photo editing, tutorials
Pro vs. Amateur Photo Editing
In the fast-paced digital era, photography has evolved from a hobby to a profession for many individuals. With the advent of smartphones and accessible photo editing software, the distinction between professional and amateur photographers has become blurred. This blog aims to explore the world of photo editing, focusing on the key differences and similarities between the work of professionals and amateurs. We will delve into the techniques, tools, and skills used by both groups, uncovering the merits and limitations of their respective approaches. Whether you are an aspiring photographer seeking to enhance your editing prowess, or simply curious about the art of photo manipulation, join us as we dissect the intriguing world of pro versus amateur photo editing.
Pro vs. Amateur Photo Editing
We recently put out a video where we did a pro vs. amateur photo challenge, and if you haven’t watched that yet, you can watch it here. We got some feedback in that video, and one of the most frequent comments was that people really wanted to see Justin, who was our immature photographer, edit his own photos. So, we’re gonna do that today. So Justin, have you ever edited a photo on a computer before?
Oh, okay. So Justin’s never used Lightroom before, so he’s gonna just dive in blindly. Let’s do it, Justin. You ready? And thanks to LG for sponsoring this video. Alright, so let’s start with the texture photo.
Editing the Texture Photo
Just go over here a little, water. Just not too much. What’s this tip do? Exposure, about that. A little bit of brightness without too much. Reduce the contrast down after adjusting the highlights. Maybe I’ll just bring the exposure back down a hair. I’m just kind of flying by the seat of my pants here, Justin. Trying things and seeing what they do. Obviously, clarity is gonna give you a little sharper photo, but easily overdo that. That son of a [__] is astute. It’s almost a taste thing. Oh, that makes the bourbon. Not really, what else do we got? Nope, there’s definitely more. Yep, saturation. Another thing I know that a lot of people would just crank up, but maybe we don’t want to do that too much. The other thing I’ve seen is this whole tone. Typically what I do in audio is, you know, kind of try something and then bypass it and check it out. I actually don’t know how to do that. Sure, there’s a way to. Yeah, that’s looking pretty good, right? Pretty good.
Editing the Cheap Camera Photo
So this is the cheap camera. It’s going to be a little more difficult. It’s already quite blurry. Let’s just start from the top here again. Let’s just go through these sliders again, some kind of thing. Get a little brighter because it’s underexposed. Try to keep it a little cooler. Don’t want to lose that texture in the wall because that’s pretty cool. Just trying to look at, you know, the detail on our pants and stuff. Trying to not lose too much of anything. Just, please, here. Yeah, this is a tricky one. I think it’s, uh, it’s probably as good as I’m gonna be able to get this one.
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We always look at RAW photos on a digital camera. I never really just meant to be seen. Raw photos aren’t complete. We like to think of it like film stock. Yeah, like each film stock has its own look and since raw cameras don’t use film stocks, obviously they’re just like as unprocessed as possible. So, we always think post-processing is a big step in the process, and that’s why we don’t often show straight out of camera shots. And also, we edit very minimally in post. We almost never take the photo into Photoshop. Usually, we’re just adjusting the tones, maybe the exposure a little bit, and the crop or straighten photos up. It’s not like some Lightroom mastery that makes the photo something. It’s just what you normally do in Photoshop.
Having a good model will make your job a lot easier, but the model isn’t what makes the shot good. For example, there are tons of wedding photographers who take excellent photos with people who are very uncomfortable in front of the camera. It’s a lot bigger challenge, but it’s definitely possible to take great photos without a great model. We’ve actually done quite a few videos on shooting people who aren’t models. Anything that you want to add?
I mean, I would just say that Jazmin made my life really easy in that. If you don’t have experience posing normies, then obviously having a model will be an advantage. But for this instance, we wanted to limit how many variables we had and make it a little easier for Justin just to focus on composition, framing, lighting. It’s not like the model doesn’t matter, it’s just not the most important thing. Obviously, it’s the photographer behind the camera that matters more than the camera itself. You can compare that with any other art form. Like, why does this painter use expensive paintbrushes? It’s not that he couldn’t paint with cheap paintbrushes, it’s just that when you’re at a certain level, the gear will start to hold you back.
We hope this was helpful and cleared some remaining questions, and we hope you enjoyed watching Justin edit his own photos. That’s all we have for you this time. Please subscribe if you haven’t yet, hit that notification bell, otherwise, YouTube will never tell you when we post new videos, and like the video. It’s nothing like the video. See you next time!
Pro vs. Amateur Photo Editing – FAQ
1. What is the difference between pro and amateur photo editing?
Pro photo editing is typically carried out by experienced professionals who possess advanced skills and expertise in using industry-standard software. These individuals work with high-end equipment and possess an extensive understanding of color grading, retouching, and enhancing images to produce stunning results. In contrast, amateur photo editing refers to the editing done by individuals with limited experience, using simpler tools and techniques.
2. Why should I consider hiring a professional for photo editing?
Professional photo editors have a deep understanding of composition, lighting, and artistic elements, allowing them to turn a good photo into an exceptional one. They can effectively enhance details, remove blemishes, and manipulate images while maintaining a natural and appealing look. Hiring a pro can save you time and effort, as they have the technical skills and artistic vision needed to create outstanding final results.
3. Can I achieve similar results with amateur photo editing software?
While there are photo editing software options available for amateurs, they may lack the advanced features and precision tools required for professional-grade results. Achieving the same level of quality and finesse as a professional can be challenging without access to specialized software and years of training and practice.
4. How much does professional photo editing cost?
The cost of professional photo editing services can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the editing required, the number of images, and the specific service provider. Generally, professional editing services are priced based on an hourly rate or a fixed fee per image. It’s advisable to request quotes from different professionals and discuss your specific editing needs to get a more accurate estimate of the costs involved.
5. What should I consider before deciding between pro and amateur photo editing?
Consider your goals, budget, and the intended use of the edited photos. For casual or personal use, amateur editing may suffice. However, if you require high-quality photos for professional purposes such as marketing, advertising, or showcasing your work, investing in professional editing services is recommended.
6. Where can I find professional photo editing services?
There are numerous platforms available where you can find professional photo editors. Freelance websites, photography agencies, or recommendations from fellow photographers can be excellent starting points. Ensure you review portfolios, check client reviews, and discuss your requirements with potential editors to find the right fit for your needs.
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