Content starts here
Photo editing fundamentals |
|
|
|
There are two basic rules for photo editing:
-
Do as little as possible to get the picture you want. Why? Because every edit takes digital information
away from the image file-the actual pixels that make up your photo. This isn't a big deal if you're going
to e-mail pictures or post them to a website. But if you want to print your favorite shots, try to retain
as much of the original as possible.
-
Always edit a copy of the picture. That way, if you don't like the changes, you still have the original.
|
How to look at a photo with a critical eye |
|
Sometimes blur is atmospheric, as in this early morning photo of Paris.
|
|
Look at these elements to decide what to keep, what to delete, and what to edit:
-
Clarity: Is it blurry? Clear? Can you tell what the subject is? You can sharpen
the focus using editing software. But blur isn't always bad. Sometimes it lends an atmosphere to a picture
that appeals to you. You'll know by how it makes you feel.
-
Emotion and expression: Does the picture communicate a feeling you like? Are
the faces expressive? If so, crop out the distracting parts, and focus on what you like.
-
Exposure and colour: You can adjust underexposed (not enough light) or overexposed
(too much light) pictures with editing software, but only so much. The same holds true for colours.
-
Tilt: Is your photo tilted or level? This too can be adjusted, though an
unusual angle can lend a fresh perspective to some photos.
|
Try it: Evaluate this picture |
|
|
|
Let's look closely at this birthday picture. It's tilted, washed out, and blurry. At first glance, you might
delete it.
Yet it has a nice emotional quality that makes it a good candidate for editing. But where to start?
|
Make it level |
|
|
|
Start by rotating the image until it's level. This will help you evaluate the picture's different elements.
Notice how the boy is now looking up instead of down.
|
Crop to emphasize what you want |
|
|
|
Notice the little boy's face. His expression is alert and excited, in awe of what's going on around him. If you
crop out the other elements, it would make a great portrait.
So use your crop tool to grab the part of the photo you want.
|
Sharpen the focus |
|
|
|
Now that you've cropped the photo, the next step is to improve its clarity. Depending on the software you use,
select your Enhance or Sharpen tool.
|
Improve the colour |
|
|
|
The next step in editing this photo is to boost the colour saturation of the picture. To do this, use your
Enhance tool, or adjust saturation separately if your software allows.
With a little editing, the best from a photo can be highlighted and preserved.
|
Get editing software |
|
Digital editing gives you flexible tools for saving flawed photos.
|
|
For simple digital photo editing, HP Photosmart
Essential is a great, intuitive tool. And, what's more, it's a free
download. Photosmart Essential handles basic
editing tasks and will show you what's possible with digital editing.
Adobe Photoshop Elements offers a few more tools to let you get more advanced
edits. Learn how to choose
the right digital photo editing software that's right for you.
|
More photo editing tips |
|
Red-eye removal can turn a casual photograph into a beautiful portrait.
|
|
There are lots of resources for learning more
about photo editing. Visit our Photo
editing page for more options.
Tip: Many HP cameras include industry-leading technology for removing
red-eye right
in the camera.
|
Recommended products |
|
After taking the time to edit your photos, don't forget to print them! Learn
about HP photo printers and get tips for buying with the HP
photo printer buying guide.
Learn more |
|
|
|
Award-winning support |
|
|
|
Related links |
|
|
|
Del.icio.us
Digg
Magnolia