Contact sheet, photos selection & editing

Making the Final Selection

After deciding not to organize more than one traditional photoshoot, I wanted to make sure that the images I did include still carried the same weight and visual consistency a planned shoot would have offered.

After every photo session, I always end up with a ridiculous number of pictures — way too many to ever use. This time was no exception. I spent a lot of time going through them all, organizing them into what feels like a digital contact sheet, but seeing them all together actually helps me a lot; I start noticing patterns, colors, moods, and which ones really capture what I wanted.

Why I Picked These Photos

The images I decided to keep are the ones that best fit the tone and story of the magazine. They connect to the theme of politics and media, and I think they show that connection in a subtle way. The photos from Washington and New York — The White House, Wall Street, and The Supreme Court — all have this strong symbolic weight. They feel powerful without needing to say much.

The photo I took recently at a small exhibition showing old TV screens added a really interesting layer — it links perfectly to the media side of the magazine. It’s a visual metaphor for communication, influence, and the passage of time in how we consume information.

The ones from the photoshoot put more accent of the seriousness side of the project, adding a subtle air of elegance to change a bit the tones of the magazine.

How I Plan to Use Them

• Cover: A picture from the photoshoot, more specifically the one leaning on the white furniture; a clean, centred image — something minimalist but confident.

  
  

• Inside pages: The city and architecture shots will break up the text-heavy sections and give rhythm to the layout. Also another image with the female model to change the contrast of the layout.

  
  

• Details: Some cropped or close-up images will add subtle visual texture without pulling attention from the main content.

What Worked and What Didn’t

I like how consistent everything looks. There’s a calm tone across all the photos, even though they were taken in different places and times. Still, not everything went perfectly. Some outdoor shots were taken in harsh light, and a few indoor ones ended up darker than I hoped. Nothing too serious, though — I can fix most of that when editing.

Editing Plans

I’ll probably keep the edits pretty simple. Adjust the brightness and contrast where needed, maybe a soft matte finish to keep the tones even. I don’t want the images to look over-edited — just clean and balanced. I’ll also correct some colour temperature differences so everything feels part of the same story. As for the cover image, I want to use the object removal option to get rid of the handle from the furniture; if the furniture is just pure glossy white, it increases the credibility of the photo, as it can really be added to a more professional magazine as well.

Looking Back

Seeing all the images together felt rewarding — it’s like watching the project come together visually for the first time. I realized that sometimes the best part isn’t even the shooting, it’s the moment when you finally see everything you’ve created side by side and start understanding what really works and what doesn't.