Do you want to take your photography skills to the next level? 83% of digital photographers use photo editing software to improve their photos.
Photoshop is a powerful photo editing software. You can start making your pictures look amazing with just a few basic tips.
You’ll be able to transform your average shots into stunning images that will impress your friends and family. Learning how to edit photos is easy – and it’s a skill that will last you a lifetime.
Keep reading to learn essential photoshop tips and tricks to help you take your photography to the next level.
Tip 1: Make Global Changes First
Global changes are changes that you make to the overall picture. This includes things like adjusting the exposure, brightness, contrast, and saturation.
Make global changes first to get a feel for how the image will look with the changes you’ve made.
Tip 2: Use the Dodge and Burn Tools
The dodge and burn tools can lighten and darken areas of the image. They help add depth and dimension to your photos.
To use the dodge tool, select it from the toolbar. Then hover over the area you want to lighten. Click and hold the mouse button down to begin lightening the area.
You can use the burn tool to create darker areas. Select it from the toolbar and then hover over the area you want to darken. Click and hold the mouse button down to begin darkening the area.
You can also adjust the opacity of each of these tools to make more subtle changes.
Tip 3: Use the Clone Tool to Remove Distractions
The clone tool is a great way to quickly remove unwanted elements from your photos. If there’s something in the background that you don’t want, use the clone tool to clone it out.
To use the clone tool, select it from the toolbar on the left side of the screen. Then, hover over the area that you wish to pull information from. Select the Alt or Option key to set the source.
Next, move to the area that you want to remove and click. Hold the mouse button down and drag it to cover the area you wish. Play around with it until you get the hang of it.
Tip 4: Use Layers
One of the essential photoshop tips is to use layers. Layers allow you to change your photo without affecting the rest of the image.
If you didn’t use layers, you would have to edit the photo directly – and if you didn’t like the results, you would have to start all over again. You will quickly learn how difficult this can be when you forget to make a new layer!
With new and duplicate layers, you will be able to begin working with layer masks and opacity. With layers, you can learn how to make smiles in portraits, remove and add elements, or make multiple versions of the same image.
Keep Learning Beginner Photoshop Tips
These basic photoshop tips will help you create improved images that you’ll be proud to share with the world. But this is just a short guide.
To really master photoshop, you’ll need to keep learning new techniques. There are lots of great tutorials online and in photoshop books.
With time and practice, you’ll be able to edit your photos like a pro! So get out there and start shooting! Also, feel free to keep browsing this section for our latest tips.