Why I Don’t Photoshop Bodies in Brand Photos (And What I Do Instead)
I won't alter your body in Photoshop. Here's Why.
Every so often at the Liverpool networking events I attend, when people find out I am a brand photographer, they'll say something along the lines of, "Oh, you'd have to Photoshop me."
I understand this reaction on the surface. It's heartbreaking that our patriarchal society has demanded over the years that only certain body types are fit for the screens and magazines.
After a few of these conversations, I realized it was time to share my viewpoint, so here is why I don’t Photoshop bodies in brand photos and what I offer instead.
It Perpetuates Patriarchal Expectations of Women
When a body is reshaped in Photoshop, the underlying message reinforces the notion that only certain shapes deserve the spotlight, and unless you fit into those, you are not welcome to show up as you are.
That fully goes against my values and beliefs that everyone has a right to show up however they like.
Your brand is built on you, and all of you gets to be seen.
Photoshopping your Brand Photos is an Inaccurate Portrayal of You
One of the benefits of great brand photography is that it allows people in your audience and community to feel they know you before you ever meet in real life.
When a potential client sees your images and then meets you on a call or at an event, the experience should feel like a continuation.
Altered images create a gap between the person they expected and the person in front of them, and that gap can chip away at the trust you’ve worked hard to build.
It Quietly Affects People in Your Community
Anyone scrolling your feed might be feeling self-conscious about their own body.
(or your daughter, neighbor, cousin, or niece)
When they see an unaltered body presented with confidence in a professional setting, it affirms that bodies like theirs are worth showing.
Your visibility can give that to people you’ll never meet, how insanely magical is that??
It's Outside my Skill Set
Convincing body retouching that looks human takes real expertise, and I don't have it!
Learning to do it well would mean hours of practice and experimentation (without the guarantee that I could do it for you and have it still look like you), and I would need to charge for that time.
If it's something that's important to you, then I would highly recommend handing your files over to a specialist retoucher who can alter them in a way that you are happy with.
What I Do Instead: Let’s Talk About It on the Day
The most flattering adjustments happen on the shoot day, and they start with communication.
I need to know what you feel great about and what you’d like to soften or downplay, so I can shape the posing, angles, and light while we’re shooting, adjusting as we go so you walk away knowing we nailed it!
Tell me at the start of your session, or any time during it, and the more positively you can frame it, the better.
Something like “I love my shoulders, and I’d like to feel more confident about my arms” gives me so much to work with, because I can turn you, shift your weight, change how your hands sit, or adjust the camera height to bring out what you love.
That’s exactly why I love using the mirror in a studio. You can see what a small change does in real time and tell me what feels right, and I’ll keep adjusting with you until you’re happy.
Even the tiniest tweaks make a difference when we make them together in the moment. Bringing your chin up slightly, relaxing your shoulders, or looking straight down the lens instead of just past it can completely change how you look in the photo.
So come to your session ready to speak up so you leave with a gallery of images that look and feel like you and that you’re proud to share!
Your Questions About Photoshop and Brand Photos:
Will you edit my body in my brand photos?
No, I don’t reshape or slim bodies in my edits. I believe everyone has the right to show up exactly as they are, and body retouching is also really challenging to do well while keeping it looking human. What I do instead is work with you on the shoot day, adjusting your posing, angles, and light so you feel great in front of the camera.
What do you retouch, if anything?
My edits focus on making your images look polished and true to life, with colour correction, lighting balance, and a clean, consistent finish across your gallery. Anything that's part of you stays, because it’s a piece of who you are. However, if you wake up with a bruise or spots, I'm happy to brush those temporary, pesky things out for you!
What if I feel self-conscious in front of the camera?
That’s so common, and after photographing hundreds of women I can say you’re in very good company. Most of my clients arrive feeling a little nervous, and I guide you through every pose so you’re never left wondering what to do with your hands or where to look. Whenever I can, I'm using a mirror behind me so you can see exactly what a small adjustment does and tell me what feels right.
How can I prepare for my brand photoshoot?
A little preparation goes a long way toward feeling relaxed on the day. My blog post on how to prepare for a personal brand photoshoot walks you through everything from planning your shot list and outfits to hair and makeup, so you arrive feeling organised and ready to enjoy yourself.
Alongside that guide, the best place to start is posing, because it makes a massive difference to how you feel in front of the camera. My free posing video shows you how to stand, sit, and move, so you already have a few go-to poses in your body before we begin.
When should I tell you what I’d like to feel more confident about?
Depending on the package you book, it's either at the start of the session or in the questionnaire, but even if you've submitted it ahead of time, it's always a great idea to go over it again at the start of your session, and you’re welcome to remind me again at any point. The more positively you can frame it, the better; for example, “I love my legs and my laugh, and I’d like to feel more relaxed about how I look when I’m seated.” That gives me plenty to work with, and I can shape the posing around what you love.
Can I ask for changes during the shoot?
Yes, please do. Speaking up on the day is the best way to get a gallery you love, because we can make adjustments together in the moment so you walk away feeling confident about what we've captured together, and excited to see your proof gallery!
Ready to Show Up and Stand Out?
I’d love to work with you on a session that leaves you feeling completely at ease in front of the camera.
Get in touch to start planning your brand shoot, and bring along everything you’d like me to know.
