The Magic of Editing: Spills, Toys & Real Life

I’m a little late sharing this follow-up to Lucy’s story, but it’s one I didn’t want to skip because it’s such a real, everyday part of what happens during family sessions.

When Ashley lifted Lucy out of her car seat that day, she realized her daughter’s dress had a fresh spill right on the front. It could’ve been water or maybe juice. We’ll never know for sure. But I could see the look on her face — that little moment of panic every parent knows.

The truth is, spills happen. Especially with toddlers. They’re curious, wiggly, and living their best messy little lives. And that’s exactly who I want to capture.

In the photos below, you’ll see a before and after. On the left is the original image, spill and all. On the right is the final edit, clean and polished, with the focus right where it should be — on Lucy’s sweet smile and bright eyes.

If you read my Child-Led Session blog, you already know I love using toys, squeakers, and silly little tricks to win over the littles. Sometimes that means I end up with a toy in the photo, and that’s perfectly okay. The squeaker you see in Lucy’s hand in the first photo was my secret weapon that day. It helped her relax, giggle, and forget about the camera.

What clients don’t always see is what happens next: a little editing magic. With a few careful brushstrokes, the toy disappears, leaving behind only that genuine, joyful moment.

That’s the heart of editing for me. It’s never about changing who someone is. It’s about preserving the memory while removing the tiny distractions that don’t belong in the story. Whether it’s a spill, a leash, or a toy, I take care of the little things so you can simply enjoy the beautiful ones.

So if you ever find yourself pulling your child out of the car seat on photo day and noticing a surprise spot on their outfit, take a deep breath. You don’t need to panic. We’ll still create something beautiful. Promise.

📸 If you’ve been dreaming of portraits that feel effortless, honest, and real, I’d love to create that for you.

Book your next session here: www.traci-marie.com/booking

Serving families in Deer Park, Pasadena, La Porte, Houston Bay Area and beyond.