What is photo editing? The Photoshoots are only part of creating an image. A skilled photo editor can take a good RAQ image and use a myriad of techniques to create a stunning photo. Pre-processing can enhance what you did capture and create effects that aren’t always needed in the photography studio.
This is true when it comes to ecommerce product photography that can seem creatively limiting.
Curious about post-processing and how you can use it to improve business? Get a refresher on the others of photo editing and learn about what a photo editor is and how to incorporate photo editing into your business.
What is Photo editing?
Photo editing is the act of image manipulation and enhancement. This process is usually done with a digital photo editing software and photo editing can involve basic tweaks like when you resize images and crop or adjust saturation.
Some image editing techniques are done manually, while others are conducted through automated photo editing software and tools. Most edits to digital photography involve some one or some photo editing programs. Some edits are even done offline on actual photographs, posters and printed collateral without any image editing software.
Other terms for photo editing include:
- Image editing
- Image/photo manipulation
- Post-processing
- Photoshopping
- Photo/Image enhancement
The Importance of Photo Editing
Editing helps you find the truth and get the good image possible, as close to what you imagined when you took the photo or good perhaps. Nice photographers can hone and emphasize their personal style and for businesses editing helps cement branding and optimize for business goals.
Photo editing is important for ecommerce companies. Image quality directly affects people’s opinion of the product and sales numbers.
What are the different types of photo editing?
There are some ways to edit a photo- some simple and others more complicated.
More people can figure out simple photo editing techniques on their own-though this does require time and patience. More complex adjustments may require dedicated programs with specific photo editing features of hiring a professional editor.
Simple photo editing techniques include:
- Straighten: Align your image for a balanced composition.
- Crop: Remove unwanted areas to focus on the subject.
- Resize: Adjust image dimensions for specific uses.
- Noise Reduction: Minimize graininess, especially in low-light photos.
- White Balance: Correct color tones to make whites appear truly white.
- Sharpen: Enhance details and clarity in your image.
- Contrast: Adjust the difference between light and dark areas for more depth.
- Exposure: Brighten or darken the overall image to achieve the desired lighting.
- Lens Correction: Fix distortions caused by the camera lens.
- Color Adjustments: Modify hues, saturation, and brightness for a better look.
- Background Remove: Isolate the subject by eliminating distracting backgrounds.
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Anathar complex techniques include:
- Clipping Paths: Create precise outlines for detailed selections.
- Drop and Reflection Shadow: Add realistic shadows or reflections for depth.
- Portrait Corrections: Retouch skin, eyes, and features for flattering results.
- Photo Stitching: Combine multiple images to create a panoramic view.
- Adjustment Text and Visuals: Integrate text overlays or graphics effectively.
- Photo Masking and Layers: Use layers for non-destructive editing and advanced effects.
These techniques range from basic adjustments to more intricate edits, allowing for a variety of creative outcomes!
Pixel editing and parametric image editing
Two menthods of digital photo editing are pixel editing and parametric editing. Let’s go at their definitions:
What is pixel editing?
Pixel Editing refers to the process of manipulating individual pixels within an image. This technique allows for precise control over the appearance of an image, making it possible to alter colors, shapes, and details at a granular level. Common applications of pixel editing include retouching photographs, creating detailed artwork, and performing tasks like removing blemishes or adding textures. Software like Adobe Photoshop is widely used for pixel editing, providing tools like brushes, erasers, and selection tools for fine-tuning images.
What is parametric image editing?
Parametric Image Editing involves editing images based on parameters or settings rather than directly lie the pixels. This approach allows for non-destructive editing, meaning the original image remains intact, and changes can be adjusted or reverted at any time. Parameters might include settings for exposure, color balance, sharpness, and other effects. Tools like Adobe Lightroom and Capture One utilize parametric editing, enabling users to apply adjustments in a more flexible and reversible manner, often resulting in a more streamlined workflow for photographers.
Photo Editing History
Early Techniques (19th Century)
- In 1860s: The advent of photography began with basic darkroom techniques. Photographers would use manual methods to adjust exposure and develop images.
- Montage: Early photographers like Oscar Gustave Rejlander and Henry Peach Robinson created composite images by combining multiple photographs.
The Darkroom Era (20th Century)
- 1920s-1930s: Techniques like dodging and burning were used to enhance contrast and exposure in black-and-white photographs.
- Film Manipulation: Photographers experimented with physical alterations, such as scratching negatives or using various chemicals for effects.
The Digital Revolution (Late 20th Century)
- 1988: Adobe Photoshop was released, revolutionizing photo editing. It introduced layers, selection tools, and numerous filters, allowing for advanced manipulation.
- 1990s: The transition to digital photography led to new editing possibilities, making tools more accessible.
Online Editing and Social Media (2000s)
- 2000s: Online platforms like Flickr and Instagram popularized photo sharing, leading to a demand for easy editing tools.
- Mobile Apps: The rise of smartphones resulted in apps like Snapseed and VSCO, allowing users to edit photos on-the-go.
Current Trends (2010s-Present)
- AI Integration: Recent advancements have seen the integration of artificial intelligence in editing tools, automating tasks like retouching and object removal.
- Parametric Editing: Tools like Adobe Lightroom emphasize non-destructive editing, allowing for flexible adjustments.
- Collaborative Editing: Online tools enable multiple users to edit and share images simultaneously, fostering collaboration.
Examples of Photo Editing
There are so many ways to photo edit, and everyone has a unique approach. You might see examples of photo editing on YouTube or social media photo editing.
Here are some example of photo edits the team to path have simply for ecommerce brands all over the world:
Editing Product Photos
Product image will almost always require or benefit from pre-processing. One of the main things you want to be mindful of is especially consistency if you’re working on multiple products for the same company or are providing several types of photos of the same product.
Here are some common types of edits for product photography:
- Brightness and exposure: If you didn’t nail the lighting, you can make substantial adjustments post shoot.
- Background removal: This is a common edit for product photos, especially if you’re listing the item on Amazon, which has a background requirement white.
- Color change: For products the cone is several colors, it’s important to showcase the variety.
Learn how to edit your photos
If you’re ready to learn how to edit your own photos, check this handy collection of Photoshop tutorials. Here are a few to get started with:
How to improve Photo Editing Skills-The Basics
Here are a few photo editing basics that will help you learn photo editing online just by reading this.
>>>The Behavioral Part
Before you start with the photo editing process, it is very importance to bring some skills to your behavior that will help you learn new things at ease, the skills include:
- Patience:
- Creativity:
- Hit and Try Method
- Time Management
- Motivation
>>>The Practical Part
Once your master the behavior skills it is time to put the metal on the pedal on the practical skills of Photo editing including-
- Choosing the correct image to be edited from the stock image.
- Picking up the correct image editing software as per your abilities and requirements
- Try to achieve the manual way of tweaking the image and keep the use of filters to a minimum.
- Set up your own photo editing flow to cover each part of the image accordingly.
- Try to master the layering and masking technique for photo editing.
What is photo editing? FAQs
You can edit photos for free using online tools and apps like GIMP, Canva, Pixlr, and Snapseed. These platforms offer a variety of features without any cost.
The best app varies based on your needs. Adobe Lightroom is excellent for professional edits, Snapseed is user-friendly for mobile users, and Canva is great for graphic design and social media posts.
Photo editing refers to the practice of manipulating photographs to improve their visual appeal, correct issues, or convey a specific message.
To edit like a pro, learn the fundamentals of color correction, exposure adjustments, and composition. Use layers for non-destructive editing, and explore various tools and techniques through practice and tutorials.
- Cropping – Improving composition and focus.
- Color Correction – Balancing and enhancing colors.
- Exposure Adjustment – Modifying brightness and contrast.
- Sharpening – Enhancing image clarity and details.
- Retouching – Removing blemishes and distractions.
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A photo editor enhances images to improve their visual quality, convey a specific message, or meet requirements for publication or personal projects. This includes correcting flaws and applying creative effects to make the final product more appealing.