can be found here. We have more news for you to read if you are interested at this link here.





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  • The Life of a Tuts+ Editor: Meet Sharon Milne

    The Life of a Tuts+ Editor: Meet Sharon Milne


    Ever wondered what it’s like to work remotely as a Tuts+ Editor? The latest Envato Stories is all about the life of Sharon Milne, Design & Illustration Editor for Tuts+. She lives in Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom and has been obsessed with vector for over 14 years. Sharon works from her home most of the time, but recently visited the Envato headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCWNXkfyxBA


    As the Tuts+ Design & Illustration Editor, Sharon works with a team of instructors from all around the world, and still has time to make art (including this portrait of fellow Envato-er Jordan McNamara) and pass on her considerable vector skills with stunning illustration courses. She also changes her hair colour more than anyone else at Envato!

    More Envato Stories

    Meet Jordy Vandeput who teaches video production, Tuts+ Editorial Manager David Appleyard, or see all previous Envato Stories episodes. There are more to come, so stay tuned!



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  • Estimate Review Of An Employee Lifestyle Library For Global Beauty Brand – A Photo Editor


    By Andrew Souders, Wonderful Machine

    In addition to helping photographers build price quotes from scratch, Wonderful Machine offers an Estimate Review service on existing quotes that photographers have created themselves. It’s often helpful to have an extra set of eyes and credible insight to polish up your price quote before sending it off to a client.

    Just as with our other Pricing & Negotiating case studies, we redact the names of the photographer and client, which allows us to share valuable and educational information that would otherwise be confidential.

    Concept: Two-day employee portraiture and lifestyle library shoot for social, internal, and recruitment materials
    Licensing: Perpetual worldwide Web Advertising, Publicity, and Collateral use of up to 100 images
    Photographer: West Coast-based lifestyle and portrait photographer
    Client: International beauty and personal care brand

    A West Coast-based photographer was recently approached by a global beauty brand to capture candid and environmental portraits and lifestyle images of employees over two shoot days. The 100 final images would be used across a broad range of platforms — including career websites, social media, digital ads, internal presentations, publicity, and print collateral like career fair flyers.

    While the scope of the project resembled other projects this photographer had worked on in the past with other clients, this project was for a more high-profile client with greater licensing needs and a bigger budget. The photographer asked us to help refine their estimate and determine appropriate creative and licensing fees commensurate with the project’s scale and client expectations.

    Scope & Usage

    The project called for two shoot days. The first would take place at a local retail location before business hours as a shortened half-day, while the second was planned as a full day at the brand’s nearby corporate offices. The client would handle casting, scheduling, styling, and shot list development.

    While the requested usage rights were broad, they were primarily planned for web collateral, internal communications, and printed materials for recruitment efforts such as career fair flyers, with the exception of some digital advertising, which we expected to remain relatively limited and would not include any POS, OOH, or Broadcast use. Given the compressed timeline for shoot days and the volume of final deliverables, there was a clear need to structure the shoot efficiently. At the same time, it was important to balance the project’s production needs with an appropriate creative and licensing fee that reflected both the scope and intended use.

    To help add context to what we reviewed and advised on, I’ll include the photographer’s original estimate format and agreement language below:

    Photographer’s Draft Estimate

    The expense total came to $12,040 and was modeled after past projects for similar clients with similar deliverables, but those projects had more limited usage and smaller client budgets. Recognizing that the licensing in this case was broader and likely held more long-term library value for the client, the photographer also consulted with me for guidance on how to properly structure the creative and licensing fee portion of the estimate alongside the rest of the production costs.

    After reviewing the intended usage and factoring in the compressed timeline for capturing such a high volume of deliverables, we recommended introducing a creative and licensing fee in the range of $20,000 to $30,000. This range felt like a fair balance that accounted for the breadth and duration of usage for a library of images, while still reflecting the relatively straightforward nature of the shoot from a creative standpoint.

    Revisions and Recommendations

    After a detailed review of the scope of the project and the licensing terms, I worked with the photographer to revise the estimate. We incorporated a $22,000 creative and licensing fee that reflected the value of the deliverables and requested usage. We also recommended increasing the retouching budget to $5,000 to account for additional retouching and polishing work that might be required for final selects, such as potential logo removal from employee outfits. The fee for preparing a gallery for client review was adjusted to $1,000 to better represent the time and labor involved for this number of images. We also added scouting fees for both shoot locations – $750 for the photographer and $650 for their assistant.

    The rest of the production expenses, including crew and equipment rentals, remained consistent with the photographer’s original approach, although we reorganized how it was presented to provide more clarity. While we discussed the possibility of bringing on a second assistant to help maintain an efficient pace on set, the photographer chose to keep the crew lean to remain flexible in potentially tight environments.

    We see this a lot, where a photographer has experience working on smaller projects for smaller clients. When a big client comes along with a big project, they’re often not sure what to charge. Once we took the expanded licensing and long-term library use into account, there was a clear opportunity to revise the fee structure to better match the value being delivered. These revisions brought the total estimate to $38,440.

    Below is a revised version of the estimate that reflects my recommendations.

    Treatment

    We also encouraged the photographer to submit a treatment to accompany their estimate. Though not specifically requested by the client, it helped communicate the photographer’s interest, approach, aesthetic, and overall sophistication. The document featured example images, described lighting and post processing, and showed that the photographer understood the brand.

    Outcome

    The photographer submitted the estimate and treatment, and shortly afterward, was awarded the project. Reflecting on the process, the photographer shared that our collaboration helped them feel more confident in how they framed the value of their work, especially for high-profile clients

    While the core production approach remained largely unchanged, the creative/licensing fee, retouching budget, and presentation were strategically refined to better reflect the project’s scope and value.

    This project is a strong example of how a modest investment in estimate refinement can help land a significantly higher fee for the photographer and set a new benchmark for pricing future projects.

    Follow our Consultants @wonderful_at_work.





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