edited pic vs. SOOC

My goal for the last several months has been to take pictures that require very little editing. Editing can be SO SO SO super time consuming, and with 2 kids, I just can't spend as much time doing it anymore.

This SOOC picture (ie: as shot, no photoshop) was decent, although a bit overexposed and a bit flat. I do wish I could see his hands.

Left - SOOC, Right - Edited


To edit this picture I lowered the exposure, increased the contrast (it was a pretty flat image), and cropped in a bit. I'd still like to improve so that even less editing is required!

Shown bigger:


A couple more with some thoughts.

I tried out a warmer, softer edit here. I focused on his left eye and it bothers me; I generally lock in focus on the closer eye. I don't think I like the warmer color temp.



In these 2, I dislike that his hands disappeared in the blanket!



I wish I had more eye contact and I wish I could see more of his right hand! I may experiment with putting a hard surface on top of the mattress next time.



I've worked a lot at improving my SOOC pictures. Shooting in manual was a huge step. Next I need to get better at nailing exposure and consistently using a custom white balance.