The struggle is real, folks.
As October rolls around, many of us in the creative world feel a familiar stir. Not just because of the changing leaves or the anticipation of Halloween shoots, but because Adobe releases its annual updates this month. While I appreciate the introduction of new tools and techniques, these updates awaken an irrational desire within me—one I fight every year.
I’m all for learning new techniques, even if they don’t immediately find a place in my workflow. After all, one of the best parts of photography is that there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s gear, perspectives, or editing tricks. Once you stop learning, that’s where your creative journey stagnates.
The old version of this image is on the left, the new on the right
But here’s the thing: every time Adobe drops a new feature, it triggers an urge to revisit and re-edit old images. I start thinking about those “diamonds in the rough”—the shots I passed over years ago because something wasn’t quite right. Maybe this new tool will fix what couldn’t be fixed before. Maybe I’ll uncover a hidden gem I missed back in the day.
However, reality usually checks that dream. More often than not, if an image wasn’t a keeper then, no amount of editing today will make it one. Still, there’s a nagging part of me that wonders: with today’s superior computers, monitors, and software, could those images finally come to life the way I imagined?
When I first started posting photos in the mid-’90s, image sizes were limited to around 35k. Dial-up internet meant you had to keep your files tiny. Today, I’m uploading images over a megabyte in size, with vastly more detail and color range than I ever could have imagined back then.
Again, old on the left, new on the right
And yet, the biggest reason I hesitate to dive back into the archives is a bit humbling. When I look at my old edits, I’m often flabbergasted by my choices. In the past, I chased trends—applying the latest effects to appear edgy and relevant. But trends fade. They date images. They come and go so quickly that it’s impossible to keep up. Eventually, I learned to focus on timeless, clean edits—enhanced, yes, but never overdone to the point of being obvious.
Still, the temptation to rework old images is strong when these updates come out. This time, I gave in. I pulled up some shots from a 2014 beach sunrise session—chosen simply because that was the oldest hard drive within reach. Back then, I was shooting with a Nikon D7000 and two underpowered speedlights. Many of the shots were out of focus, but I remember how much fun I had, even with those limitations.
I miss the portability of those speedlights. Today, I work with full-on strobes and massive softboxes —great for quality, but a headache to lug around and set up, especially in windy conditions where they turn into giant kites.
A new edit of an image I originally passed up.
So, I re-edited a few images from that 2014 session. Side by side, the differences might seem subtle to most, but to me, they’re significant. The new version shows truer, smoother, skin tones, a more accurate sky, and took a fraction of the time to edit compared to my original attempts.
But here’s the catch: if I let myself fall down the rabbit hole of re-editing old work, I might never shoot new images again. With over 20 years of digital photos, I could easily spend the rest of my career refining old projects with each new Photoshop release.
For now, I’ll try to restrain myself. Maybe I’ll make it a habit, like a Throwback Thursday project or something similar. But I can’t let it consume my time. After all, I’ve got Spooky Sessions still happening and Christmas portrait plans on the horizon.
Who’s in for ugly Christmas sweater photos? Awkward family holiday shots? Drop me a line to let me know!
Mark Knopp is a seasoned professional portrait photographer with 40 years of experience both capturing stunning images and educating others in the art of photography. His expansive portfolio includes work throughout Hampton Roads, Richmond, North Carolina, and central New York, where he frequently travels to visit family and friends. If you’re looking to capture your unique essence in a portrait session, don’t hesitate to reach out to him at mknopp1(at)cox.net. Book your session today and let Mark help you create timeless images that you’ll cherish for years to come!
Photography by Mark K 