Photo editing exchange – What happens when two pros process each other images?

Recently I did a neat little photo editing exchange with another photographer. In this article and the accompanying video, you’ll see how we each chose to edit the other’s images.

You’ll learn how we each approached the images and how we decided what to do with them. Sometimes we had the same thought process, and on other images, we went totally different directions. I think you’ll find it interesting.

Photo editing exchange – the images

Here are the original unedited images, as they appear straight out of the camera. We sent each other several different images, these are the ones we chose to edit.

Watch the photo editing exchange video

Before you scroll down and cheat by looking at the after or finished images, watch the video below. Larry and I got together on Zoom to discuss the following:

• Why we chose the images
• How we decided what to do with each image
• How to know when to stop
• How to know when something isn’t working and to regroup and try again
• Experimentation and happy accidents
• Creating a painterly look

Watch it now!

Software used

Larry and I use many of the same photo editing tools and software. We both use Lightroom as a base as well as Photoshop, Luminar AI, and Topaz plugins.

Learn more about those here:

• Topaz Sharpen AI: Topaz Sharpen AI Software Review
• Topaz DeNoise AI: How to do Noise Reduction – Software Comparison and Recommendations
• Luminar AI tutorials
• Learn Lightroom
• Photoshop tips and tutorials

If you want even more learning we have full (2-6 hours) virtual classes on Lightroom and Photoshop as well. CLICK HERE for more information on those.

The finished images

Hopefully, you’ve already watched the video by now. If so, here’s a look at the finished images, side by side.

Your thoughts?

So what do you think? Of the four image pairs above, tell me in the comment section below which of each you prefer for:

• The ballerina
• The sheep
• The church ruins
• Venice canal

Do you prefer my edit, or Larry’s? I want to hear from you!

Think you can do better with my images? If so, download them here (it’s a zip file of the images at 2400px, not full size) and give them a go.

BUT you have to agree to post your finished results in the comment area below. Promise?

Have fun!

Cheers,