You’d think I’d be busy enough for two people. In a way, I am. That’s probably why I need some reminiscing, some new stimulation, some breaks from the monotony of being locked inside my apartment.
The person who has taken many of my pictures spends probably more time on the post-editing than the actual photoshoots. It’s always been a mystery to me. What starts out as an unimpressive picture, ends up looking fabulous when it’s done.
Now I got my hands on Adobe Lightroom Classic to as part of attending classes on a virtual basis. Of course, I didn’t use the various Adobe packages for their intended purposes. I wanted to figure out how to express more emotions through the pictures I have.


I have no idea when I will get back to doing photo shoots with someone who has the right equipment, can do the post-editing, and make me look, well, better than I really look. It’s not about my looks though I appreciate a good photo.
I’ve only dipped my toes into the gazillion features and may well have to give up my license before I have gotten any good at it. But it’s a great little diversion. An escape from the depressing reality around me.
Whether in Manhattan, in the UK, Germany, or for that matter anywhere else in the world, this is not a good time.
I love black and white; it brings out nuances, character. Right now, though, I do need some color, something different. The way reality isn’t. Yes, it’s an illusion that photography can create. A memory of events, of images, that one day may replace reality.
The beauty, though, is that reality is what our brains believe. It’s reality to us. So one day, when I look back at this period, I hope to remember the bright sides, the generosity, the bravery. My personal journey.
If we believe that this is what the world was like when we most needed it, then perhaps, just perhaps, we can create a better reality in the future. Now excuse me, looking at the shiny latex turns me out like hell and maybe it does the same for @PosyChurchgate.
David Mei
You are not alone in your appreciation of black and white photography for a certain crispness. My Love is the real photographer in the relationship. She has technique and the patience and perfection streak for editing. Your images are very well done, thank you for sharing
Francesca Demont
Thanks, David. Appreciate the compliment. Although I’m only beginning to appreciate the editing process, you’re right about the patience, and perfection streak. Now I just need to work on technique.
Cousin Pons
It was so good to read this. I am getting behind with my blog reading and am cross with myself for not keeping up with yours, because I always enjoy them. This post was no exception, especially as it is about photography, which is one of my main interests these days. I was so happy to visit The Photographers’ Gallery in London just before the lockdown. It inspired me. I’d gone down for Eroticon which was cancelled, but I did meet some lovely people, including Eye and Marie Rebel for a drink. But I digress. Yes, I must get something like Adobe Lightroom to help me edit my photos. And like Posy, I love you in latex too!
Francesca Demont
So good to hear from you again, Cousin. Glad you got to go before the lockdown. It’s quite unsettling. Glad that I could serve up some latex pictures, and perhaps inspire you to work on editing — it only helps to bring out what’s already there, but our eyes aren’t used to seeing. xoxo
PurpleSole
Light room is what we use and it amazing how an image can be changed. I heard that pictures are created rather than taken, because the editing is part of the process of making a look, whether that is B&W or whatever you want it to be. I do hope you get the time soon to make more because it would be such a shame for us to miss out on seeing it.
Francesca Demont
The person who took many of my pictures always said that almost everything can be fixed, items disappear, lighting changes, etc. All I have to do is be in the right position, and for the focus to be right. When I take a picture, I worry about the lamp in the background, the curtain that isn’t straight, etc. All of that seems to be the sign of someone who never really learned how to ‘create’ a picture. I’ll try and dig more into the dizzying world of photo editing…
Marie Rebelle
I use Lightroom too and occasionally dab into Photoshop for the more serous stuff, but love that I can enhance the pictures I have taken. Like PS says, images are created, not taken 🙂
Rebel xox
Francesca Demont
You’re so far ahead of me. I’ve taken a look at Photoshop and got soooo lost. But the creative process is really interesting. A picture is really not done until the creative process has come to an end. xoxo
Jupiter Grant
Your photos are always stunning, Francesca. I hope that you and the little one are staying safe and well xx
Francesca Demont
Thanks, JG, we’re doing the best we can. I think he’s doing just fine. He doesn’t know a different time and environment. He has plenty of toys and not quite crawling yet. I think it’s harder knowing that this is not normal, and not knowing what the new normal will look like. xoxo