Lightroom Editing Techniques with a Life.Church Photographer

In today’s session, we explored the art and heart of church photography, focusing on how to move from simply capturing a moment to truly conveying the emotion and story behind it. The process began with a deep dive into the technical aspects of editing, such as exposure, white balance, and color grading, but quickly moved into the philosophy that guides these choices. Rather than aiming to reproduce exactly what the eye saw, the goal is to edit photos in a way that reflects what the moment felt like—because it’s the feeling that lingers in memory and connects most deeply with viewers.

We discussed the challenges of working in less-than-ideal environments, like gymnasiums-turned-sanctuaries with tricky lighting and tight spaces. Practical tips were shared, such as positioning yourself between natural light and your subject, and using tools like Lightroom’s eyedropper for accurate white balance. The importance of shooting in RAW was emphasized, as it provides the flexibility needed to make meaningful adjustments in post-production.

A significant portion of our time was spent on the nuances of honoring people through photography. This means being attentive to the diversity of skin tones and ensuring that edits do not distort or misrepresent anyone’s appearance. The conversation highlighted how easy it is to overlook subtle differences, especially for those outside a particular experience, and how crucial it is to approach each subject with care and respect.

We also explored the creative side of editing—using tone curves, color grading, and even in-camera tricks to add intrigue and emotion. Presets were introduced as a way to streamline workflow, especially when dealing with large batches of images, but with the caveat that each photo still deserves individual attention to ensure authenticity and excellence.

Ultimately, the session was about more than just technical skills; it was about using photography as a means to reflect the image of God in people, to honor the unique DNA of a church community, and to invite others into the story being told through each image.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Edit to Convey Emotion, Not Just Accuracy The most impactful photos are those that evoke the feeling of the moment, not just a literal representation of what was seen. Editing with the intent to capture emotion allows viewers to connect more deeply, as memories are often tied to how we felt rather than what we saw. This approach requires sensitivity and a willingness to break from strict realism when the atmosphere calls for it. [05:30]
• 2. Honor Diversity in Skin Tones and Representation Every person’s complexion is unique, and editing should reflect that diversity with care. It’s easy to overlook subtle differences, especially if you’re not familiar with certain skin tones, but failing to do so can unintentionally dishonor your subjects. Take time to learn how to adjust luminance and saturation to preserve the richness and authenticity of every individual, ensuring everyone is represented truthfully and beautifully. [31:59]
• 3. Leverage Technical Tools Thoughtfully Tools like Lightroom’s eyedropper, tone curve, and masking features are powerful, but they require a thoughtful touch. Overusing sliders like clarity or saturation can quickly lead to unnatural results. Instead, use these tools gently and intentionally, always with the goal of enhancing the story and not distracting from it. [25:00]
• 4. Workflow Efficiency Without Sacrificing Quality Presets and batch editing can save significant time, especially when working with large galleries. However, it’s important to remember that presets are a starting point, not a final solution. Each image should be reviewed and adjusted as needed to maintain consistency, authenticity, and the unique feel of the moment. [50:01]
• 5. Creativity in Challenging Environments Even in less-than-ideal settings—like poorly lit gymnasiums or crowded lobbies—creativity can shine. Use available light strategically, embrace the quirks of the environment, and don’t be afraid to use in-camera tricks or creative post-processing to add intrigue. Sometimes, leaning into the limitations of a space can lead to the most memorable and authentic images. [09:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:28] - Introducing Benjamin Suder
• [01:42] - Previewing the Editing Process
• [03:34] - Benjamin’s Editing Philosophy
• [05:30] - Editing to Capture Emotion
• [07:49] - Navigating Challenging Church Spaces
• [09:08] - Making the Most of Difficult Lighting
• [11:08] - Capturing Worship Moments
• [14:59] - Mastering White Balance Techniques
• [18:44] - Importance of Shooting in RAW
• [24:22] - Using Presence and Clarity Sliders
• [28:09] - HSL Adjustments and Skin Tone Care
• [37:40] - Tone Curve and Color Grading Secrets
• [42:03] - Shaping Light with Masks and Gradients
• [47:00] - Applying and Customizing Presets
• [53:06] - Creative Black and White Editing
• [58:45] - Where to Download Free Presets
• [59:56] - Final Thoughts and Resources

Bible Reading

Genesis 1:27 (ESV) — "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

- Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Observation Questions

1. According to Genesis 1:27, what does it mean that every person is made in the image of God? How might this influence the way we view people in our church community?
2. In the sermon, Benjamin talked about editing photos to reflect what the moment felt like, not just what it looked like. What are some practical ways he suggested to do this? ([05:30])
3. The sermon highlighted the importance of honoring diversity in skin tones and representation. What specific editing techniques were mentioned to help with this? ([31:59])
4. What are some of the technical tools and features in Lightroom that Benjamin recommended using thoughtfully, and why is it important not to overuse them? ([25:00])

Interpretation Questions

1. How does the idea of every person being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) shape the responsibility of a church photographer or anyone capturing moments in the church?
2. Philippians 2:3-4 calls us to consider others as more significant than ourselves. In the context of church photography, what might it look like to put the interests and dignity of others first when editing or sharing photos?
3. The sermon emphasized editing to convey emotion rather than just accuracy. Why might this approach help people connect more deeply with church photos? ([05:30])
4. When working in less-than-ideal environments, Benjamin encouraged creativity and embracing limitations. How can this mindset be applied to other areas of church life or ministry? ([09:08])

Application Questions

1. Think about a time you saw a church photo that really moved you. What was it about the photo that made you feel something? How can you aim to capture or share that kind of emotion in your own photos? ([05:30])
2. Benjamin talked about the importance of honoring people’s unique skin tones in editing. If you are involved in photography or media, what steps can you take to make sure everyone is represented truthfully and beautifully? If you’re not a photographer, how can you encourage this value in your church? ([31:59])
3. The sermon mentioned that overusing editing tools like clarity or saturation can lead to unnatural results. Have you ever been tempted to “over-edit” something in your life (not just photos) to make it look better? What was the result, and what did you learn from it? ([25:00])
4. Presets and batch editing can save time, but each photo still deserves individual attention. In your own work or ministry, are there areas where you tend to “batch process” people or tasks? How can you slow down to give more personal attention where it matters? ([50:01])
5. Benjamin shared creative ways to work with difficult spaces and lighting, like using available light or in-camera tricks. Can you think of a current challenge in your life or ministry where you could try a creative solution instead of waiting for perfect conditions? ([09:08])
6. The sermon described photography as a way to reflect the image of God in people and invite others into the church’s story. How can you use your gifts—whether photography, hospitality, music, or something else—to help others feel seen and valued in your church community? ([10:30])
7. Philippians 2:3-4 challenges us to look to the interests of others. Is there someone in your church or small group who might feel overlooked or underrepresented? What is one practical thing you can do this week to honor and include them?