PHOTO EDITING HIGHLIGHTS
Photo editing is always an exciting adventure and a rewarding challenge because it engages every part of my brain. It starts with the research—digging deep to find images that perfectly align with the content. Then, there's the creativity of thinking outside the box for conceptual solutions, along with the visual expertise needed to choose dynamic, compelling images. After that comes the organization—curating and sequencing images to ensure the right pacing and flow, which are crucial to the editorial process. On top of all that, there's the technical and administrative side of things, like color correction, file management, and financial aspects of licensing and the legalities of copyright. And throughout the entire process, clear and effective communication with the team is key. Photo editing has it all, and I’m here for it!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS, SO MANY BOOKS!
I have photo edited hundreds of non-fiction books for kids ranging from babies to teens on topics as diverse as the solar system, haunted places, African animals, the human body and so much more. I've learned that an image that resonates with a six-year-old may fall flat with a 12-year-old. I've worked with some of the world's best photographers, gaining their trust and learning from them. And I've also learned from the authors, editors and designers with whom I collaborate on each project. I've figured out how to make magic on a shoestring budget and clear rights for even the most complex of projects. At the end of the day, there is monumental satisfaction knowing that my work directly impacted a young person's life, encouraged them to keep reading, and inspired them to care about and protect our planet.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS, COLOR CORRECTION
Photo editing goes beyond just the creative tasks of research, curation, and sequencing—it also involves critical technical work. This includes evaluating file quality and color correcting images for print publication. Using the Adobe Creative Suite, I carefully optimize each image before sending it to the prepress house for CMYK separation. My role continues even after the image is in the layout, where I work closely with manufacturing managers and the prepress team to ensure the desired color outcomes, always considering the file's constraints, how the image will be used, the target audience, and the brand identity. Whether the edits are subtle or dramatic, they have an immediate and direct impact on the final product’s success. I also train and mentor my team in file evaluation and color correction, reviewing their work to ensure consistency and alignment with the brand’s visual identity across all products.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS, VISUAL IDENTITY
In addition to training and mentoring my photo team on our brand's visual identity, I also worked with book packagers and freelance photo researchers to ensure they understood and adhered to our standards. I collaborated with the Design Director to create guidelines and training materials for global licensee partners who were developing products within our brand’s visual identity. Whether it was a local language edition of an existing book or a completely new product, it was crucial that everything aligned with our visual standards and iconic brand. I managed numerous packaged books and reviewed hundreds of new licensee products each month to ensure they stayed on brand.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
It takes a team of very talented and dedicated editors, photo editors, designers, art directors and production staff to make successful non-fiction books for kids. I count myself lucky to have worked with the best of the best. Over many years, the books I have photo edited have won numerous awards and garnered countless positive reviews from industry leaders and audiences alike. Here are a few that call out my photo editing work in particular.
