From Raw to Refined: The Magic of Photo Editing
This is not a sponsored post, and Stumptown doesn't know I'm doing this. But if you're interested in their coffee, click here.
Ever wonder what goes into transforming a raw photo into a polished masterpiece? Whether it’s capturing the perfect latte art or a mouthwatering cocktail, the process doesn’t end when you click the shutter. In this blog series, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my editing process—from the untouched “before” shots to the vibrant “afters.” I’ll share insights into color correction, lighting adjustments, and the subtle touches that bring a photo to life, all tailored to highlight the details that matter most to coffee lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and food bloggers. Get ready to see the difference a little editing can make, and hopefully, pick up a few tips to elevate your own photos along the way!
“Photo editing is a language of its own- speaking in shadows, light, and colors. ”
To achieve a comprehensive and polished look for this coffee photo, I focused on several key techniques, from lighting and composition to detailed editing steps that would bring out the best features of the image. In this unedited shot, my setup consisted of two LED lights positioned to emphasize the coffee grounds and the packaging, with the goal of making Stumptown’s Holler Mountain blend the star of the scene. By carefully placing the lights, I aimed to create soft, natural-looking illumination that highlights the rich texture of the coffee grounds in the bowl. This lighting also brings out the distinctive soft blue and orange branding on the bag, which adds a sense of warmth and vibrancy to the image. I wanted to showcase the color contrasts between the dark coffee grounds and the bag’s lighter, earthy tones, reinforcing the feeling of a premium coffee product.
Another element I incorporated into the composition was the scale in the background. The scale, though subtle, adds context to the scene, hinting at the precision and care involved in the pour-over brewing process. The reflection on the scale provides an additional layer of depth, without drawing attention away from the main subjects. This small detail reinforces the idea of a deliberate brewing ritual, making the image more relatable to coffee enthusiasts who understand the importance of accurately weighing their grounds.
An unedited photo of Stumptown Holler Mountain Coffee in a jar with a scale.
As I reviewed the unedited image, I noticed that the background was slightly overexposed, pulling attention away from the coffee and disrupting the balance I was aiming for. To address this, my plan includes adjusting the brightness and refining the contrast in the background, which will create a more cohesive composition. By managing the exposure, I can achieve a balanced image where the rich, dark tones of the coffee grounds and the soft, welcoming colors of the packaging take center stage. This approach not only enhances the subject but also maintains a clean, professional aesthetic that aligns with the high quality of the coffee brand being represented.
My editing process typically begins with a preliminary edit to get an overall sense of the photo's look and feel. This initial pass helps me identify specific adjustments that may be needed, such as fine-tuning the exposure, enhancing the contrast, or adjusting the color balance. By starting with a basic edit, I get a clearer understanding of the photo’s strengths and potential areas for improvement, which allows me to envision the final result more effectively. This foundational edit sets the stage for more targeted adjustments that bring out the details and help create the desired mood for the image. Ultimately, my goal is to craft a polished image that highlights the subject in a way that draws viewers in and emphasizes the quality and appeal of the coffee product.
A basic edit of a photo of Stumptown Holler Mountain Coffee in a jar with a scale.
Once the basic edit is complete, I move on to refining the composition by removing or adjusting elements that may feel distracting or unnecessary. For instance, in this photo, I noticed a kettle peeking through in the top left corner, which slightly disrupted the flow of the composition. Removing the kettle allowed me to keep the focus on the coffee grounds and the packaging, which are the intended focal points of the image. Additionally, I took the time to clean up small specks caused by dust on the inside of the lens, which appeared to the right of the coffee bag. By eliminating these minor distractions, I was able to achieve a cleaner, more polished look that feels professional and intentional. To further enhance the composition, I extended the tabletop slightly in both bottom corners, giving the frame a more balanced and cohesive appearance. These adjustments helped me create a more deliberate, distraction-free image that keeps the viewer’s attention focused on the coffee itself.
Adding/subtracting items from a photo of Stumptown Holler Mountain Coffee in a jar with a scale.
Edit of a photo of Stumptown Holler Mountain Coffee in a jar with a scale.
The next step in my editing process was to reinforce the main subjects—the coffee bag and the ground coffee—by ensuring they are the clear focal points of the image. To achieve this, I created a mask, which allowed me to isolate and make changes to specific areas of the photo without affecting the rest of the composition. With this mask in place, I could selectively adjust the exposure, contrast, and color balance of the coffee bag and grounds. This technique enabled me to bring out the details in the coffee and packaging, highlighting their texture and richness. By enhancing the main elements with a mask, I also created a subtle separation between the subject and the background, allowing the coffee to stand out more prominently. This method of selective editing helps create a strong visual hierarchy, ensuring that the coffee bag and grounds remain unmistakable focal points.
After working on the primary subjects, the final step in my editing process was to refine the background. I used a similar masking technique for the background, allowing me to adjust its exposure, contrast, and saturation levels without impacting the coffee bag and grounds. This gave me the control I needed to subtly soften the background and reduce any lingering highlights or overexposed areas, which created a more balanced and cohesive look overall. By adjusting the tones in the background to complement the rich, warm colors of the coffee, I was able to add depth to the image, making the subject stand out even more. This careful background editing contributes to the overall professionalism of the image by keeping it clean and enhancing the sense of depth and dimension. By drawing the viewer’s eye directly to the coffee, the background becomes a supportive element, adding atmosphere without competing for attention.
Edit of a photo of Stumptown Holler Mountain Coffee in a jar with a scale.
Throughout the entire editing process, my goal was to highlight the inviting, warm feel of the coffee blend while maintaining a clean and polished look. Each step, from the basic exposure adjustments to the masking of specific elements, played a role in creating an image that is both visually engaging and aligned with the essence of the Stumptown brand. The combination of soft, intentional lighting, careful composition, and meticulous editing allows the coffee bag and grounds to communicate the quality and appeal of the product, inviting viewers to imagine the rich flavors and aroma of the brew.
In addition to these technical edits, I also considered the overall mood and storytelling aspect of the photo. I wanted to evoke the sense of a cozy, thoughtful coffee ritual, one where each detail matters. By emphasizing the coffee grounds and packaging with warm lighting and soft shadows, I aimed to convey a sense of craftsmanship and quality. The subtle elements in the background, such as the scale, add to this narrative by hinting at the process involved in creating the perfect cup of coffee. This attention to detail helps create a more immersive experience for the viewer, as they can almost imagine themselves in the setting, preparing to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Holler Mountain coffee.
Through this careful editing process, I was able to transform the initial raw photo into a polished final image that effectively communicates the appeal of the product. Each adjustment, from the preliminary edit to the final background refinements, contributed to an image that is both aesthetically pleasing and true to the essence of the coffee brand. This approach to editing goes beyond simple adjustments; it involves crafting a visual story that resonates with viewers and enhances their connection to the product. By controlling every aspect of the image, from the lighting to the composition, I created a photograph that not only captures the viewer’s attention but also conveys the rich flavors, quality, and warmth of the coffee.
To further enhance the storytelling aspect of the image, I wanted to evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, inviting the viewer into the scene. My choice to emphasize the coffee grounds and packaging with soft, ambient lighting was intentional, as it not only highlights the textures and rich tones but also creates an intimate atmosphere that coffee enthusiasts can connect with. The overall color palette—muted blues, earthy browns, and subtle hints of orange—was carefully considered to complement the brand’s aesthetic while reinforcing the feeling of comfort and quality associated with a freshly brewed cup of coffee. By blending technical precision with artistic vision, I transformed a simple setup into a visual experience that conveys the depth and richness of the product, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer and effectively showcasing the inviting essence of Stumptown’s Holler Mountain blend.
