Photo Editing is a skill that every serious photographer must master. A photo's colors and exposure can be altered to make it more appealing. For example, you may want to remove red-eye from a shot or adjust a photograph's exposure to make it a bit more vivid. But there is a lot more to editing than making these tweaks.
To find out the true value of photo editing, you'll need to know which tools and techniques work best for you. Some photo editing programs have all-in-one features, while others will allow you to make a variety of tweaks on your photos. The more advanced programs will also give you access to a plethora of additional features. If you're a beginner, you'll probably want to start with a mobile tool such as Photoshop Express. This will allow you to make a few simple edits, such as straightening an image, before moving on to more complicated features.
Most editing programs will have a number of preset modes to help you choose the perfect image. You can use these presets to match your images to a range of lighting conditions. There are also numerous pro-level tools to enhance and soften your photos.
Adding contrast to a bright image can increase its impact. Similarly, increasing clarity can make an object appear grittier. However, you'll want to take note of the effects you're adding, because they might be overdone. Luckily, some programs, like DxO Photolab, offer an extensive array of edge softness options.
Another important function of editing is cropping. Unlike filters, a tool for cropping allows you to remove an object from a photo. While this may seem counterintuitive, the effect can make the overall image look punchier and more dynamic.
Other types of editing include sharpening. Sharpening can make an out-of-focus shot seem in focus, but it isn't necessarily a good idea. It can also produce an unnatural halo around an object. Rather, it should be used to enhance compositional details.
Photo editing tools can also be used to add a splash of color to a dull photo. Many of these programs have a 'tint' and 'temperature' slider that can be used to change the tint and temperature of a photo.
For beginners, there are plenty of programs that do all the work for you. One of the best is Skylum's Luminar. It offers powerful features at an affordable price. With its easy-to-use interface, it's ideal for novice users.
Other notable photo editing tools include a spot-removing tool, which may be referred to as a "clone stamp" or "spot healing." Using this option to remove blemishes or a person's grey hair can be a great way to improve a photograph.
You'll also want to learn about the differences between RAW and JPG files. Shooting in RAW gives you the most editing control. But it's also the largest file size. So, if you're only planning to edit a few images, you might prefer to convert your RAW files to JPGs.