Why I Don’t Use Presets | Because your story isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Presets have their place. They’re a great tool for speed and consistency—and in a world that values efficiency, I get why a lot of photographers use them. But for me? Slapping a preset on a batch of fresh photos just feels… cheap. My clients trust me with some of their most personal moments. They expect images that are as unique as they are—not something that’s been pushed through a filter with a few tweaks along the way. And if I’m not willing to put in the time to hand-edit each photo, how am I living up to that trust? I take pride in the editing process just as much as the shoot itself. Every session is different. The lighting changes, the scenery shifts, and the mood evolves with every interaction. My job isn’t to force those moments into a pre-made look—it’s to enhance them in a way that brings out the real emotion and cinematic feel unique to that session. Whether it's a golden-hour maternity shoot in Temecula or a foggy morning family session in San Diego, I edit from scratch to make sure each photo reflects what actually happened—not just what looks trendy. Because your memories deserve more than a filter. They deserve intention.