If you want to edit a photo, then you have come to the right place. This guide will show you how to make the most out of your photo edits, so you can ensure you are never making the wrong decision.
Get Everything Organised
It can be very difficult for you to know how to organise things when starting, but there are things you can do to make sure that you are setting yourself up for success. First of all, you need to try and create a folder structure so you can keep all of your files in some kind of logical order. You also need to organise your files by date if possible, so you can work through them in order. The best thing about doing this is that it will make everything easier to keep track of and you may even find that it helps you to keep track of your workflow. It might seem pointless to do this when you only have a couple of images but at the end of the day, it will make your life easier.
Be Selective
Before you go ahead and edit anything, you have to pick your best shots. It’s a good idea for you to filter everything, as there is no point in you taking the time to create the perfect shot, only to come to the conclusion that the next photo is actually the better one. There is a ton of software out there that you can use, and it could be that you opt for one such as Adobe Lightroom. If you want to use software like this, put your prints into a photo book maker to get the best result.
Don’t Overdo it
Strong edits do have their place, but if you know that your edit stands out way more than the photo does then you have probably pushed things way too far. A good edit will always make your photo look more interesting, but if you edit a photo heavily then this won’t rescue it.
Be Mindful of Contrast
Be sure not to add too much contrast and don’t oversaturate your colors either. If you notice that an image is too far from reality, then this could be a distraction. Other things to avoid would be strong vignettes and big colour grades.
Check the Histogram
Most editing software will show you a histogram. You can use this to see a graphical representation of the brightness of your image overall. The great thing about doing this is that it makes sure that your image is not too bright, or on the flip side, too dark. Of course, the histogram shows you the dark values on one side of the page and then the bright values on the other. This is all done without losing too much detail in the shadows. If you can keep this in mind, then you will soon find that it is easier for you to get the result you are going for and that you can be much more creative with your decisions. If you ignore the histogram, then you may find it harder to get the result you want and this can result in an image that is too far gone.
