Revisiting Past Work: The Hidden Gold in Old Files
Let’s be honest—most of us photographers have a digital graveyard of old RAW files sitting on hard drives, collecting digital dust. We snap, edit, share (or forget to share), and then move on to the next shoot like some kind of visual goldfish. But here’s a little secret: your best work might already be in your archives—you just haven’t seen it yet.
I know, I know. It’s tempting to always chase the next shot, the next location, the next “banger.” But revisiting past work with fresh eyes can be a game-changer for your portfolio. Let’s talk about why digging through your archives can be just as exciting (and less expensive) than a brand-new shoot.
Reverie - Sony A74, 24-70mm Sigma, f6, 1/25, ISO 250 - This photo was taken in 2023 in downtown Chicago and buried on a 2 TB hard drive. I had completely forgotten about it - and what a gorgeous picture to leave behind. From nearly edge to edge it is just such a good photo for being handheld and at such a slow shutter speed. Glad I found it again!
1. Fresh Eyes, Fresh Perspective
Ever stumble upon an old image and think, Wait, why did I never edit this? That’s because time gives you perspective. When you separate yourself from the emotional high (or low) of the shoot, you start seeing things more objectively.
Maybe you were too attached to the “hero shot” at the time, ignoring a hidden gem in the batch. Maybe your style has evolved, and an image that didn’t stand out before suddenly aligns with your current aesthetic. Sometimes, an old file just needed to marinate a bit before you could fully appreciate it.
2. Reframing: The Crop is Your Friend
Your framing choices from two years ago? Questionable. Let’s be real—we all go through a “get everything in the shot” phase before we learn the power of a tighter crop. Revisiting old images with your more experienced eye can reveal new compositions that tell a better story.
Maybe zooming in on a subject’s expression adds drama. Maybe shifting to a square crop makes an image feel more balanced. You can’t change how you shot it, but you can change how you present it.
3. Refreshing Color Tones: Trends Change, So Should You
Color grading is like fashion—it evolves. That overcooked HDR phase? Yeah, we’ve all been there. The teal-and-orange obsession? No judgment, but maybe it’s time for an update.
Re-editing past work allows you to refresh the tones to match your current style. Maybe you lean more toward muted, moody tones now, or perhaps you’ve embraced a cleaner, true-to-life color palette. Your raw files are waiting for their makeover.
4. New Tricks, Old Files
The good news? You’ve gotten better at editing. The bad news? Your old edits don’t know that yet.
Software has also leveled up—AI tools, better noise reduction, smarter sharpening. That underexposed shot you abandoned in 2019? It might be perfectly salvageable now with the latest tools. And if you’ve learned some new dodging & burning tricks or better skin retouching techniques, why not apply them to an image that deserves a second chance?
5. Curating: Because Nobody Wants to See Everything You’ve Ever Shot
Revisiting old work isn’t just about re-editing—it’s about curating. As you evolve, so should your portfolio.
Maybe it’s time to retire some images that no longer represent you. Maybe it’s time to pull together a tighter, more impactful collection that tells a stronger story. Your best work isn’t just about what’s new—it’s about what’s timeless.
The Takeaway
Your archives are full of untapped potential. The photos you once overlooked might just be the standout images your portfolio needs. So take a break from chasing the next great shot and spend some time rediscovering the greatness you’ve already captured.
And hey, worst case scenario? You cringe at your old editing choices, have a good laugh, and appreciate how far you’ve come. Win-win.
Now go dust off those hard drives and see what gems are waiting for a second chance.