Bought yourself a new camera and decided to make it out big as a photographer? Or maybe you wish to learn how to edit images for your albums? Whatever you fancy, image editing is always a good call to embellish your photos.
Image editing is pretty daunting. Log into any post-production tool, and you must confront several settings, arrangements, and options. It’s enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed.
Fortunately, basic photo editing is easier than it seems. You can employ a few simple tricks and tips to get great results right off the bat.
So, if you are all set to get started with image editing, let’s dive in!
Image editing tips and tricks for beginners:
Here’s a rundown of image editing tips to help you shift from “I just don’t know” to an editing pro.
Take good images:
Image editing is done to improve photos, not magically fix them. While you can wipe off blemishes and imperfections from the images, a poorly shot photo will likely remain that way, regardless of the edits. This is especially true for beginners who think editing harbors the magic bullet to good images.
So, start by capturing good photos. However, this is more challenging than it sounds, so follow some rules and practice regularly to achieve perfection.
Edit with a vision in mind:
One of the reasons why people feel clueless about image editing is that they need to figure out what they want to achieve. This is what many of us faced at the dawn of our careers.
We recommend you have a rough sketch of the pictures of the same genre. Look at the image and imagine how you want it to look at the end. What message or story do you want to convey with the photo? The deeper you dig, the better the details.
Either way, your photo is likely to end up in one of these forms:
- Abstract
- Representational
- Impressionistic
Show in RAW:
No, RAW images are not hideous!
Once you’ve picked out the ins and outs of your camera, enable the RAW image format. RAW is an image file like PNG or JPEG that contains more information.
Yes, the photos might look weird, but you get more creative control over the pictures. You might struggle to capture photos without filters and effects as a beginner, but RAW images are a great place to buff your editing skills.
Fix the exposure:
When you start editing a RAW file, you may find yourself wondering:
Where do I begin?
Technically, you could add an entire range of strokes to the image, but we recommend commencing by fixing the exposure, which is the overall brightness of your photo.
But before adjusting the setting, ask yourself:
How does the image look? Is it too bright or dull? Let your instincts make the decision. If you need help with how to proceed, try the Fix Portrait Exposure component from autoRetouch. The AI-powered feature is automatic and will fix the lighting of your RAW images in seconds.
Crop for better composition:
This is the most straightforward image editing hack on the list.
Sometimes cutting off a small part of the picture gives incredible transformation. You can remove the unwanted elements from the edges or re-position the objects for better composition through cropping.
autoRetouch offers a resizing tool for correcting distorted perspectives using AI. If you want to avoid taking the trouble of doing the work manually and spending hours in front of your devices, switch to AI-driven software. They are mechanized and deliver accurate dimensions.
Set the contrast:
Contrast refers to the difference between the lights and darks in a photo.
RAW files suffer from inflexible contrast, so it often makes sense to fix everything within the picture before uploading the image on the internet.
The image editing hack is essential unless you want your audience to feast on nightmarish photos.
If you prefer a soft and ethereal ambiance, decrease the contrast intensity using the slider of your tool. Photographers do that while shooting on a foggy morning, where low contrast enhances the mood. You can also increase the contrast for a vibrant ambiance. However, it would be best if you were careful not to go extreme with the contrast.
Leverage the photo editing tools:
Ever wondered how much time it requires to reproduce a perfect photo? Well, RAW files go through several image editing techniques before they reach the peak of perfection. Sadly, the entire process can take hours, even days!
The solution? Why not automate the simple edits and let your computer take the nitty gritty off your plate? The fundamental improvements are simple but require steady hands and sharp eyes. Unless you have a knack for quintessence, it’s better to use AI-powered image editing services for minuscule edits. The software is easy to use, fast, and works with one-click technology.
Remove distractions:
You probably are trying to make sales out of these photos. If the images are cluttered and unorganized, your audience won’t understand the intent of your image. That’s where image editing can be your savior.
You can craft better visuals for your viewers by removing unnecessary elements from your images. Or you could also eliminate the distracting kids from your portraits by using background removal tools.
We won’t lie, but Photoshop’s backdrop removal is challenging for fledgling photographers. Your best bet? Use AI-driven software to remove and customize backdrops in a breeze.
Restructure the clarity:
Of all the steps of image editing, clarity is the one that gives your photos the instant Wow factor.
What is Clarity?
It works by increasing contrast in midtones only, making the image pop and giving the illusion that it looks sharper. So, use clarity to add the extra oomph to your images but do it sparingly. Extreme clarity can turn your beautiful photos into a grungy HDR.
How far should you go with image editing?
The ultimate million-dollar question!
We thought over-processed and grungy HDR images looked terrific when we began image editing. But now, when we look back at them, they look awful.
The point is- art is subjective. Your idea of a good photo differs from other editors, and it would be best if you always remember there is no right or wrong in image editing. Every editor has their vision, and every photo is different.
The quantity of adjustments you should apply depends on what the image needs and the effort you are willing to put in.
Our advice is to go with what feels suitable for you. Editing styles evolve over trends, so embrace the art you are comfortable with.
In Conclusion:
Now that you are done with the piece, you know how to do basic image editing. If you think you’re ready, go and start enhancing your images.
Of course, we’ve shared only the starting point, but it will surely take you far! Happy editing, fellas!