There are many different views on editing. Some feel as though the use of photo-editing programs is somehow a tarnish on the photographic field. However, my view is that it is simply an extension and development on the processes always used by photographers.
Either way, I thought I'd post a word or two on the topic. To make things simple, I've thought of four tips to remember whilst editing.
1. First tip is KEEP your original file in some format. The more work you do on a file, the more information you lose especially if you are in the (possibly poor) habit of merging layers along the way.
2. Have your COMPLETED image in mind before you begin editing. If you know where you want your image to end up, the process will be much easier, faster, and more effective. In saying this, keeping some spontaneity in your work has much going for it.
3. KNOW your editing tools. Photoshop is far more powerful than I regularly utilise. Again, both speed and quality will improve drastically once you begin to master your program.
4. Clearly the biggest tip I have begins long before the file arrives on your computer. Have your image in mind before you push the shutter. A small improvement in camera regarding lighting, composition, or colour is of much greater value than what most editing can achieve.
As a rule I generally won't alter much when it comes to landscapes. However, if a picture can be improved easily, I figure why not do it! Here is an example of a relatively simple edit I recently worked on. I was reasonably satisfied with the outcome and it didn't take too long. As you can see (apart from the removal of Runner 32) I personally prefer to keep editing pretty simplistic if possible.
Either way, I thought I'd post a word or two on the topic. To make things simple, I've thought of four tips to remember whilst editing.
1. First tip is KEEP your original file in some format. The more work you do on a file, the more information you lose especially if you are in the (possibly poor) habit of merging layers along the way.
2. Have your COMPLETED image in mind before you begin editing. If you know where you want your image to end up, the process will be much easier, faster, and more effective. In saying this, keeping some spontaneity in your work has much going for it.
3. KNOW your editing tools. Photoshop is far more powerful than I regularly utilise. Again, both speed and quality will improve drastically once you begin to master your program.
4. Clearly the biggest tip I have begins long before the file arrives on your computer. Have your image in mind before you push the shutter. A small improvement in camera regarding lighting, composition, or colour is of much greater value than what most editing can achieve.
As a rule I generally won't alter much when it comes to landscapes. However, if a picture can be improved easily, I figure why not do it! Here is an example of a relatively simple edit I recently worked on. I was reasonably satisfied with the outcome and it didn't take too long. As you can see (apart from the removal of Runner 32) I personally prefer to keep editing pretty simplistic if possible.
