If you told Nicephore Niepce, the inventor of the first camera, that you could edit the pictures you took, he probably would have laughed at you.
When it comes to modern-day photography, taking a picture is only half of the battle. The other half is editing! However, photo editing for beginners can be intimidating, with so many tools to become familiar with.
If you’re unsure where to start when editing your pictures, keep reading for some of the top tips to help transform your photos.
1. Learn the Tools and Commands
Before you can start editing, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the tool icons and shortcuts.
For example, when using Photoshop, the icon that resembling an eyedropper houses the measurement tools. To quickly access the eyedropper tool, you’ll hit the “I” tool on your keyboard.
These shortcuts can make editing photos easy and effective.
It’s also essential to remember that different programs will have various icons and keyboard commands. It can be a challenging to differentiate, so try to stick to one software if possible.
2. Play Around With Features
Next, you’ll want to explore the program! This is the fun part, as you can learn what the different tools do, how they interact with each other, and where they’re located in the program.
For example, you’ll want to explore the lighting settings. Exposure, shadows, and brightness can all impact the look of a photo, while vibrance, saturation, and black point will affect the picture’s colors.
These settings can help you find your rhythm and become familiar with the features of photo editing software for beginners.
Also, you’ll need to try out the tools. For example, a background eraser on the best free photo editing app can remove unsightly settings, while the clone stamp can help smooth skin or fix patterns on dresses.
3. Learn the Basics of Cropping and Composition
Finally, you’ll want to learn the basics about how to make your photo stand out.
Though you likely know about the rule of thirds when taking a photo, editing operates in a similar fashion. Luckily, there are cropping tools in your photo editing software to help you capture the perfect ratio.
Cutting out the unnecessary areas of your photo can help draw the eye towards the focal point of your image. Just be sure not to crop the image too small, as this can impact the clarity of the photo.
Your Simple Guide to Photo Editing for Beginners
Finding the best photo editing software is the easiest way to create beautiful images. These programs are user-friendly, allowing you to easily edit your photos to perfection.
It takes time to learn how to use software. Luckily, there are plenty of resources online to help you master your new hobby.
If you found this guide to master photo editing for beginners helpful, you’ll want to check out the rest of our website. There, you can find more great tech tips and tricks.
