It doesn’t matter, how good a photographer is. One will always need photo editing tools to increase the overall quality of your images.
You have clicked the shutter, it is written in your memory card. You have moved it to your PC. Now, what to do? It does not end after the press of a shutter button.
Even if you are a beginner or professional, you will always have the urge or need to tweak your photos a bit, to make it look what you want. It is something you want to include in your “ bucket list “. It may be tempting to not do it but trust me you will need it!
Let’s come straight to the topic!
Retouch
While retouching the pictures you can remove any unwanted particles or portion.
Photo retouching is a common thing for model photographers. Usually, no model is perfect. They will have some parts of their body with spots, wrinkles, and many other things that might look different as per the common notion of “models”.
It is thus the responsibility of the photographer to enhance the overall look of the model and make them more appealing. In one word this is called “ Digital Makeup “.
Retouching is also used to filter the image of unwanted materials that were present while capturing it. Apps like TouchRetouch helps you achieve that.
Side Hustle
It is one of the editing skills which is easy to learn and all you need to have is common sense. It is lockdown and you are so bored that you want to kill time anyhow it is possible.
Spend some of your time to master this skill. You don’t want to miss this out as you can earn so much from it. Find a great YouTube photo editing tutorial of any of your desirable software. A lot of options are available.
Go to the freelancing websites available like Fiverr and Upwork. Here people give you their raw captured image and requirements. You just fulfill them and get paid. As simple as that.
Image Background
There may be instances where you got the desired image but later realize that the background is not satisfying. This may be because of unnecessary objects or people who came into the frame accidentally. Instead of stressing yourself about it, you can just edit and change the background.
For removing the background rather than changing the background, you can use Photoshop. All you have to do is over the image using the magnetic lasso tool and remove the other part. If you want to see you in front of the beach or in front of the Eiffel Tower, there you go!
Also, you can get clipping professional service as well.
Color Correction
When you take pictures especially in a bulk photoshoot, you may realize later that some of them have slight light defects that are a bit dull or different from natural. You can use color correction to get them right.
In new generation photo editing software, you also get the feature called an auto color correction where the AI of the software corrects it according to its understanding.
Not only for defects but also you can use color correction for changing the way your image looks. Perhaps the color of your hair. To change the warmth of an image or anything you want!
Tell a story
If I tell what’s the most important point for editing images, I would mention “ By editing images, you can tell the story that you want”.
Suppose you captured an image of your grandma sitting on the couch, but it came with too much bright light and a modern look. You want to give the picture as a birthday present and want her to feel nostalgic reminding her of her good old day’s editing allows you to do that.
Suppose you took a portrait down the beach in sunny weather but did not get the exact feeling you wanted to portray. Rather use editing to get that warm rust image out of the clicked pic.
You can show a whole love story through the shine in a wedding picture with both the bride and her husband smiling beautifully looking at each other.
It is beautiful! Isn’t it?
Develop a style
Editing is also a way where you can put your own personal stamp or establish a new identity through your editing. It can be a way where you can make the image feel like “ you “. Don’t worry! It’s nothing complex. Rather having an own personal style is the most wonderful thing rather than copying anyone. You can get inspired by other’s work but have your identity in your works.
Start experimenting with your processes. Try out everything. Giving it a matte finish or bright contrasting or highly saturated look. Whatever just do it. Edit image by playing with all the editing features unless you find your own style.
Once you have found it, you can use it consistently to get a new look of “you“.
Conclusion
The best things about photo editing are:-
- You have hundreds of free photo editor website and applications.
- If you can afford, you can avail of the advanced features of the professional applications.
- You can break down the editing process into steps and it becomes much more manageable after that.
- When you have your basic foundations ready, your later layers just perfectly fit.
There is very little reason for which you shouldn’t start editing images.
So, what are you waiting for?
GET STARTED!!!