learning photo editing techniques
Digital imaging today is sophisticated and affordable for the home user. Now it's so easy to make dramatic adjustments to your photographs that every picture you take can be as perfect as you want to make it. Let's take a look at some of the basic editing possibilities and the software programs that can make the magic happen.
correcting digital photos: what you can (and can't) fix with editing software
With a graphic design program, you can effortlessly recolour up and repair the most common photo problems. Here's a rundown of some basic techniques that can deliver whopping results.
Before we begin, remember this important tip: It's always good to save your image before you apply any effects. That way, in case you don't like the results, you can go back to a previous version.
1. red-eye express
Gone are the days when you had to toss an otherwise nice photo because your subject looked like a space alien. With photo-editing software, you can effortlessly recolour a person's eyes. (Of course, you'll have to experiment a little to get the shade you want.)
2. scratch those scratches
Scratches are common photo-spoiling pains-in-the-neck. Luckily, they are easy to repair with image-processing software. This is so simple to do that you'll want to get out all those boxes of old photos, scan them into your PC, and restore them to their former glory.
3. crop to it
In our last article on photo composition, we pointed out the importance of focusing on your subject and cutting out any wandering debris in your photos. Well, if that stray telephone wire somehow managed to wiggle back into your frame, you can just crop it out. Cropping is a great way to zero in on your subject and add dramatic appeal.
4. colour your world
You can take colour changes as far as you want. In fact, you can convert a colour image to black-and-white and then recolour the photograph with your own choices. Haven't you always thought that leaves should be magenta? Go ahead - you're the master of your own photographic universe now!
5. lighten up
You can't completely rebuild the lighting in a photograph without making it look fake. But you can significantly lighten or darken certain areas of your photo with electronic "dodging" and "burning" tools. You can correct glares or remove distracting dark areas in the background. Or what the heck - go ahead and make it look fake. A little surrealism never hurt anyone.
6. blurring for clarity
Yes, you really can achieve clarity through blurriness. This technique is fun - a funky alternative to cropping. Eliminate distracting clutter by feathering or motion-blurring the area around your subject. For example, do you have a photo of your puppy, but other dogs in the picture aren't as adorable as yours (of course)? Just blur those other pups out of focus. It's a great way to add interest and guide the viewer's eye toward your subject!
7. sharpen up
Many people believe you can focus an out-of-focus image with software. Not true. But you can sharpen the photo. Devices such as scanners and digital cameras cause some loss in the resolution of an original image, and sharpening filters can correct this. They alter the pixels at the edges of objects by lightening the lighter pixels and darkening the darker pixels to create the illusion of contrast.
But you must use your new sharpening power wisely. Don't sharpen everything. Wholesale sharpening of an image often leads to grainy-looking photos, so only sharpen what you need to. You may want to sharpen someone's eyes, for example, but not the pores on their face.
graphic design programs
Now that we've whetted your appetite for photo-editing possibilities, let's look your software options. There are so many programs to choose from that it can be a dizzying experience. Don't panic; stop, breathe, and think about what you really need.
Some are basic programs that allow you to crop a photo and change brightness, contrast and colour balance. More sophisticated programs - like Adobe PhotoShop - let you edit every pixel. Many casual users find themselves way over their heads with some of the top-end professional graphics programs currently available. There are less expensive programs that give you almost as much editing power, including PaintShop Pro and Adobe PhotoDeluxe.
With some applications, editing is just the beginning. If you're interested in artistic photo projects - albums, collages, calendars, announcements - check out Microsoft's Picture It, LivePicture's LivePix, Broderbund PrintShop, DogByte's Frame-It, and similar programs.
Also, be on the lookout for software when you buy photo equipment. HP often bundles software with its products, so you're all ready to go when you open the box.
The Graphics Software Guide from ZDNET is a really helpful overview of what's on the market. Check it out by clicking on Reviews, then Graphics Software.
what's next
Some things never change, even in the digital world. As long as photographers have been taking pictures, there is one thing that they have always wanted: high-quality prints. Next time we'll show you how to boost your printing prowess, including tips on papers, printers, techniques, and more.
