What Happens After Your Shoot: The Editing Process Explained

So, you’ve had your session. You wrangled the kids, nailed the outfits, and even managed to sneak in some golden hour magic. Now what? While the shooting part may be over, the real magic happens behind the scenes, and I thought it might be fun to give you a little peek into what happens after you leave.

Because it’s not just click, click, send. It’s a whole journey. Here’s what goes down once the cameras are packed away:

1. The Big Cull 

First things first, I go through every single image from our session. We’re talking hundreds of photos. I’m looking for the gems: the fleeting smiles, the connection, the wind-blown hair that somehow looks effortless. Blinks, sneezes, awkward mid-blinks? Gone. I narrow it down to the best of the best—no duplicates, no filler.

2. Colour, Light & Mood

Once I’ve chosen the keepers, it’s time to bring them to life. I don’t do heavy retouching—because I believe in capturing you just as you are—but I do edit each image by hand to make sure the tones, light, and overall mood are spot on. Think soft warmth, true-to-life colours, and a little sprinkle of magic to give it that signature Ash Gale feel.

3. Polishing the Details

Have a surprise pimple? Toddler with marker on their ear? I’ve got you. While I don’t do dramatic airbrushing (this isn’t a magazine spread), I do take the time to clean up distractions: minor marks, flyaways, or things that don’t belong so the focus stays on the connection and emotion.

4. Curating Your Gallery

This is one of my favourite parts: putting together your final collection. I want your gallery to flow, to feel like a story. You’ll receive a mix of portraits, candid moments, close-ups, wide shots, and all the lovely in-betweens.

5. Delivery Day

Once your gallery is ready, you’ll get a link to a beautiful online space where you can download your images in high resolution (perfect for printing) and web size (ideal for sharing). You can also favourite images, order prints, or just spend hours scrolling through them with a happy tear or two.

So how long does it take? 

I know the excitement is real (and yes, stalking your inbox is totally normal). You can expect your final gallery to land in your inbox within 10 days. I take the time to give each photo the love it deserves, but I also get that you’re hanging out to see those sweet moments so I don’t keep you waiting long!

Ready to create some beautiful memories?

Let’s book your shoot — I’ll bring the calm, you bring the chaos!

6. Perth lifestyle photographer offering candid, natural light photography for families, couples, individuals, and small business owners. Specialising in beach photoshoots at iconic Perth locations like Cottesloe Beach, Trigg Beach, and Scarborough, as well as nature-filled outdoor sessions at Bells Rapids, Guildford Meadows, Hyde Park, and the Swan River foreshore. Experienced in maternity photography, family portraits, engagement sessions, branding and content creation for creatives, and relaxed in-home photography sessions across Perth and surrounding suburbs. Capturing real moments, golden hour magic, and warm, authentic storytelling through modern, light-filled imagery. Photography services available across Perth hills, northern suburbs, and coastal locations, with flexible session options including outdoor shoots, home sessions, and access to a personal photography studio coming soon. Whether you’re looking for timeless family memories, intimate couple portraits, or professional branding imagery, I create a calm, comfortable environment that allows your personality and story to shine.