With the advent of digital technology, photography has finally come out of its ivory tower and is now the prerogative of even the most inexperienced amateur. While this in no way means that you are exempt from paying attention to all the intricacies, which range from light conditions to color themes, it also does mean that you can afford to make a few mistakes while capturing the image, without having to worry about all the dire consequences if it doesn't end up like it's supposed to. And here's where you need to pay attention to not just choosing the best version of editing software, but also to mastering the basics for it is only when you are a natural with these key functions that you will be able to move on to the more complicated procedures which you will eventually graduate to, in the course of your foray into the world of editing.
Even as you set out to rework your photographs, stop a moment to save a copy of the original image in a folder you can easily access if need be. This is because if your efforts at editing yield results that are contrary to what you set out to achieve, you can simply revert to the original you have and begin all over again. Once you open your image in your photo-editor, you will find an option which says 'Save As' which you need to click on to save the original and get to work on the copy you've created. And once you set forth, don't restrict yourself with the fear of having to plod through the entire process if you create an effect you aren't particularly fond of. You can eliminate the unwanted change with the 'Undo' option that your software will provide you with, and if you're one of the lucky few who has the more sophisticated versions, you can even avail of the 'Multiple Undo' option. This remarkable feature lets you stick with only the changes you like while deleting the unwanted ones.
Your ease with using your photo-editing software also depends on how comfortable you are with working your way around the image. One of the most basic and most commonly used tools is the 'Hand Tool' which is also referred to as the 'Pan Tool'. As the name suggests, this tool is shaped like a hand, which you can use to maneuver around the image without the fear of altering it. To ensure more accuracy, you can also zoom into your image to make specific changes and then zoom out again to view the overall effect. To do this, you need to use the 'Magnifying Glass Tool' which will display a plus sign when magnifying and a minus sign when drawing out of your image. Many types of software will also let you right click on your image to zoom into it in set increments while others are designed to let you left click to zoom in and out.
When zooming into your image, you may also find that it appears blurred and indistinct. However, this is only because the pixels, which make up the image, disperse when you close in and thus separate. This lets you work on minute details on your image and then zoom out again, to view a clearer picture. It also makes it a lot easier on your eyes while saving you the effort of squinting at the computer screen to get a closer look. You can even use the 'Eyedropper Tool' to select sets of pixels which are of a particular color, without worrying about missing on even the minutest spot.
Your software will also comprise of what are known as 'Marquee Tools' which let you trace squares, circles and even ellipses around the specific parts of the image you wish to highlight. For images which are irregular in shape, you can use the freeform tool by holding your mouse button down as you trace around the image, or simply plot points around it and connect all of them by clicking on the first dot again. Once you've made your selection, the appropriate part of the image will be highlighted by a flowing dotted line, informing you of your selection.
Having mastered these basic functions, you can then progress to more advanced features like creating effects and using enhancement tools to perfect your image. The easiest way to draw focus to the pivotal part of your image is to crop it so that the key elements are highlighted. You can even use filters in various hues to tint your image or paint strokes over it, just as you would with a physical painting using the brush and airbrush alternatives. Your software will also provide you with a diverse color palette to choose from and paint over any minor flaws or blemishes.
Your skills at editing your digital photographs will be as developed as your willingness to experiment is. The more you dabble in the unconventional, the wider array of tools you use, which also increases your familiarity with the software. And once you are aware of the true potential of your editing software, you'll soon discover the multitude of opportunities it offers, thus metamorphosing your images into spectacular works to art!
Even as you set out to rework your photographs, stop a moment to save a copy of the original image in a folder you can easily access if need be. This is because if your efforts at editing yield results that are contrary to what you set out to achieve, you can simply revert to the original you have and begin all over again. Once you open your image in your photo-editor, you will find an option which says 'Save As' which you need to click on to save the original and get to work on the copy you've created. And once you set forth, don't restrict yourself with the fear of having to plod through the entire process if you create an effect you aren't particularly fond of. You can eliminate the unwanted change with the 'Undo' option that your software will provide you with, and if you're one of the lucky few who has the more sophisticated versions, you can even avail of the 'Multiple Undo' option. This remarkable feature lets you stick with only the changes you like while deleting the unwanted ones.
Your ease with using your photo-editing software also depends on how comfortable you are with working your way around the image. One of the most basic and most commonly used tools is the 'Hand Tool' which is also referred to as the 'Pan Tool'. As the name suggests, this tool is shaped like a hand, which you can use to maneuver around the image without the fear of altering it. To ensure more accuracy, you can also zoom into your image to make specific changes and then zoom out again to view the overall effect. To do this, you need to use the 'Magnifying Glass Tool' which will display a plus sign when magnifying and a minus sign when drawing out of your image. Many types of software will also let you right click on your image to zoom into it in set increments while others are designed to let you left click to zoom in and out.
When zooming into your image, you may also find that it appears blurred and indistinct. However, this is only because the pixels, which make up the image, disperse when you close in and thus separate. This lets you work on minute details on your image and then zoom out again, to view a clearer picture. It also makes it a lot easier on your eyes while saving you the effort of squinting at the computer screen to get a closer look. You can even use the 'Eyedropper Tool' to select sets of pixels which are of a particular color, without worrying about missing on even the minutest spot.
Your software will also comprise of what are known as 'Marquee Tools' which let you trace squares, circles and even ellipses around the specific parts of the image you wish to highlight. For images which are irregular in shape, you can use the freeform tool by holding your mouse button down as you trace around the image, or simply plot points around it and connect all of them by clicking on the first dot again. Once you've made your selection, the appropriate part of the image will be highlighted by a flowing dotted line, informing you of your selection.
Having mastered these basic functions, you can then progress to more advanced features like creating effects and using enhancement tools to perfect your image. The easiest way to draw focus to the pivotal part of your image is to crop it so that the key elements are highlighted. You can even use filters in various hues to tint your image or paint strokes over it, just as you would with a physical painting using the brush and airbrush alternatives. Your software will also provide you with a diverse color palette to choose from and paint over any minor flaws or blemishes.
Your skills at editing your digital photographs will be as developed as your willingness to experiment is. The more you dabble in the unconventional, the wider array of tools you use, which also increases your familiarity with the software. And once you are aware of the true potential of your editing software, you'll soon discover the multitude of opportunities it offers, thus metamorphosing your images into spectacular works to art!
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