Struggling to Settle Into Photo Editing? Try Changing the Mood
I recently had a chat with someone who was finding it difficult to settle into their photo editing sessions. They wanted to work on their images, but getting comfortable and actually making a start was proving tricky.
I suspect quite a few photographers can relate.
Taking the photos is the fun part. Then you sit down at the computer, face a folder full of images and suddenly find seventeen other things that need your attention. Apparently, even doing the washing can become appealing.
Sometimes, a small change to how you begin can help. For me, music is a lovely place to start.
Give your editing session a soundtrack
I enjoy acoustic music while I edit. Artists like Angus & Julia Stone, Hozier, The Lumineers and Lana Del Rey suit the mood I like to create around my photography.
There’s something inviting about putting on a playlist, opening Lightroom and giving yourself a little space to work through your images.
Of course, what feels relaxing to me might drive someone else around the bend. You might prefer instrumental music, something with more energy, or complete silence. The idea is to find a sound that helps you feel comfortable at your desk.
If you spend more time choosing songs than editing photos, pick a playlist before you begin and let it run. Your editing session doesn’t need a resident DJ.
Three playlists to try
If mellow acoustic and indie music appeal to you, these Spotify playlists are a good starting point.
Chill Folk Sunday
This would be my first pick. With artists including Hozier, Angus & Julia Stone, Bon Iver, SYML and Ocie Elliott, it looks like a lovely companion for a relaxed editing afternoon.
Despite the name, you have my permission to play it on a Tuesday.
Acoustic Coffee Afternoon
Listen to Acoustic Coffee Afternoon
An acoustic singer-songwriter playlist that sounds well suited to a coffee and some time with your photos. I’d try this when you want a gentle background soundtrack.
a c o u s t i c
This playlist brings together indie, folk, guitar and piano, with artists such as Novo Amor, Damien Rice and Phoebe Bridgers. I’d be tempted to put this on while working through a more atmospheric portrait or still life series.
Playlist selections can change, so have a listen and see which one suits you.
Make the first task smaller
Music can help set the mood, but it won’t decide what to do with a folder containing 600 photographs.
If the whole shoot feels overwhelming, choose one manageable task before you start:
Select your favourites from one part of the shoot.
Edit three images you’re excited about.
Make basic exposure and white balance adjustments to a small group.
Finish one photograph you’ve already started.
“Edit the entire shoot” is a fairly big instruction to give yourself at the end of a busy day. “Choose five favourites” gives you a clear place to begin.
You might find you want to keep going once you’ve started. If you don’t, you’ve still made progress.
Separate choosing from editing
It’s easy to get caught polishing the first photograph you open, then realise an hour has passed and you haven’t looked at the rest of the shoot.
Try choosing your favourites first, then moving into editing. You can always revisit your selections, but giving each stage its own time can make the session feel less scattered.
There’s also no rule that says every photograph needs a finished edit. Sometimes a smaller collection of images you love is far more satisfying than working through every variation you captured.
Create a simple starting routine
A little routine can take some of the fuss out of getting started.
Make a drink, clear enough space on your desk to feel comfortable, silence unnecessary notifications and put on your playlist. Then open the collection you intend to work on.
You could give yourself twenty minutes to begin with. That’s enough time to make a start without feeling as though you’ve committed your entire evening.
Keep drinks a sensible distance from the keyboard, though. Lightroom has enough quirks without adding coffee or wine!
Notice what’s making it difficult
If you still struggle to settle, it’s worth asking yourself what’s getting in the way.
Are you tired? Unsure which images to choose? Stuck on an editing technique? Or putting pressure on yourself to make every photograph portfolio-worthy?
Those are different problems, and they need different responses. A playlist might make your desk feel more inviting, but sometimes you need a break, a clearer task or a little help learning the next step.
Photography takes creative energy, and editing is part of that process. You don’t have to force a marathon session every time you sit down.
Start with a few images, some music you enjoy and a realistic goal. Give yourself room to experiment and see where it takes you.
What’s on your editing playlist? Are you an acoustic music person, an instrumental listener, or do you prefer peace and quiet?
