#How to fix blemishes in Photoshop

[sirfrogsworth]

Peter McKinnon did a video with a photographer named Garrett King. And he just went on a very long rant about lazy photographers who use Photoshop and "fixing it in post."

He continues... "You can't do that in film. You can't just make a bad decision and say "Oh, I'll fix it in post." (Not true. There was plenty of editing in dark rooms in the past. And now you can scan a film photo and literally manipulate it like a digital photo.) Fix it in post drives me nuts. That statement is so played out. It drives me nuts that people say that. Cuz dude, I don't work that way."

He also says that choosing film is the "hard path" and keeps talking about how lazy photographers who photoshop are.

I love film photography. I have an old Minolta that my mom gave me that I hope to restore and use someday.

But film photographers drive *me* nuts sometimes.

IT'S NOT A COMPETITION!

BOTH THINGS ARE COOL!

This idea that their way of making art is more valid or authentic than my way of making art is just a continuation of an old school mentality that really needs to die. There are still some photographers who will bully people because they use autofocus or aperture priority mode.

I actually think learning to be really good at Photoshop is much more challenging than learning to be good at photography. Sure, there are fields like photographic microscopy and product photography that require years to master, but I've been learning Photoshop for 20 years and I feel like I have barely scratched the surface of what is possible.

I have seen people with near 0 experience take an amazing picture.

I have seen people who barely know how their camera works take consistently good photos. It's the "using only power chords" version of photography.

But I have never seen someone with 0 experience photoshop something artistically impressive.

When people say "that looks Photoshopped" as if that is an insult, it really breaks my heart. Photoshop was a huge reason for my success. My ability to lay in bed and make funny things was essential to building my blog.

My post on Karl Taylor's Clinque photoshoot had so many comments saying his work "looked photoshopped" and it was a little frustrating.

Firstly because he actually sculpts with light and isn't actually very good at Photoshop. When he takes a picture, it pretty much looks like that from the start. The rest is just minor compositing work and blemish removal.

And secondly, because that kind of product photography predates Photoshop. Karl was doing this when Photoshop was just a baby.

In fact, still life photography was inspired by Dutch paintings of fruit and shit.

They were all, "I cannot stand sitting with another yappy model for days on end. I'm sick of people. I'm just going to paint *stuff* but with really amazing lighting."

But it is also frustrating because there is this mentality that digital tools are lesser. As if digital artists just press a few buttons and cheat-code their way into good images.

It's the same mentality people have about CGI. CG artists are the modern day sculpturists. They do the same thing as Michaelangelo or Rodin, just with different tools and in a different medium. Oh, but they also animate their sculptures in thousands of frames in multiple dynamic lighting environments all while maintaining photorealism.

To me, Thanos is just as artistically impressive as the statue of David or The Thinker.

Blair Bunting is a very talented photographer who mixes incredible photographic technique and lighting with his amazing photo manipulation skills.

And while these photos may not be as "authentic" as that film photographer's picture of a dude sitting on a truck...

I can assure you no laziness was involved in Blair's process.

Also, I really didn't want to bring up disability. But it is really difficult for me to do the physical process of photography. Sometimes I do not have the energy to get the perfect "in camera" exposure. Sometimes I won't even check my settings and I will snap a picture knowing that I can make it cool with editing. I just look at the histogram, make sure the data I need is there, and do the rest on my computer.

During my adventure to photograph a bridge in Alton, I was only able to take 6 photos. Usually I will take hundreds in a session. My fatigue got the better of me and I nearly had to go to the hospital after walking up a hill. (I was having a bad day. I'm better now.) I didn't get the photos I wanted to get. And on the way down that hill, as I was out of breath, I pulled out my phone and tried to snap a pic of something cool I saw in front of me. The phone had been set 2 stops underexposed from a previous shot and so the picture was pretty much all in shadow. And because I was walking super slow, I had just missed the sun over the horizon.

But it's a RAW file. And I knew I could probably do something with it. I could "fix it in post." Not because I was being lazy. Mostly because I was trying not to hyperventilate. Apparently, my body can't handle slight inclines any longer.

And this is what I came up with.

I'm not saying this is an amazing photo. And it would have been really cool if I hadn't missed the sun. But this is what my eyes saw as I came down the hill and I was able to recreate that with digital tools.

I think that is pretty cool.

[charlena-blog]

Photo Editing

Introduction to Photo Editing

Photo editing has become an essential part of modern photography, enabling photographers and hobbyists to enhance their images and bring out the best in their shots. Whether you're a professional photographer, a social media influencer, or just someone who enjoys taking pictures, understanding the fundamentals of photo editing can dramatically improve the quality of your photos. This comprehensive guide will explore various aspects of photo editing from basic adjustments to advanced techniques, providing you with the knowledge to create stunning images.

The Importance of Photo Editing

In the digital age, capturing a great photo is only half the battle. Even the best cameras can produce images that need a little tweaking to reach their full potential. Factors like lighting, color balance, and composition often require post-processing to ensure that the image looks as vibrant and professional as possible.

Enhance Colors and Lighting: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos more visually appealing.

Correct Imperfections: Remove blemishes, correct red-eye, and fix other flaws that detract from the image.

Alter Composition: Crop, straighten, and reframe images to improve their composition.

Create Artistic Effects: Apply filters, overlays, and textures to give your photos a unique, creative look.

Before diving into specific editing techniques, it's essential to understand the tools at your disposal. Various photo editing software options range from beginner-friendly apps to professional-grade programs.

Popular Photo Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop:

Overview: The industry standard for photo editing, offering a vast array of tools for everything from basic adjustments to complex image manipulation.

Key Features: Layers, masks, advanced retouching tools, and support for plugins.

Best For: Professionals and serious hobbyists who need advanced features and flexibility.

Adobe Lightroom:

Overview: A powerful tool designed for organizing and editing large collections of photos.

Key Features: Non-destructive editing, presets, and robust organizational tools.

Best For: Photographers who need to manage and process large numbers of images.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program):

Overview: A free, open-source alternative to Photoshop.

Key Features: Comprehensive tools for editing and manipulating images, supports layers and plugins.

Best For: Users who need advanced editing features without the cost.

Affinity Photo:

Overview: A budget-friendly alternative to Photoshop, offering many of the same features.

Key Features: High-end photo editing tools, RAW editing, and a user-friendly interface.

Best For: Photographers who want professional-level tools at an affordable price.

Canva:

Overview: A user-friendly online platform for basic photo editing and graphic design.

Key Features: Drag-and-drop interface, templates, and basic editing tools.

Best For: Beginners and casual users looking for quick edits and design work.

Basic Photo Editing Techniques

Once you've chosen your editing software, it's time to start enhancing your photos. Here are some basic techniques that form the foundation of photo editing.

Cropping and Straightening:

Purpose: Improve composition by removing unnecessary elements and straightening horizons.

How-To: Use the crop tool to trim the edges of your photo. Many tools also offer a grid overlay to help you straighten the image by aligning key elements with the grid lines.

Adjusting Exposure:

Purpose: Correct the overall brightness of your image.

How-To: Use the exposure slider to increase or decrease the brightness. Be careful not to overexpose (too bright) or underexpose (too dark) your image.

Contrast and Brightness:

Purpose: Enhance the difference between the light and dark areas of your photo, making it more dynamic.

How-To: Adjust the contrast slider to increase or decrease the difference between shadows and highlights. Use the brightness slider to fine-tune the overall lightness of the image.

Color Correction:

Purpose: Ensure that the colors in your photo are accurate and appealing.

How-To: Use the white balance tool to correct any color cast (e.g., too warm or too cool). Adjust saturation and vibrance to enhance colors without oversaturating them.

Sharpening:

Purpose: Enhance the clarity of your image by making edges appear more defined.

How-To: Apply the sharpening tool carefully to avoid creating a grainy or unnatural look. Focus on areas that need more definition, like eyes in a portrait or the edges of objects in landscapes.

Noise Reduction:

Purpose: Minimize graininess or “noise,” particularly in low-light photos.

How-To: Use the noise reduction slider to smooth out the grain, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can lead to a loss of detail.

Advanced Photo Editing Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced techniques to take your photo editing to the next level.

1. Layering and Masking:

Purpose: Allows you to make non-destructive edits, combine multiple images, and apply adjustments selectively.

How-To: Use layers to separate different elements of your photo (e.g., background, subject) and apply masks to control where adjustments are applied. This technique is powerful for compositing images or making complex adjustments.

2. Dodging and Burning:

Purpose: Enhance or darken specific areas of your photo to add depth and focus.

How-To: The dodge tool lightens areas of your photo, while the burn tool darkens them. Use these tools selectively to draw attention to key parts of your image or to create a more balanced exposure.

3. Cloning and Healing:

Purpose: Remove unwanted elements or imperfections from your photo.

How-To: The clone stamp tool allows you to copy pixels from one part of your image to another, effectively “erasing” unwanted objects. The healing brush works similarly but blends the copied area with the surrounding pixels for a more natural look.

4. Advanced Color Grading:

Purpose: Apply a specific mood or aesthetic to your photo through color adjustments.

How-To: Use curves, selective color, or split toning to fine-tune the colors in your image. This technique is often used in cinematic photography to create a specific atmosphere.

5. Working with RAW Files:

Purpose: RAW files contain more data than JPEGs, giving you greater flexibility in editing.

How-To: Open RAW files in a program like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. From there, you can adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings with minimal loss of quality. RAW editing is essential for professional photographers who need the highest quality results.

Creative Photo Editing

Beyond enhancing and correcting photos, editing can also be used creatively to produce artistic images. This involves thinking outside the box and using various tools and techniques to transform your photos in unique ways.

1. Applying Filters and Presets:

Purpose: Quickly change the look and feel of your photo.

How-To: Many editing programs come with built-in filters and presets. These are pre-defined adjustments that can dramatically alter the appearance of your image. You can also create your own presets for a consistent style across multiple photos.

2. Adding Textures and Overlays:

Purpose: Enhance your photos with additional visual elements.

How-To: Apply textures (like grunge, paper, or fabric) as an overlay to add depth and interest to your photo. You can also use light leaks, lens flares, or bokeh effects to create a specific mood.

3. Photo Manipulation:

Purpose: Combine multiple images or elements to create a surreal or fantasy composition.

How-To: Use techniques like compositing, where you blend multiple images, or digital painting, where you paint directly onto your photo. This requires a good understanding of layers, masking, and perspective to achieve a believable result.

4. Black and White Conversion:

Purpose: Create timeless, classic images by converting color photos to black and white.

How-To: Use the black and white adjustment layer or desaturation tool to remove color from your image. You can then adjust the contrast and apply filters to enhance the tonal range and bring out details.

Tips for Effective Photo Editing

Work Non-Destructively:

Always use layers, masks, and adjustment layers to ensure that your original image remains untouched. This allows you to experiment and make changes without permanently altering your photo.

Use Shortcuts:

Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts in your editing software. This will speed up your workflow and make the editing process more efficient.

Keep It Natural:

While it's tempting to push adjustments to the extreme, subtlety is often more effective. Aim to enhance your photos without making them look overly edited.

Learn from Others:

Study the work of professional photographers and editors. Tutorials, online courses, and forums are valuable resources for learning new techniques and improving your skills.

Practice Regularly:

The more you edit, the better you'll become. Experiment with different styles and techniques to develop your unique editing style.

The Future of Photo Editing

Photo editing technology is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in software and artificial intelligence (AI). Here’s a glimpse of what the future holds:

1. AI-Powered Editing:

AI is making photo editing faster and more accessible. Tools like Adobe's Sensei and Laminar AI can automatically enhance photos, suggest edits, and even retouch portraits with a single click. As AI technology advances, we can expect more intuitive and powerful editing tools.

2. Augmented Reality (AR) in Editing:

AR is starting to influence photo editing, allowing users to visualize edits in real-time or apply effects that interact with the environment. This technology could lead to new creative possibilities and more immersive editing experiences.

3. Mobile Editing:

With the increasing power of smartphones, mobile editing apps are becoming more sophisticated. Professionals and amateurs alike are turning to mobile apps like Adobe Lightroom Mobile and Snapseed for on-the-go editing. The convenience and accessibility of mobile editing will continue to grow.

4. Collaborative Editing:

As cloud-based tools become more prevalent, collaborative editing is becoming easier. Multiple users can work on the same project simultaneously, whether they are in the same room or across the globe. This is particularly useful for professional teams and creative agencies.

The Importance of Photo Editing

In the digital age, capturing a great photo is only half the battle. Even the best cameras can produce images that need some tweaking to reach their full potential, and post-processing is often required in elements such as lighting, color balance and composition  to make your images look as vibrant and professional as possible.

Enhance Colors and Lighting: Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation to make your photos more visually appealing.

Correct Imperfections: Remove blemishes, correct red-eye, and fix other flaws that detract from the image.

Alter Composition: Crop, straighten, and reframe images to improve their composition.

Create Artistic Effects: Apply filters, overlays, and textures to give your photos a unique, creative look.

Before diving into specific editing techniques, it's important to become familiar with the tools available to you. Various photo editing software options range from beginner-friendly apps to professional-grade programs.

Popular Photo Editing Software

Adobe Photoshop:

Overview: The industry standard for photo editing, offering a vast array of tools for everything from basic adjustments to complex image manipulation.

Key Features: Layers, masks, advanced retouching tools, and support for plugins.

Best For: Professionals and serious hobbyists who need advanced features and flexibility.

Adobe Lightroom:

Summary: A powerful tool  for organizing and editing large photo collections.

Key Features: Non-destructive editing, presets, and robust organizational tools.

Best For: Photographers who need to manage and process large numbers of images.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program):

Overview: A free, open-source alternative to Photoshop.

Main features: Comprehensive tools for image editing and manipulation, support for layers and plugins.

Best For: Users who need advanced editing features without the cost.

Affinity Photo:

Overview: A budget-friendly alternative to Photoshop, offering many of the same features.

Key Features: High-end photo editing tools, RAW editing, and a user-friendly interface.

Best For: Photographers who want professional-level tools at an affordable price.

Canva:

Overview: A user-friendly online platform for basic photo editing and graphic design.

Key Features: Drag-and-drop interface, templates, and basic editing tools.

Best For: Beginners and casual users looking for quick edits and design work.

Once you've chosen your editing software, you're ready to start enhancing your photos. Here are some basic techniques to help you start editing your photos.

Cropping and Straightening:

Purpose: Improve composition by removing unnecessary elements and straightening horizons.

How-To: Use the crop tool to trim the edges of your photo. Many tools also offer a grid overlay to help you straighten the image by aligning key elements with the grid lines.

Adjusting Exposure:

Purpose: Correct the overall brightness of your image.

How-To: Use the exposure slider to increase or decrease the brightness. Be careful not to overexpose (too bright) or underexpose (too dark) your images.

Contrast and Brightness:

Purpose: Enhance the difference between the light and dark areas of your photo, making it more dynamic.

How-To: Adjust the contrast slider to increase or decrease the difference between shadows and highlights. Use the Brightness slider to optimize the overall brightness of your image.

Color Correction:

Purpose: Ensure that the colors in your photo are accurate and appealing.

How-To: Use the white balance tool to correct any color cast (e.g., too warm or too cool). Adjust saturation and vibrance to enhance colors without oversaturating them.

Sharpening:

Purpose: Enhance the clarity of your image by making edges appear more defined.

How-To: Apply the sharpening tool carefully to avoid creating a grainy or unnatural look. Focus on areas that need more definition, such as eyes in a portrait or the edges of objects in a landscape.

Noise Reduction:

Purpose: Minimize graininess or “noise,” particularly in low-light photos.

How to: Use the Noise Reduction slider to smooth out  grain, but be careful not to overdo it as this can result in loss of detail.

Advanced Photo Editing Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced techniques to take your photo editing to the next level.

1. Layering and Masking:

Purpose: Allows you to make non-destructive edits, combine multiple images, and apply adjustments selectively.

How-To: Use layers to separate different elements of your photo (e.g., background, subject) and apply masks to control where adjustments are applied. This technique is great for compositing images or making complex adjustments.

2. Dodging and Burning:

Purpose: Enhance or darken specific areas of your photo to add depth and focus.

How-To: The dodge tool lightens areas of your photo, while the burn tool darkens them. Use these tools selectively to draw attention to key parts of your image or to create a more balanced exposure.

3. Cloning and Healing:

Purpose: Remove unwanted elements or imperfections from your photo.

How-To: The clone stamp tool allows you to copy pixels from one part of your image to another, effectively “erasing” unwanted objects. The healing brush works similarly but blends the copied area with the surrounding pixels for a more natural look.

4. Advanced Color Grading:

Purpose: Apply a specific mood or aesthetic to your photo through color adjustments.

How-To: Use curves, selective color, or split toning to fine-tune the colors in your image. This technique is often used in film photography to create a particular atmosphere.

5. Working with RAW Files:

Purpose: RAW files contain more data than JPEGs, giving you greater flexibility in editing.

How-To: Open RAW files in a program like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. From there, you can adjust exposure, white balance and other settings with minimal loss of quality. RAW editing is essential for professional photographers looking for the highest quality results.

Creative Photo Editing

Beyond enhancing and correcting photos, editing can also be used creatively to produce artistic images. It's all about thinking outside the box and using different tools and techniques to transform your photos in a unique way.

1. Applying Filters and Presets:

Purpose: Quickly change the look and feel of your photo.

How-To: Many editing programs come with built-in filters and presets. These are predefined adjustments that can drastically change the look of your image. You can also create your own presets to create a consistent style across multiple photos.

2. Adding Textures and Overlays:

Purpose: Enhance your photos with additional visual elements.

How-To: Apply textures (like grunge, paper, or fabric) as an overlay to add depth and interest to your photo. You can also use light leaks, lens flares, or bokeh effects to create a specific mood.

3. Photo Manipulation:

Purpose: Combine multiple images or elements to create a surreal or fantasy composition.

How-To: Use techniques like compositing, where you blend multiple images, or digital painting, where you paint directly onto your photo. This requires a good understanding of layers, masking, and perspective to achieve a believable result.

4. Black and White Conversion:

Purpose: Create timeless, classic images by converting color photos to black and white.

How-To: Use the black and white adjustment layer or desaturation tool to remove color from your image. You can then adjust the contrast and apply filters to enhance the tonal range and bring out details.

Conclusion

Image editing is an essential skill in today's visually driven world. Whether you want to fix small mistakes or create stunning visual art, image editing tools and techniques offer endless possibilities. By understanding the basics and exploring advanced techniques, you can turn your photos into something truly stunning.  Remember, image editing is both a science and an art. It requires technical knowledge, creativity and practice. With the right tools and the willingness to keep learning, you can master photo editing and realize your creative vision. Whether you're enhancing snapshots for social media or creating a professional portfolio, photo editing is  key to making your images stand out in a crowded digital environment.  Photo editing has become an essential part of modern photography, allowing photographers and amateurs alike to enhance their images and get the most out of them. Whether you're a professional photographer, a social media influencer, or simply someone who enjoys photography, understanding the basics of photo editing can greatly improve the quality of your photos. This comprehensive guide will explain the various aspects of photo editing, from basic adjustments to advanced techniques, giving you  the knowledge to create amazing images.

[photoeditorph1]

Retouching for Realism: How to Enhance Without Overdoing

Introduction

In the world of photo retouching, the challenge is often to enhance images while maintaining a sense of realism. Over-editing can result in unnatural photos that lose their authentic charm. This blog post will guide you through techniques for retouching your photos to achieve a natural, realistic look without overdoing it.

Understanding Realistic Retouching

1. The Goal of Retouching

Enhancement, Not Transformation: The aim is to improve the image while preserving its original qualities.

Subtlety is Key: Small, subtle adjustments can often have the most significant impact.

2. Identifying Key Areas for Improvement

Blemishes and Imperfections: Focus on removing temporary blemishes rather than permanent features.

Lighting and Color: Enhance lighting and color to make the photo more appealing without altering the scene.

Techniques for Realistic Retouching

1. Skin Retouching

Frequency Separation: This technique allows you to work on skin texture and tone separately, smoothing the skin without losing detail.

Healing Brush and Clone Stamp: Use these tools to remove blemishes while preserving skin texture.

2. Color Correction

White Balance: Adjust the white balance to ensure accurate colors. Natural light often results in more realistic skin tones.

Selective Color Adjustments: Use selective color adjustments to enhance specific areas without affecting the entire image.

3. Dodging and Burning

Add Depth and Dimension: Use dodge and burn tools to lighten and darken areas, creating depth and enhancing natural contours.

Subtle Application: Apply dodging and burning subtly to avoid unnatural shadows or highlights.

Tools for Realistic Retouching

1. Adobe Photoshop

Adjustment Layers: Use adjustment layers for non-destructive edits, allowing you to tweak settings as needed.

Layer Masks: Layer masks enable you to apply adjustments to specific areas without affecting the whole image.

2. Adobe Lightroom

Local Adjustments: Use the Adjustment Brush, Graduated Filter, and Radial Filter for localized edits.

Profile Corrections: Apply lens corrections to fix distortion and vignetting, maintaining the natural look of the photo.

Avoiding Over-Retouching

1. Regularly Compare with the Original

Before and After Views: Regularly compare your retouched photo with the original to ensure you’re not overdoing it.

Zoom In and Out: Zoom in for detail work but zoom out to see the overall effect and maintain balance.

2. Use Light Touches

Low Opacity and Flow: Use tools at low opacity and flow settings to build up effects gradually.

Multiple Layers: Use multiple layers for different adjustments, allowing you to fine-tune each one independently.

Examples of Realistic Retouching

1. Portraits

Natural Skin: Remove temporary blemishes, soften wrinkles slightly, and enhance eyes and lips without creating an unrealistic look.

Background Enhancement: Clean up the background while keeping it natural and unobtrusive.

2. Landscapes

Color Enhancements: Boost colors to make the scene more vibrant without altering the natural hues.

Detail Enhancement: Sharpen details like foliage and rocks subtly to maintain a natural look.

Conclusion

Retouching for realism involves enhancing photos in a way that preserves their natural beauty and authenticity. By focusing on subtle adjustments and using tools like frequency separation, color correction, and dodging and burning, you can improve your images without overdoing it. Regularly comparing your work with the original and using light touches will help you achieve stunning, realistic results that captivate viewers while maintaining the photo’s true essence.

[infohasinaph]

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Reduce jaundice and redness

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[reincarnatedonthefirst]

I’m having fun with AI again in Photoshop. I took a photo of myself, standing on my back porch, and used AI to make it look as if I was standing at a rooftop pool somewhere in Los Angeles. I also learned how to use AI to fix small blemishes in the photo. You’ll see some slight inconsistencies if you zoom in, but even so, you still might not be able to tell that it’s AI.

By the way, these AI photos I’ve been mentioning have all been taken for my newest persona.

[dygraphicdesign]

Basic Photo Corrections

In lesson 2, the main objectives were to utilize adobe bridge, crop/ straighten images, fix blemishes, adjust tonal range, replace areas using generative fill, and how to sharpen images.

• Basic Photo Corrections (Pages 42 - 63) Lesson 2

Review Questions

What does resolution mean? Resolution has different meanings based on the medium. For video and electronic displays, resolution means pixel dimensions which is the width and height of an image in pixels. For print, resolution means pixel density or PPI.

What are some ways to use the Crop tool to improve an image? You can use the crop tool to straighten, resize and change the resolution of an image.

How can you adjust the tone and color of an image in Photoshop? You can adjust the one and color of an image in photoshop by using the curves and levels adjustment layers,

How can you instantly create a precise selection of an irregularly shaped object? You can instantly create a precise selection of an irregularly shaped object with the object selection tool.

What tools can you use to remove blemishes in an image? You can use the remove tool, generative fill, and the heeling tools.

What are some ways Generative Fill can help retouch an image?Generative fill can help retouch an image by replacing objects, fill in large areas, and matching the background. It gives you multiple options to choose from.

[official-staylor88]

Photoshop Tutorial #2

1.. What does resolution mean?

Resolution, in digital/video display, refers to pixel dimensions, specifically the height and width of an image in terms of pixels. In regard to print displays, it refers to pixel density (commonly seen as PPI, or pixels per inch)

2. What are some ways to use the Crop tool to improve an image?

The crop tool allows you to fix the total number of pixels an image will display, as well as to edit the height and width of an image to make it printable. The crop tool also allows you to cut out edges and borders by using the edges of the Crop grid on the photo to fix the images to your liking. You can also complete functions such as trimming and straightening (with the Straighten tool) to improve the image.

3. How can you adjust the tone and color of an image in Photoshop?

You can adjust the tone and color of an image through the use of the Curves and Layers functions in the Adjustments panel. Under the Layers function, you can find the White Point tool that allows you to shift the tone of other colors based on the defined “neutral white” found in the photo. 

4. How can you instantly create a precise selection of an irregularly shaped object?

You can use the Object Selection Tool and either pick a highlighted irregular object or create a rectangle around an irregularly shaped object. After drawing the rectangle and releasing your mouse, you tool will capture the object’s irregular shape. 

5. What tools can you use to remove blemishes in an image?

The Remove tool and Generative Fill can remove blemishes.

6. What are some ways Generative Fill can help retouch an image?

You can use Generative Fill to create new objects and scenes in an image, as well as removing unneeded objects from an image more effectively by removing an object and filling in its gap with variations that lets an editor pick the best solution.

[i2vgraphics-blog]

High-End Image Retouching Photoshop Tutorial

Is the next level of picture editing something you're prepared for? In this detailed lesson, we will show you how to use Adobe Photoshop to edit high-quality images. If you're good at photography, graphic design, or digital art, you can use these strategies to make mediocre images look like masterpieces.

Mastering the Art of Professional Image Restoration In order to attain perfect results, high-end image retouching requires painstakingly adjusting and improving each and every part of an image. Creating images of professional quality requires meticulous attention to detail at every stage, from retouching the skin to correcting colors and enhancing details.

First, Prepare Your Images for Import by Sorting Them. Before you can begin editing, make sure your workspace is organized and that you have imported your image into Photoshop. To keep control and flexibility during the process, create distinct layers for each retouching operation. For example, skin retouching, color correction, and detail improvement.

Method No. 2: Skin Retouching Procedures In professional image retouching, getting the skin to look smooth and natural is key. Master the art of flawless skin restoration using tools such as the Healing Brush, Clone Stamp, and Frequency Separation. Say goodbye to wrinkles, blemishes, and imperfections—all while maintaining your skin's natural texture and tone.

Third Step: Improving and Correcting Colors Your photographs' visual appeal can be greatly enhanced by fixing color casts and increasing color vibrancy. To generate realistic and aesthetically pleasing colors that make your pictures pop, try out Photoshop's Color Balance, Hue/Saturation, and Curves tools.

Fourth step is to sharpen and enhance the details. You may make your images look sharper and more defined by focusing on details and sharpening crucial components. Try with several sharpening methods, such High Pass and Sharpening Masks, to bring out details in particular parts of your image, like the hair, eyes, and textures.

Part 5: Making Last Adjustments and Exporting Add finishing touches like vignetting, noise reduction, and selective blurring to your image once you're happy with the retouching tweaks. Finally, be sure the format and resolution you choose when exporting your edited image are suitable for its intended application.

Conclusion You may take your photography and design work to the next level by becoming an expert in Photoshop's high-end image editing features. Producing stunning, thought-provoking photographs is within your reach if you master the basics of retouching, put in the time to practice more advanced techniques, and hone your workflow.

Whether you're working with portraits, landscapes, or product photography, this article will teach you how to use Photoshop to its full potential and produce breathtaking results.

[clippingpathhouse]

Photo Editing Jobs: Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful Career in Image Manipulation

Are you artistic, creative, and technologically savvy? Do you have an eye for detail and an intrinsic sense of composition? If so, the world of photo editing jobs may be calling out to you! In this era where visual content is king, photo editing has become an invaluable skill. Brands, marketing agencies, photographers, publishers - you name it; they all rely on talented photo editors to enhance their images and bring their vision to life. This guide is all about launching your successful journey in photo editing. Buckle up my friend, because I’m about to spill all the tea on how to break into this colorful world and thrive.

What are Photo Editing Jobs?

Let’s hit the basics first. Photo editing jobs, in our curiously wonderful digital world, entail manipulating or modifying photos to improve their aesthetic appeal or to convey something different. It’s a large umbrella term that covers all the processes for modifying images, whether they be digital photographs, traditional analog photographs (think the good old film) or illustrations. They range from jobs as simple as swiping a filter on a beach photo to the in-depth work of a forensic photo analysis expert – yes, that’s a thing. And you thought photo editors just 'grammed all day!

Decoding the Various Types of Photo Editing Jobs

Now don’t you go thinking photo editing jobs are a one-size-fits-all! The beauty of this field is in its vast variation. Let's dissect these a bit, shall we? • Photo Retoucher: A photo retoucher's job is to make photos look as pretty as a prom queen. They fix blemishes, color correct images, and work their magic to ensure everyone in the photo looks their best. • Image Analyst: Image analysts are to photos what Sherlock Holmes is to crime scenes. They use their skills to understand and interpret images, often in fields like medicine or surveillance. • Forensic Photo Editor: These guys use their tech prowess to help law enforcement. They refine pictures to uncover details unnoticed by the naked eye. Aha, pretty eye-opening, isn't it?

Key Skills Required for Successful Photo Editing Jobs

Wondering what tools you need in your skill shed for photo editing jobs? The right combination of technical know-how, creativity, and people skills is your ticket to success. Here's what you need:

Attention to Detail It's all about the little things - like how removing a stray hair strand can make a world of difference to a portrait shot. In this game, picky is actually a good thing!

Technical Expertise Understanding software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom? The holy grail, my friends. The more familiar you are with these tools, the closer you are to becoming a photo editing maestro.

Creativity & Style A job in photo editing isn't just about understanding pixels and hues. It's about creating magic, one image at a time. Your unique style and imaginative vision is what sets you apart.

Communication Skills Wait, do I have to talk to people? I hear you asking. The answer is a big fat YES. Collaborating with clients and understanding their vision is key to delivering top-notch work.

Steps to Break into Photo Editing Jobs

"But how do I get started?", I hear your keyboard typing. Well, the road to photo editing glory isn't paved with fluffy clouds. You've got to work for it, and here's how:

Master the Software: Get up close and personal with editing software. You and them? You're about to become BFFs.

Build a Portfolio: You've got to show it if you know it. Compile a portfolio of your best work – this will become your golden ticket.

Start Networking: Connect with photographers, join online communities and make your budding skills known!

Top Platforms to Find Photo Editing Jobs

"But where do I find work?" – Stop. I've got you covered. Here are some platforms where you can snag photo editing gigs:

UpWork: With thousands of job postings, UpWork is one hot spot for all sorts of freelance photo editing jobs.

Fiverr: Another popular platform, especially good for beginners trying to find their footing.

Indeed: More for the full-time job seekers, Indeed has a plethora of companies looking for skilled photo editors just like you!

Tips for Standing Out in Photo Editing Jobs

The competition not making this easy for you? Let’s look at some tips to become the MVP in this match:

Never Stop Learning: New software updates, techniques, trends are part of this ever-evolving field. Become friends with learning (coffee, unite!).

Be Adaptable: Can handle all styles of editing? Different clients, different needs. Adaptability is a strong skill in this job.

Ensuring Long-Term Success in Photo Editing Jobs

Time for some real-talk. A successful career in photo editing isn’t just about hitting the home-runs in the beginning. It’s about staying in the game for the long haul. You do this by consistently providing quality work, broadening your skills, and nurturing good client relationships. Remember – in a field that’s constantly advancing, your hunger for learning keeps you alive and kicking.

Conclusion

The world of photo editing jobs is dynamic, exciting, and full of opportunities for those with creativity, technical prowess, and a keen eye for beauty. Whether you're a budding photo editor or an experienced professional looking to pivot careers, this comprehensive guide can serve as your roadmap to success. Remember, in the realm of photo editing, your skills and creativity are your greatest assets. Hone them, showcase them, and watch as the opportunities roll in. Consider mastering image masking techniques to add an extra layer of sophistication to your work and stand out from the competition.

As you navigate your journey in the world of photo editing jobs, we would love to hear about your experiences, revelations, and success stories. Feel free to share them in the comments section below. And remember, keep those creative juices flowing and keep exploring the wonderful world of photo editing.

Photo Editing Jobs: Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful Career in Image Manipulation

Published By:

Clipping Path House - CPH Graphics Media

You may read CPH author's another post: Gimp vs Photoshop: A Beginners Guide to Deciding The Right Tool For You

[k00289234]

Adobe Workshop

Today I did the Adobe photoshop workshop with Paul Gardiner. We first took an image of an apple with a blank background to test out the different tools on. We were able to make the apple different colours, remove parts of it, fix blemishes, and make it have two stems instead of one.

We then made a colour palette out of an image. I chose a picture of a forest because I liked the variations of greens and yellows. I chose one row of pixels horizontally across the image and stretched them out to make a palette.

We were then shown how to combine that palette with text, using our names. We did this by using a big font and outlining it, then replacing the font colour with the image we wanted to use.

We then created a video of a rocket using photoshop. We first made the background of a green planet in the foreground and the moon in the background. We drew the rocket on a separate layer and then kept duplicating the layers to position it in a different place and make it fly over to the moon.

We also had to turn the rocket and start shrinking it a little bit in every layer to give the perspective. I found it difficult to make but I spent some more time on it after the workshop and I'm happy with how it turned out.

[thefrogman]

Image processing is an important skill to learn for photography. It is essentially the digital equivalent of developing a negative with film.

Not to be confused with image editing and image manipulation—which are also fun artistic skills you can learn if you want to get even more creative with your photos.

(Disclaimer: These are not standardized terms and different folks may use different terms and definitions to describe the same things. This is my preferred terminology and way of thinking about photo alteration tactics.)

Image processing is basically cropping, correcting exposure, adjusting the white balance, dialing in the contrast, and making sure you have true blacks and whites that span the entire histogram. You are taking the flat, low contrast RAW file (or JPEG/HEIF) and balancing all of the data to look similar to what your eyeballs saw when you took the picture. This can also include fixing minor blemishes, sensor dust, or schmutz/hair on clothing. Processing is typiclly done non-destructively in a RAW editor, so all alterations are changed in the metadata instead of changing the actual pixel information. You can undo any single change at any time without undoing anything else. When processing is complete, this can be your finished photo or a good baseline for editing.

Image editing would be more creative adjustments. Maybe you want the sky darker and the foreground brighter. You want the colors to pop so you boost the saturation beyond reality. You want to add extra drama so you crush the blacks. Or you want to bring focus to the photo subject so you place a dark vignette around them. You are still working with the data you captured, but you are pushing that data more aggressively beyond what was actually seen in the environment the photo was taken.

And image manipulation (often called photoshopping) is the addition or subtraction of data to/from a photo. Adding brand new pixels or erasing existing pixels to fundamentally change what was originally captured. This is called destructive editing because the changes can't be made only in the metadata. You can use layers and smart objects/filters to make it easier to undo individual changes, but it can be more difficult to undo a single change 20 steps back if you don't take proper precautions. Manipulation can include fixing larger mistakes like a light stand in the frame or flyaway hairs that weren't tamped down. Or compositing two photos together. Maybe swapping in a new head with a better expression. Maybe you need to remove a drunk uncle from a wedding portrait.

Or you can add a sleepy cat to a field of sunflowers.

The lines between these three levels of adjustment can get blurry, but all are valid skills to learn and can take your photography to new places. At minimum, every photographer should learn and understand how to do basic processing of their photos.

Now, you might hear some people say they just do "SOOC" because it is more authentic or naturalistic. They might even brag about how their photography skills are so amazing that no extra work is needed once they press that button.

SOOC stands for "straight out of camera" and it is a horseshit concept.

There is no such thing as an unprocessed photo.

Even with film photography, many professionals would choose special film to get certain looks and use special development techniques to push the photos beyond what was captured. One type of film might give more saturated colors. One type might give extra contrast. Choosing a brand of film was similar to choosing a picture style on your camera or a preset in your editing software. You could also "photoshop" film by dodging and burning—exposing different areas of the negative for longer or shorter time intervals.

It was all processing.

And if you take a digital photo... it is processed.

Even if all you do is hit the shutter button.

Unless you want to post a bunch of green photos on Instagram, you are not posting anything that is SOOC.

That top photo is the Bayer filter result before the data is processed with color information and "picture style" algorithms. A Bayer filter has two green pixels for every red and blue pixel, so the unprocessed version looks heavily tinted green.

So you can either let the algorithm inside your camera process the photo (which is fine), or you can do it manually in software such as Lightroom.

Either way, *something* is choosing the sharpness, contrast, saturation, and tone along with some other variables behind the scenes (sometimes referred to as a camera's "color science").

And if you think letting the robot inside your camera process your photo is somehow more "authentic" than a human being doing it... I feel you have things backward.

"Well, I use the neutral picture profile."

That is still an algorithm, friend.

A tiny robot runs around inside your camera guts and is instructed to not pull any lever, twist any knobs, or flip any switches that go beyond the predetermined 0,2,2,0,0,0 boundaries.

SO NATURAL!

There is nothing stopping you from manually processing your photo using those same boundaries. But when you do it yourself, you can account for variables the algorithm cannot. And a human being can almost always get a more authentic, true-to-life result than that robot playing with your pixels.

The truth is, almost every photo can benefit from some manual adjustments after the fact—even if you are going for a naturalistic result.

If you are happy with how your camera processes your photos, I am not judging or criticizing you. You can still get beautiful photos that way. Post-processing can be extra work and for some, takes away from the fun of photography. That is totally valid. I'm just asking people not brag that photos are more natural or pure or untouched.

Another common parlance in the photo education community is "get it right in camera."

I like this phrase a little better, but I still think it can be improved.

This mantra implies if you choose the proper settings before you take a photo, you will have less work to do later when processing your capture.

There is truth to that. And it is a fine goal to strive for.

But sometimes... shit happens.

People make mistakes. Cameras make mistakes. Or you have a smartphone with a plastic lens and a sensor that can fit on your fingertip and a bright sky and dark foreground is just a lot to ask of it to deal with.

One photo with perfect settings may not have captured that perfect expression that a different photo with botched settings did.

Or sometimes it is literally impossible to "get it right in camera." The environment may be too dark or too bright or both at the same time. Sometimes there are no settings that will get you the perfect exposure.

There is also a stigma against "fix it in post."

There is nothing wrong with fixing it in post. Some people are better at Lightroom/Photoshop than they are at taking photos and they are just leaning into the skill set they have more experience with. I have noticed this a lot with traditional artists that take up photography. It can take a while for their skill levels to match up.

Sometimes I will take a photo a certain way precisely because I know how to fix it in post. I will dramatically underexpose it to make sure I don't blow out the sky. Or I will take a photo that is too dark and another photo that is too bright so I can combine them later.

Or if I do not have time to dial in perfect settings, I will just use an auto mode and deal with whatever the camera gives me when I get to my computer. No shame in auto mode if you don't have the time or energy to do trial and error with manual settings.

And if anyone says "real photographers only shoot manual" you tell them to shut their gob.

In fact, anyone who starts any sentence with, "Real photographers..." is a gatekeeper and should be ignored.

If you take photos with artistic intent on a regular basis, you are a "real" photographer.

No other qualifications necessary.

The only time "fix it in post" is a problem is when your motivation is not in service to the best end result. Sometimes post-processing *is* the best solution. But if you are just procrastinating or you want to pass the buck to another person, you should try your best to summon some willpower and get it done properly.

The original intent of the phrase was to shame people who lazily shift the workload to others but somehow it morphed into meaning any post-processing is cheating or low effort. As if complicated editing is a button-press solution. Best practice would be allocating the labor to where it makes the most sense. You have to determine which approach will give you the desired result.

So if you don't feel like learning the fundamentals and just want to fix everything later rather than educating yourself, that would be a poor photography practice.

Or if you have someone else editing your photos or videos and you don't care how much extra work they'll need to do to "fix" them.

All that said... if "SOOC" and "get it right in camera" are poor expressions, what should the mantra be?

"Get the data you need to achieve your photographic goal." -Froggie

Okay, it's not exactly prose.

In my defense, photographic concepts don't always roll off the tongue.

If you are taking photos with artistic intent, you should always have a goal—an image in your head of the finished result. In the end, cameras are just data collection tools. If you know what you can do to that data and how it can be processed, edited, and manipulated, you can imagine realistic goals before taking a photo. Through practice, trial & error, and experience you will eventually learn methods to get the data you need. The methods used are inconsequential. Whatever works for you. Auto mode, manual mode, botched settings, too bright, too dark... eventually you learn if you have what you need even if it doesn't look right "in camera."

You can look at a photo preview and be like...

"I can recover those highlights"

"I have this great expression but I like the pose better in this photo. I can just move his head to the better photo."

"This will need a cat."

Photography is a minefield of gatekeeping, outdated thoughts, inaccurate expressions, poor understanding of technology, and just... bad advice.

But if you can navigate all of that, it really is a beautiful art form.

Whether you want very natural, true-to-life results...

Or a photo needs just a little help to become what it was always meant to be...

Or you want crazily photoshopped images that look nothing close to reality...

it is all valid and all wonderful.

So go forth, set a goal, and get the data you need.

A while back on a post about a free photography course, a few people wondered if they could use their smartphone to practice.

And hopefully the above shows that you absolutely can.

Sometimes it takes a little post-processing to get good results, but that is the same with any camera. Though phone photos probably take me more than twice as long to achieve a finished product. Better cameras don't automatically make your photos better, but they do make getting good photos *easier*—especially in difficult lighting.

Many modern smartphones have a "RAW" photo mode with adjustable manual settings. Saving a RAW version of your photos allows you to continually learn and practice and return to those photos later on to re-process them with your improved experience.

A RAW capture has a lot more data than a compressed JPEG and gives you extra latitude in processing your photos. All of the editing done to a RAW file is saved in metadata instead of being baked into the pixels. So you can undo any individual change at any time without undoing changes made after that particular edit. And even if you save the file and close the program, you still have the power of undo when you open the file again.

With RAW you can more easily recover extra detail, lift dark shadows, bring back blown highlights, and restore color to blue skies that photographed pure white. (Often you can do that with a JPEG too, it just depends on the photo.)

The main downsides to JPEG editing are you can't non-destructively change the white balance after the fact, you have less dynamic range to alter shadows and highlights, and you can't make as many drastic edits before the image loses integrity.

A wise man once said, "The best camera is the one you have with you."

And a wise frog once said, "Shoot RAW and learn Lightroom because a human being can still outperform the algorithms of computational photography."

[firstclippingpath]

How to make a picture look professional in Photoshop

Are you tired of your pictures looking dull and amateurish? Have you ever wondered how some people manage to make their photos look so professional? Well, wonder no more! Photoshop is the answer to all your photography-related prayers. With the right tools and techniques, you can take any ordinary picture and turn it into a piece of art that looks like it was taken by a professional photographer. So if you're ready to up your photography game and make your pictures stand out, keep reading because I'm about to share some invaluable tips on how to make a picture look professional in Photoshop.

Introduction to the topic of making a picture look professional in Photoshop

Introduction to the topic of making a picture look professional in Photoshop: In today's digital age, having high-quality and visually appealing images is essential for various professional purposes. Whether you are a photographer, a graphic designer, a marketer, or simply want to enhance your personal photos, knowing how to make a picture look professional in Photoshop can greatly elevate the overall look and impact of your visuals. This blog post aims to provide you with a step-by-step guide on achieving professional-looking images through the use of Photoshop techniques. From blending modes to adding blur and selectively painting back areas, we will cover various aspects of photo editing to help you create stunning visuals for portraits, landscapes, and other types of photos. So grab your mouse and get ready to unleash your creativity in Photoshop!

Importance of enhancing photos for professional purposes

Enhancing photos for professional purposes is an essential skill in today's digital age. Whether you are a photographer, a graphic designer, or a social media manager, the visual quality of your images can greatly impact the overall professionalism of your work. By taking the time to enhance your photos in Photoshop, you can elevate their quality and make them stand out from the rest. Here are some key reasons why enhancing photos is important for professional purposes: - First impressions: A professionally edited photo immediately captures the viewer's attention and leaves a lasting impression. - Enhancing details: By using Photoshop, you can bring out the smallest details in your photos, making them more visually appealing and engaging. - Consistency: Professional editing ensures a consistent look and feel across your images and helps build a recognizable brand identity. - Correcting imperfections: Photoshop allows you to fix any flaws or imperfections in your photos, such as blemishes, distractions, or lighting issues. - Making a statement: Professionally edited photos can convey a sense of professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail, reflecting positively on your work or brand. In summary, enhancing photos in Photoshop is crucial for creating a professional and polished visual presence. It not only improves the overall quality of your images but also helps in establishing a strong brand identity and making a lasting impression on your audience.

A brief explanation of the different ways to approach photo editing in Photoshop

Photo editing in Photoshop offers a wide range of possibilities when it comes to enhancing the appearance of your pictures. There are several different approaches you can take when editing photos in Photoshop, each with its own unique benefits. Some of these approaches include: 1. Basic Adjustments: This involves making simple adjustments to the exposure, contrast, and color balance of the photo to improve its overall appearance. 2. Retouching: This involves removing imperfections, blemishes, or distractions from the image to create a more polished look. 3. Filters and Effects: Photoshop offers a variety of filters and effects that can be applied to photos, such as adding a vintage or cinematic look, creating a black-and-white image, or applying a specific artistic style. 4. Blending Modes: Photoshop has different blending modes that can be used to combine multiple layers or adjust the opacity of a layer, allowing you to create unique effects and enhance the overall composition of the photo. 5. Advanced Techniques: For those with more experience, advanced techniques such as frequency separation or high-end retouching can be used to achieve professional-grade results. Each of these approaches has its own strengths and can be used depending on the specific photo and the desired outcome. It's important to experiment with different techniques and find the ones that work best for your style and the type of photos you want to edit.

Overview of the Overlay and Soft Light blend modes

The Overlay and Soft Light blend modes greatly contribute to making a picture look professional in Photoshop. - These blend modes allow for subtle adjustments to the lighting and saturation of an image, creating a more polished and balanced look. - The Overlay blend mode intensifies the contrast and color of the photo, while the Soft Light blend mode softens the image and adds a gentle luminosity. - Both options are highly versatile and can be applied to various types of photos, such as portraits, landscapes, and product shots. - Experimenting with these blend modes can dramatically enhance the overall tone and mood of the picture, adding a professional touch to your editing.

The benefits of adding a blur to the photo

Adding a blur to a photo can greatly enhance its overall professional look and feel. Here are the key benefits of incorporating a blur effect in Photoshop: 1. Softens distractions: By blurring the background or certain elements in the photo, you can reduce distractions and draw the viewer's attention to the main subject. This helps to create a more focused and visually pleasing composition. 2. Depth and dimension: Applying a blur can simulate depth of field, creating a sense of depth and dimension in the image. This technique is particularly effective in portrait photography, where a blurred background can make the subject stand out and appear more three-dimensional. 3. Emphasizes emotions: Blurring certain areas of a photo can evoke a sense of mystery or dreaminess, enhancing the emotional impact of the image. It can add a touch of artistry and create a visually captivating atmosphere. 4. Simplifies busy backgrounds: If your photo has a cluttered or busy background, adding a blur can help simplify and declutter the scene, making the subject of the photo pop. This is especially useful for product photography or in situations where you want to highlight a specific element. Remember, adding a blur should be done in moderation and thoughtfully, based on the desired effect and the style of the photo. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect balance between clarity and blurred elements for a professional look.

Steps to Enhance a Photo in Photoshop

Step 1: Duplicate the background layer and change the blend mode One effective way to make a picture look professional in Photoshop is by following a specific set of steps. The first step involves duplicating the background layer and changing the blend mode. This allows for a layer adjustment without affecting the original image. To duplicate the background layer, simply right-click on the layer in the Layers panel and select "Duplicate Layer." Then, choose either the Overlay or Soft Light blend mode from the drop-down menu. The Overlay blend mode adds contrast and vividness to the photo, while the Soft Light blend mode creates a subtle softening effect. Experimenting with both options can help determine which blend mode works best for the specific image. This technique is particularly useful for portraits, landscapes, and other types of photos as it can enhance the overall professional look and feel.

Explanation of how to duplicate the background layer

When it comes to making a picture look professional in Photoshop, one important step is to duplicate the background layer. This allows you to work on a separate layer without compromising the original image. Here's how you can do it: 1. Open your image in Photoshop. 2. In the Layers panel, you'll see the background layer. Right-click on it and select "Duplicate Layer." 3. A dialog box will appear, asking you to name the duplicated layer. You can simply leave it as the default name or give it a more descriptive one. 4. Click on "OK," and you'll now have two layers in the Layers panel – the background layer and the duplicated layer. Duplicating the background layer gives you the flexibility to experiment with different edits and effects while preserving the original image. This way, you can easily compare the changes and revert back if needed.

Instructions on changing the blend mode to either Overlay or Soft Light

One of the key steps in making a picture look professional in Photoshop is changing the blend mode to either Overlay or Soft Light. This can significantly enhance the overall appearance of the image. To do this, follow these simple and user-friendly instructions: 1. Duplicate the background layer: Start by duplicating the background layer of your photo. This will allow you to make changes while preserving the original image. 2. Change the blend mode: Next, select the duplicated layer and change the blend mode to either Overlay or Soft Light. The Overlay blend mode enhances contrast and saturation, while the Soft Light blend mode adds a subtle, soft glow to the photo. By experimenting with these blend modes, you can achieve different effects and find the one that best suits your desired outcome.

Step 2: Add a blur to the photo In Step 2 of making a picture look professional in Photoshop, adding a blur can enhance the overall quality and create a polished look. By utilizing the Gaussian Blur filter, you can control the level of blur to achieve the desired effect. Here's how to do it: - Introduce the Gaussian Blur filter: Explain that this filter allows you to add a soft, out-of-focus effect to the photo. - Find the appropriate amount of blur: Emphasize the importance of finding the right balance. Too much blur can make the image look unnatural, while too little may not have a noticeable effect. - Provide instructions: Guide readers through the process of applying the Gaussian Blur filter to the photo in Photoshop. - Use examples: Show before and after examples to showcase the impact of adding a blur. Include different types of photos, such as portraits or landscapes, to demonstrate its versatility. - Mention other applications: Highlight that this technique can also be used to create depth, emphasize certain subjects, or add a dreamy atmosphere to photos. - Encourage experimentation: Urge readers to practice and experiment with different amounts of blur to develop their own unique style and improve their photo editing skills. Remember, adding a blur to your photos in a natural and subtle way can elevate their overall professionalism and visual appeal.

Introduction to the Gaussian Blur Filter

The Gaussian Blur filter in Photoshop is a powerful tool that can be used to add a professional touch to your photos. By applying a blur effect to certain areas of your image, you can create a sense of depth and focus, drawing the viewer's attention to the most important elements of your composition. This technique works particularly well in portrait photography, where it can help to soften skin imperfections and create a more flattering look. Additionally, the Gaussian Blur filter can also be used in landscape photography to add a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere to your images. By experimenting with different levels of blur, you can achieve various artistic effects and enhance the overall quality of your photos.

Finding the appropriate amount of blur for the desired effect

When it comes to achieving a professional look for your photos in Photoshop, finding the appropriate amount of blur is crucial to achieving the desired effect. Different photos and situations may call for different levels of blur. Here are a few tips to help you determine the perfect amount: 1. Experimentation is key: Every photo is unique, so it's important to experiment with different levels of blur to find the one that enhances your photo while maintaining a natural look. 2. Start with a low blur setting: It's always best to start with a low blur setting and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect. This allows you to maintain control over the final result. 3. Consider the subject and background: The amount of blur should be determined by the subject and the background of the photo. For portraits, a softer blur can be more appealing, while landscapes may benefit from a higher level of blur to create depth and a sense of distance. 4. Keep it subtle: Unless you're intentionally going for a heavily blurred effect, it's generally best to keep the blur subtle. The goal is to enhance the photo and create a professional look, not to overpower the image. By following these simple tips and experimenting with different levels of blur, you can achieve a professional look in your photos that will impress viewers and elevate your photography skills.

Step 3: Paint back selected areas In C. Step 3 of making a picture look professional in Photoshop, you'll learn how to bring back clarity to selected areas of the image. This technique is particularly useful when you want to enhance specific details, such as the eyes and lips in a portrait. To achieve this, you'll start by creating a layer mask, which will allow you to selectively apply the desired adjustments. Using a soft brush and painting with black, you can gradually reveal the areas where you want to bring back clarity. This technique can also be applied to other types of photos, including landscapes, by focusing on highlighting specific elements. By experimenting with this technique, you can truly bring your photos to life and create a more professional and polished look.

Creating a layer mask

Creating a layer mask in Photoshop is a powerful technique that allows for precise editing and control over specific areas of an image. By using a layer mask, you can paint on or off certain parts of the photo without permanently altering the original image. This technique is particularly useful when you want to bring back clarity in selected areas such as the eyes and lips in a portrait or specific details in a landscape. To create a layer mask, follow these steps: 1. Select the layer you want to add a mask to. 2. Click on the "Add Layer Mask" button at the bottom of the Layers panel. 3. You will see a white thumbnail next to the layer thumbnail, indicating the layer mask. 4. Use a soft brush with the black color selected to paint on the mask where you want to hide parts of the image. 5. To reveal parts of the image again, switch to white color and paint on the mask. By using layer masks, you can easily refine and enhance your photos in a natural and non-destructive way, giving you more control over the final result. Experiment with different brush sizes and opacities to achieve the desired effect.

Using a soft brush and painting with black to bring back clarity in specific areas such as eyes and lips

Using a soft brush and painting with black is a brilliant technique that can bring back clarity to specific areas of your photo, such as the eyes and lips. By selectively painting with black on a layer mask, you can reveal the underlying layer and restore focus and detail to these important features. Here's how you can achieve this natural-looking enhancement in Photoshop: 1. Create a layer mask: After duplicating the background layer, add a layer mask to it by clicking on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will allow you to selectively paint on the mask without affecting the original layer. 2. Choose a soft brush: Select a soft-edged brush from the Brush tool options. Adjust the size and opacity according to the area you want to retouch. A larger brush is suitable for broader areas, while a smaller brush is ideal for fine details. 3. Paint with black: Make sure the foreground color is set to black, as this allows you to hide the areas you paint. Start brushing over the eyes and lips, gradually revealing the underlying layer and bringing back clarity. Use gentle strokes and build up the effect gradually for a more natural result. Remember to take your time and zoom in to work on finer details. This technique can be applied to various types of photos, including portraits, landscapes, and still life, to enhance specific areas and create professional-looking results. Don't hesitate to experiment and practice with different brush sizes and opacity levels to achieve the desired effect. Using a soft brush and painting with black is just one of the many ways you can improve your photos in Photoshop. By learning and exploring different editing techniques, you can take your photography skills to new heights. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, practising with Photoshop and experimenting with various tools and features will help you develop your own unique style and create stunning, professional-looking images. Read the full article

[photoeditorph1]

Secrets to Seamless Photo Retouching

Introduction

Photo retouching is an essential skill for photographers and editors alike, transforming good images into great ones by enhancing their visual appeal. Seamless photo retouching involves a delicate balance of correcting imperfections while maintaining the natural look of the subject. This guide unveils the secrets to achieving flawless photo retouching, ensuring your images stand out with professional polish.

1. Start with High-Quality Images

Keyword: photo retouch

The foundation of effective photo retouching is starting with high-quality images. Ensure your photos are well-lit, in focus, and have good composition. High-resolution images provide more detail and flexibility for retouching, allowing for finer adjustments without sacrificing quality.

2. Use Non-Destructive Editing Techniques

Non-destructive editing is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your original image. By using layers and masks in software like Adobe Photoshop, you can make adjustments without permanently altering the original photo.

Adjustment Layers: Use these for color corrections, exposure adjustments, and more, allowing you to tweak settings at any time.

Layer Masks: Apply changes selectively to specific parts of the image, ensuring precise control over the retouching process.

3. Master the Healing Tools

Healing tools are indispensable for removing blemishes, spots, and other imperfections. Understanding how to use them effectively is key to seamless retouching.

Healing Brush Tool: Samples pixels from a source area and blends them with the target area, making it ideal for removing spots and minor blemishes.

Spot Healing Brush Tool: Automatically samples surrounding pixels, making it quick and easy to fix small imperfections.

Patch Tool: Useful for larger areas, it allows you to select and replace a section of the image with a similar area, blending the transition smoothly.

4. Perfecting Skin Retouching

Retouching skin is one of the most challenging aspects of photo editing, requiring subtlety to avoid an unnatural look.

Frequency Separation: This advanced technique separates the texture and color of the skin, allowing you to retouch each aspect independently. Use a high-pass filter on the texture layer and a blur filter on the color layer for optimal results.

Dodge and Burn: Lighten and darken specific areas to add depth and dimension. Use a soft brush with low opacity for gradual adjustments.

Avoid Over-Smoothing: Preserve natural skin texture by using a light touch with tools like the Healing Brush and Clone Stamp. Over-smoothing can make the skin look plastic and unrealistic.

5. Enhancing Eyes and Teeth

The eyes and teeth are focal points in portrait photography. Enhancing them can significantly improve the overall impact of the photo.

Eyes: Increase the sharpness and clarity of the eyes by using the Sharpen tool or applying an unsharp mask. Brighten the whites of the eyes with a soft brush and low opacity, but avoid making them too white.

Teeth: Use the Dodge tool to lighten teeth subtly. Adjust the exposure and set the range to midtones. Avoid over-brightening, which can make teeth look unnatural.

6. Balancing Color and Tone

Color and tone adjustments can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your photo.

White Balance: Correct any color casts to ensure natural-looking colors. Use the temperature and tint sliders to achieve the desired balance.

Color Grading: Apply subtle color grading to enhance the photo’s mood. Tools like the Color Balance and Gradient Map in Photoshop can be useful for this.

Contrast and Clarity: Adjust the contrast to add depth and the clarity to enhance midtone details, ensuring the photo looks vibrant and dynamic.

7. Sharpening and Noise Reduction

Sharpening and noise reduction are essential final steps in the retouching process, ensuring your photo looks crisp and clear.

Sharpening: Use tools like Unsharp Mask or Smart Sharpen to enhance edge details. Apply sharpening selectively to avoid introducing noise.

Noise Reduction: Apply noise reduction to minimize grain, especially in low-light photos. Balance noise reduction with preserving detail to avoid a soft look.

8. Final Touches

After completing the major retouching steps, add final touches to perfect your image.

Vignetting: Apply a subtle vignette to draw attention to the subject. Use the Lens Correction tool or create a custom vignette with gradient masks.

Crop and Straighten: Ensure the composition is perfect by cropping and straightening the image as needed. Use the Rule of Thirds for a balanced composition.

Check for Consistency: Review the photo at different zoom levels to ensure consistency and natural transitions. Make final adjustments as necessary.

Conclusion

Seamless photo retouching requires a blend of technical skill and artistic vision. By mastering tools and techniques like non-destructive editing, healing tools, skin retouching, and color correction, you can enhance your photos while maintaining their natural beauty. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, these secrets to photo retouching will help you achieve professional-quality results.

[clickthephotoblog]

How to Clean up a Scanned Image in Photoshop

Introduction:

In this digital age, scanning documents and photographs has become a common practice. However, the scanned images often suffer from various imperfections, such as dust, scratches, and fading colors. Fortunately, Adobe Photoshop provides powerful tools and techniques to restore and clean up scanned images, bringing them back to their original glory. In this article, we will explore a step-by-step process to clean up a scanned image using Photoshop, ensuring a professional and polished result

Read More

Section 1: Preparing Your Workspace

1.1 Set Up the Document:

Open Photoshop and create a new document with the dimensions matching the scanned image.

Adjust the resolution according to your requirements, balancing file size and quality.

1.2 Organize Your Layers:

Create a new layer for each editing step to maintain flexibility and non-destructive editing.

Rename the layers to reflect the specific adjustments made.

Section 2: Removing Dust and Scratches

2.1 Utilizing the Healing Brush Tool:

Select the Mending Brush Instrument from the toolbar.

Adjust the brush size, hardness, and spacing according to the size of the imperfection.

Sample a clean area near the dust or scratch and carefully paint over the imperfection to replace it.

2.2 Employing the Clone Stamp Tool:

Choose the Clone Stamp Tool and set the brush size to match the area you want to fix.

Alt-click on a clean area similar in texture and tone to the damaged region.

Carefully paint over the imperfection, ensuring seamless blending.

Section 3: Enhancing Color and Contrast

3.1 Adjusting Levels:

Go to Image > Adjustments > Levels.

Use the histogram to adjust the black, gray, and white points, enhancing the overall contrast and tonal range.

3.2 Correcting Color Cast:

Select Image > Adjustments > Color Balance.

Adjust the sliders to correct any color shifts and restore natural tones.

Experiment with the different color channels to achieve accurate colors.

3.3 Restoring Faded Colors:

Select Image > Adjustments > Vibrance.

Increase the Vibrance and Saturation sliders to bring back lost colors, while preserving skin tones and avoiding over-saturation.

Section 4: Sharpening and Final Touches

4.1 Sharpening the Image:

Duplicate the background layer.

Go to Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask.

Adjust the Amount, Radius, and Threshold to enhance the image's sharpness without introducing artifacts.

Learn More:

Headshot Retouching Services

Image Color correction services

4.2 Removing Noise:

Duplicate the background layer and go to Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise.

Adjust the sliders to reduce both color and luminance noise.

Preview the changes and ensure that important details remain intact.

4.3 Cropping and Resizing:

Use the Crop Tool to remove unwanted edges or parts of the image.

Adjust the canvas size or image dimensions if necessary.

Section 5: Advanced Techniques for Image Restoration

5.1 Content-Aware Fill:

Use the Content-Aware Fill feature to remove larger unwanted elements or sections.

Select the area you want to remove using the lasso or marquee tool.

Go to Edit > Content-Aware Fill and adjust the settings.

Photoshop will analyze the surrounding pixels and intelligently fill in the selected area, blending seamlessly.

5.2 Spot Healing Brush Tool:

For small blemishes or spots, utilize the Spot Healing Brush Tool.

Choose the tool from the toolbar and adjust the brush size as needed.

Simply click on the spots or blemishes, and Photoshop will automatically analyze the surrounding area and replace them with matching pixels.

5.3 Frequency Separation:

Frequency Separation is a powerful technique for repairing skin textures or other complex areas.

Duplicate the background layer and go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.

Adjust the blur radius to separate the high-frequency details from the low-frequency colors and tones.

Create a new layer and set it to the blending mode "Linear Light."

Use the Healing Brush or Clone Stamp Tool on the low-frequency layer to fix imperfections, while retaining the original texture on the high-frequency layer.

Section 6: Saving and Exporting

6.1 Saving Your Work:

Save your Photoshop project file (.PSD) to retain all the layers and adjustments for future edits.

6.2 Exporting for Different Purposes:

When saving a clean, finalized version of your image, consider the purpose and medium.

Save as a high-quality JPEG for web or screen display.

Save as TIFF or PSD for print purposes, ensuring the highest quality and compatibility with professional printing processes.

Conclusion

By mastering the techniques and tools discussed in this article, you can transform scanned images marred by imperfections into visually stunning works of art. Whether you are restoring old family photographs, digitizing historical documents, or simply enhancing the quality of scanned images, Adobe Photoshop offers a wide range of features to help you achieve remarkable results. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different tools and settings, and develop your own artistic approach to image restoration. With time and dedication, you'll become proficient in cleaning up scanned images, unlocking endless possibilities for creative expression and preservation of visual history.

[headshot-photo-retouching]

Simple Ways to Retouch Headshot Photos Using Photoshop

Headshot photo retouching is meant to eliminate flaws or imperfections that might be spoiling the appeal of headshot photos or portraits.

These may manifest in the form of unwanted strands of hair, red-eye effects, pimple-marks or blemishes, shadows or contrast issues.

Remove Flaws or Imperfections

If you’re a professional photographer or want to improve your skills, you can learn how to remove flaws or imperfections from headshot photos or portraits using Photoshop. This will help your photos look better and more attractive.

To retouch blemishes, use the Spot Healing brush and Clone Stamp tools. Apply the commands Ctrl/Cmd + J to duplicate the layer, and then invert the latter by pressing Ctrl/Cmd+I.

Then, select the Clone Stamp tool from the Tools panel and adjust the brush size to match the blemish's color and appearance. Click and drag the cloned pixels from your sampling point around the blemish to "paint" over it.

Using this technique is the fastest way to get rid of any skin flaws. It’s also one of the easiest ways to remove blemishes from photos.

Enhance the Eyes

Whether you're a professional portrait photographer or simply looking for a new headshot to use, the eyes of your subject are one of the most important parts of a photo. If they're dull or lack focus, the whole image can fall flat.

Fortunately, there are many ways to enhance the eyes in Photoshop so that they appear more realistic. The key is to use subtle and judicious edits to improve the appearance of your subject's eyes without overdoing it.

For example, software pro Glyn Dewis uses a combination of subtle techniques in this video to enhance the eyes in this sample photo. First, he sharpens the image by removing the red lines in the whites of the eyes.

Next, he adds detail and texture to the iris. This gives the eye a more realistic look, and it helps to give the eyes a bit of a "catchlight" effect that makes them more lively.

To finish, Dewis accentuates the eyes with a layer mask that highlights the area where the color has been enhanced. By doing this, he can make sure that the original image remains untouched and is preserved.

Remove Hot Spots

Retouching headshot photos or portraits is a great way to make them look more polished. Using Photoshop, you can fix skin blemishes, remove stray hairs and whiten teeth.

One of the easiest ways to retouch a photo is to remove hot spots from the skin. This can be done in a few simple steps that will leave your subject looking like they haven’t sweated at all.

To do this, open the photo in Photoshop. Then, use the Patch tool to sample out areas around the hot spots.

You can also use the Clone Stamp tool to "paint" over the hot spots. This will create a smooth transition from the midtones to the lighter skin tones.

Another way to retouch hot spots is by defining a reference point on the subject's face and using it as the reference for your clone. You can resample this a few times in order to get a perfect match to the skin tones.

Change the Skin Color

Skin tone is one of the most important parts of a portrait edit. If you get it right, it can elevate an image to another level. But if you get it wrong, it can ruin an image completely.

Sometimes, even when you take great photos, the skin tone will be off. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as a wrong white balance or the lighting in the photo.

For these cases, it's important to know how to correct the skin tone as soon as possible. The best way to do this is by using the Curves adjustment layer.

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[nickgerlich]

Let’s Be Real

It is easy to think that we have all the social media apps we could ever handle. After all, we have our hands full trying to keep up with Facebook, Insta, TikTok, Twitter, SnapChat, and LinkedIn. But that hasn’t stopped Instagram founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger from launching Artifact (more on that in a future blog), or a former President from creating TruthSocial, and an even wider array of Alt-Right sites like Parler.

And then there’s Alexis Barreyat and Kevin Perreau, who founded the French social media app BeReal in 2020. It didn’t gain much traction during COVID, but has now exploded in growth. It is billed as the most real of social apps, in that it focuses on authenticity. Or so they say. I’ve been watching this one closely since early last Fall, when it first popped on my radar.



Here’s how it works. Users get a push notification at random times each day, and they have two minutes to shoot and post a photo of them doing whatever it is they are doing right then. The app activates both forward and rear cameras so you get a shot of the person as well as what they are seeing. No filters. No Photoshop or Lightroom. No makeup or fancy clothes. No influencers.



Just you in the raw.

Of course, we may not always be able to do this within two minutes (I’m looking at all y’all stuck in Dallas traffic right now), so the app allows for late posts, but it duly notes your tardiness. Oh, the shame and indignity.

At a time when all of our other socials are highly curated and feature tweaked images and reels, BeReal is the opposite. It wants to allow our friends and followers to see us living life, not posturing for a paid sponsor.

It’s an interesting idea to say the least, especially given that at least Facebook and Insta indeed had far humbler beginnings free of influencers. I confess that I too have taken to polishing my media before posting. A little Photoshop or Lightroom never did any harm, right? Think digital cosmetics. I can fix any blemish.

Alas, I am not pandering to corporations, as I am not on any payrolls other than the State of Texas. But then again, we do have our personal brands to worry about, too. And given that I am working on some fun travel-related books right now, it can’t hurt. Besides, I really don’t want people to see what I look like before the first two or three cups of coffee.

I

I’m not addicted. I swear.

But while BeReal has enjoyed popularity in the various app stores, I see this as a novelty, much like a Fourth of July bottle rocket. It makes a pretty splash in the sky, and then the embers fall to the ground. I can see people growing weary of being pestered at random times for another $%^&* picture. It’s almost like the app developers assume we are all sitting around doing nothing. Have they never heard of classes? Meetings? Dinner? Airplanes? Anyone?

Then there’s the very real possibility of people’s so-called authenticity being a parade for the very people and products we already see on social media. You’re in Playa del Carmen on the beach, and you get buzzed. Or at a posh movie debut. Driving a Mercedes S-Class. In the fanciest suite at the Barfield in Downtown Amarillo.



Yeah, that all looks pretty real, doesn’t it? Actually, it looks pretty damn ostentatious to me. No, I am not envious, but in a rush to focus on least common denominators, we must recognize that some people have a much larger denominator to begin with. Those brands would love to be in a big hurry to hop on this bandwagon. Even pedestrian companies like Chipotle have hacked the system by posting promos to their BeReal.

And even though the firm has received a $30 million cash infusion, there is still the most critical of flaws: They have no revenue model. This is Rule #1 for any app or social. You must have a way of making money sooner or later, just like Google and Meta discovered.

If companies are already subverting the game plan, just watch out. It is only going to look more and more like what we have been using all along. Well, that’s as long as BeReal actually bothers to figure out how to sustain itself. All the authenticity in the world won’t pay the bills, and as I have said many times before, you don’t just launch an app out of the goodness of your heart.

Nice try, BeReal. My gut tells me that people don’t want to be real. We buy in to the Looking Glass Self concept, in which our perceptions of ourselves are informed by what we think others think of us.

And…here’s the important part—we try to influence what others think of us. It’s an affirmation feedback loop. 



God knows we love those Likes and Hearts a lot more than any feedback we get for posting our bed head hair.

Dr “Let’s Be Really Real“ Gerlich

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