In the world of photography, capturing the perfect shot is only half the battle. The real magic lies in the editing process, where a simple click of a button can transform an ordinary image into a stunning work of art. As a photographer who has evolved over time, I have experienced a significant shift in my approach to editing photos. In this blog, I will take you on a journey showcasing the stark contrast between how I used to edit photos and how I edit them now. Join me as I delve into my newfound love for Photoshop and share valuable tips and tricks that will elevate your own photo editing skills to new heights.
How I Used to Edit Photos vs How I Edit Now: Photoshop Tutorial
Introduction
Hey guys, welcome back to my blog! Today, I wanted to share with you a Photoshop tutorial, along with a fun video. In this tutorial, I will be going back in time to one of my early photo shoots and comparing how I used to edit photos versus how I edit them now. So, let’s dive in!
Photo Comparison
I stumbled upon a photo shoot that I did back in 2010, and I found an image from that shoot that I will be working on today. Let’s take a look at the raw image and the final edited photo. Upon comparison, I really like how I managed to even out the skin tone and enhance the blue color of the water. However, I can spot some areas where the retouching and color adjustment could have been better. So, let’s jump into the editing process and see what I can do now!
Edit Process with Photoshop CS6
To begin, I have three images from the same photo shoot, and I want to edit them all with the same adjustments. I open them in Photoshop CS6 because I still prefer the legacy Healing Brush Tool. Although it can be a bit glitchy and crashes occasionally, I find it worth it for the results.
Firstly, I adjust the exposure, shutter speed, blacks, and highlights to bring out the details in the model’s skin. I also tweak the contrast, vibrance, and saturation to enhance the overall look. Before proceeding to Photoshop, I like to open my images in Camera Raw to achieve a base to work with. It helps me fine-tune exposure, highlights, shadows, colors, and sharpness.
Color Adjustment
Now, let’s focus on the water color in Camera Raw before moving to Photoshop. By playing around with the hue and saturation sliders, I attempt to find the best color tone for the water. Although it’s a bit challenging, I manage to make the water appear more natural and pleasing to the eye.
To ensure consistency across the images, I sync the color adjustments. With all three images selected, I apply the changes to have the same water color on each photo.
Getting Creative in Photoshop
Moving into Photoshop, the first step is to remove the border and the shadow in the water. I select the image with similar water ripples and texture, drag it onto the main image, and hide the unwanted blue section. Using a black layer mask, I blend the two images together using a soft brush with low opacity.
Once the blending is done, I am satisfied with the result. But there are some dark shadows that need to be addressed. Using the clone stamp tool on a new layer, I sample a nearby area with similar color and blend it over the dark shadows. This helps to eliminate the distractions and achieve a smoother look.
Final Touches
After addressing the dark shadows, I notice a small circle that is distracting. With a few brush strokes, I remove it to ensure a clean and visually pleasing image. Lastly, I take a step back and compare the before and after. The edits have made a significant difference, improving the overall quality and aesthetics of the photo.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, I showcased how my editing process has evolved over the years. By comparing an old photo edit to a current one, I demonstrated the improvements I have made. From color adjustments to retouching techniques, constantly learning and experimenting with new tools can significantly enhance the final result. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep editing and refining your skills!
Thank you for joining me in this tutorial. I hope you found it helpful and inspiring. Stay tuned for more Photoshop tutorials and photography tips on my blog!
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FAQ: How I Used to Edit Photos vs How I Edit Now: Photoshop Tutorial
Q: How did you used to edit photos?
A: Previously, I relied on basic editing tools like brightness, contrast, and cropping available in popular photo-editing apps.
Q: What software do you use now for editing photos?
A: I currently use Adobe Photoshop, a professional-grade software, for all my photo editing needs.
Q: Why did you switch to using Adobe Photoshop?
A: Adobe Photoshop provides a wide range of advanced features and tools that allow me to have greater control and precision over the editing process. It offers more flexibility and options for enhancing photos compared to other basic editing apps.
Q: What are some key features of Adobe Photoshop that you find useful?
A: Some valuable features include layers and masks, which allow me to make non-destructive edits, adjust specific parts of an image, and apply creative effects. Photoshop also provides advanced selection tools, powerful filters, and extensive color correction options.
Q: How has Photoshop improved your photo editing workflow?
A: Photoshop has significantly enhanced my workflow by providing a more organized and efficient editing environment. Its customizable workspace enables me to arrange palettes and tools according to my preference, saving time and improving productivity.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to using Adobe Photoshop?
A: While Photoshop offers incredible capabilities, it has a steeper learning curve compared to basic photo editing apps. It requires dedicated time and effort to become proficient in using all its features effectively.
Q: Where can I learn how to use Adobe Photoshop for photo editing?
A: There are numerous resources available for learning Photoshop, including online tutorials, official Adobe documentation, and video courses offered by platforms like YouTube, Lynda.com, and Udemy.
Q: Can you recommend any specific Photoshop tutorials for beginners?
A: Some highly recommended tutorials for beginners include the “Adobe Photoshop Basics” series on YouTube by Phlearn, and the “Photoshop for Beginners” course on Udemy by Daniel Walter Scott.
I hope you find useful my article How I Used to Edit Photos vs How I Edit Now: Photoshop Tutorial, I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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