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How Reading, PA Maternity Photographer Ashlie Bradley Edits Your Photos to Achieve Stunning, Magazine-Worthy Images

  • Writer: Ashlie Bradley
    Ashlie Bradley
  • Jan 2, 2025
  • 3 min read

Maternity photography is more than just snapping a picture. It’s an art that combines lighting, composition, and styling—all essential elements in creating the perfect maternity photo. However, the cherry on top that transforms an image into a polished masterpiece is the editing process. Without it, my award-worthy photos wouldn’t shine the way they do.


Editing isn’t about changing the subject; it’s about enhancing the natural beauty and artistry of each image. Here’s a glimpse into how I refine and perfect every photo in my Reading, PA, maternity photography studio.



A maternity portrait of a professional mermaid, taken in Reading, PA, she is posed sitting with her hip on the floor wearing a pink and purple mermaid tail with it to the side. She has the illusion of being under water with her hair floating around her head with her arm raised above as if about to swim


The Purpose of Professional Editing in Maternity Photography


Each maternity portrait begins with a vision. Before I even press the shutter, I know exactly how I want the final result to look. This thoughtful planning helps me create bold and beautifully artistic maternity portraits.


Editing allows me to bring out the drama in fabric, refine small details like skin texture, and extend or perfect the backdrop. These enhancements elevate the final image from lovely to unforgettable.




  • A before photo of an unedited maternity portrait, the women is wearing a pink and beige dress with her belly exposed, she stands with one hand on the small of her back and the other hand resting on the top of her head, she is surrounded by rainbow flowers
  • a fully retouched image of the previous maternity portrait, floating fabric to the pink and beige dress as been added and a sunbeam sits behind her.


Every edit—from smoothing skin and adjusting colors to adding subtle contrast—is thoughtfully made to enhance the image while maintaining authenticity.



  • a picture of a maternity portrait before it is edited, the woman is wearing a light pink fluffy tulle down with her stomach exposed, she has one hand resting on her stomach and the other hand on the small of her back, she appears to be looking off into the corner. The background is a fabric backdrop of a cherry blossom orchard but isn't fully extended to the corner of the frame
  • this is a picture of the previous maternity portrait after it has been fully edited, the cherry blossom backdrop as been extended to reach the full frame and a water reflection has been added to the bottom of the image, there is a blur of pink flower peddles added to the foreground of the portrait



Key Steps in My Editing Process


Step 1: Basic Adjustments and Light Correction

The foundation of each portrait starts with basic adjustments. I fine-tune the lighting, enhance contrast, and ensure the overall image feels balanced and vibrant.


Step 2: Dodge and Burn

This technique, often used in fine art portraits, involves brightening highlights and darkening shadows to create striking contrast and emphasize details. It’s like contouring for photographs, making them pop with dimension.


Step 3: Skin Smoothing and Tone Enhancement

Softening the skin and removing blemishes are delicate steps where realism is key. I aim to keep skin texture natural while ensuring it appears polished. I also correct any uneven skin tones to create a harmonious look.


Step 4: Background and Detail Refinement

In my cozy studio, I often extend the backdrop to make the space feel more expansive. I remove any distractions from the background and, when needed, add canvas textures for an elegant touch.


Step 5: Artistic Enhancements

This final step is where the magic truly happens. I make dresses and fabric appear fuller and more dramatic, enhance hair volume, and subtly lengthen legs for added elegance. Shooting from a lower angle creates impactful images, and I use a technique I call the “chin tuck” to refine the jawline naturally. I also accommodate special retouching requests, such as reducing arm size or removing stretch marks, while ensuring the results remain authentic.



  • a picture of a maternity photo before it is retouched, the woman is wearing a beige tulle gown with fluffy ruffles, her stomach is covered but her front leg is exposed. She is posed with her one hand on the bottom of her stomach and the other hand extended to the side delicately pointing with her pointer finger. She stands in front of a light brown colored backdrop but it doesn't fully cover to the edge of the picture
  • The fully retouched image of the previous maternity photo, the backdrop has been fixed to cover the entire length of the photo, more fabric has also been added to make the dress appear larger


The Benefits of Professional Retouching


Consistent, High-Quality Results: Editing ensures every image is cohesive in tone and quality, resulting in a polished collection.


Natural Beauty Enhancement: My editing process enhances each client’s natural beauty without altering their unique features, preserving the timelessness of the portraits.


Magazine-Worthy Finishes: With professional editing techniques, every photo achieves the luxurious polish of high-end magazine photography.



  • a maternity portrait before it has been edited, the pregnant woman is kneeling on the floor wearing gold foil and has her two arms positioned covering her chest, she has campaign colored angel wings strapped to her back and has her hair softly curled, the backdrop is cream but doesn't fully cover the image. She is also wearing beige bikini bottoms which can be seen on the side
  • a picture of the previous maternity portrait after it has been edited. The cream backdrop has been extended to fit the photo, the cream colored angel wings have been distorted to make them appear larger, her bikini has been removed to make it appear as if she is only wearing the gold foil, a ray of light has been added behind her as well as a water reflection on the bottom of the image


Why Editing is Essential for Luxury Photography


So much time, care, and attention to detail go into each photograph. I hold myself to the highest standards, treating every image as though it’s destined for an award.


The editing process transforms a raw photograph into a true work of art—an elegant, lasting memory that families will cherish for years. These portraits aren’t just images; they’re timeless keepsakes imbued with love and artistry.



  • A maternity portrait before it has been edited, the woman is wearing a medium blue tulle gown with an exposed belly and covered in fluffy ruffles, she is posed with one hand on her head and the other resting on the top of on bend leg. She is standing facing the side with her eyes closed. The backdrop behind her is a mauve and beige floral painted backdrop that doesn't fully extend to the edge of the picture
  • a fully retouched picture of the previous maternity portrait. The backdrop has been extended to cover the full frame of the photo, it has also been changed to the same color tone of blue from her dress now making it beige and denim. The fabric of the tulle maternity gown has been distorted to fit against to body better, and the bottom extended to create a more dramatic train


Professional editing is the bridge between a beautiful photograph and a breathtaking piece of art. It allows me to honor the beauty of your maternity journey, ensuring every detail is refined and every moment feels magical. When you choose me as your Reading, PA maternity photographer, you’re not just getting photos—you’re investing in heirlooms that will tell your story for generations to come.



  • A picture of a maternity photo before it has been edited. The pregnant women is sitting on a black ottoman with one leg extended fully out and the other bend back toward the chair, she has one hand resting on her belly and the other hand resting on the top of the ottoman. There are two vases of cream colored flowers to her right and she is wearing a silver gem encrusted form fitted dress. The backdrop is black with a vintage gold encrusted picture trim, the backdrop doesn't cover the edges of the pitcure exposing the Reading, PA photography studio at the sides
  • This is a fully edited photo of the previous maternity portrait. The backdrop has been extended to cover the full frame of the image. Two more vases have also been added to the left hand side of the pregnant woman creating balance.



Ready to Transform Your Maternity Memories with Reading, PA's Maternity Photographer; Ashlie Bradley?


Let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact me today to book your session and experience the magic of professionally crafted maternity portraits. Your journey deserves to be celebrated with stunning, timeless images you’ll treasure forever.



Reading, PA maternity photographer; Ashlie Bradley, sitting in front of her computer edited a portrait using her graphic design tablet. She has on hand gently resting on the bottom of her chin

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