Credit: Alex Armitage
Fstoppers’ thought-provoking piece on quitting photo editing stands out as a fresh perspective on modern photography workflows. Alex Armitage’s personal account of ditching post-processing after a decade of reliance on tools like Lightroom offers an inspiring look at how simplifying your process can reignite passion for the craft, especially with cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI that excel at in-camera results.
We selected this article as our weekly highlight because it challenges the common assumption that every great photo needs hours of editing. Armitage shares how he spent years capturing images with the intent to always edit them, but last year, he experimented with getting it right in-camera – and it completely changed his relationship with photography. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less intervention leads to more authentic enjoyment.
What makes this article especially engaging is Armitage’s honest reflection on his evolution. He describes picking up the Fujifilm X100VI and using its built-in film simulation recipes to create finished images straight out of the camera. Initially, he shot RAW files as a safety net, but gradually let go of the need to tweak everything in post. This shift not only freed him from computer time but also gave him “permission to enjoy photography in a different way,” as he puts it.
The piece dives into practical insights, like exploring in-camera techniques to capture the desired look upfront, rather than fixing it later. Armitage emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach – editing will always have its place in his workflow – but trying this method opened up new creative possibilities. His background in traveling the world to photograph stunning locations adds weight to his advice, showing how this mindset helped him focus more on the moment than on perfection in post.
One standout example is how Armitage contrasts his past editing-heavy routine with his recent experiments, where he found himself appreciating images right on the camera’s LCD without feeling the urge to “fix” them. It’s particularly relevant for photographers feeling burned out by endless editing sessions or overwhelmed by software options.
The article also sparks interesting discussions in the comments, with readers sharing their own experiences balancing editing and in-camera work, making it a great conversation starter for the community.
Visit Fstoppers to read the full article and watch the accompanying video for more on how this simple change could refresh your own photography practice. Whether you’re a digital editing pro or just starting out, it’s a valuable nudge to question your habits and find what truly sparks joy in your work.
Best Thing We Read This Week shares photography articles that challenge our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the craft. Have an article to suggest? Share it in the comments below.
