General and Quick Photo Editing Tips

I've been told not once, not twice but numerous times (even by photography experts) that any image that has been edited is no longer eligible to be called a photograph. I can't say that I agree nor disagree with this comment because I still edit some of my images. The only problem with this type of remarks is that DSLRs or even Digital PnS Cameras works, as the name calls it, Digitally. We can't rely on electronic forms purely, so needless to say, the only way around to a perfect shot is to post-process it. Big shot magazines does it, professional portraitures does it, so why is it that editing is a taboo again?

Furthermore, look at the way images were processed in the old times. Obviously they did not have computers or photoshop to be used as an editing mechanism, but that did not stop them from editing their raw material. The process of exposure adjustments was the most notable act of editing. I rest my case. :p

Anyways, I'd love to share some tips on basic photo editing techniques. Here are 3 basic principles that I have adapted throughout my journey behind the lens, plus they're all quick jobs.

1. Exposure Level Adjustments : The most common issue in photography is the exposure level. A lot of factors can throw us off in regards to exposure judgement when we shoot outdoors or indoors, for example, the brightness of the sun can disrupt our accuracy in judging whether the picture taken was underexposed or overexposed when looking straight at the camera's LCD.
   
   Solution before editing - All DSLRs have exposure monitors (you'll have to refer to your manual for the button). Judge the levels by looking at the histogram. If it's not balanced, then shoot again.
   
   If this fails, do not worry. Open up photo editing softwares like Photoshop or GIMP (Free to Download). Open your image that you want to edit. Depending on the softwares, find 'Levels Adjustments'. Fiddle with the sliders and adjust as needed. It normally looks like a histogram, yes just like the one on your DSLR, and it will show you the original levels initially. You'll find your image to be more beautiful as you adjust the brightness.
   
   
2. Color Balancing Adjustments: Sometimes your image turns out redish or greenish or blueish. That's a colorg balancing matter. It normally generated by a wrong judgement of white balancing within your camera's settings.
   All DSLRs have a white balancing function and most digital PnS cameras has it as well. Have a go at different balancing and see the difference it makes to the image.
   
   Using any photo editing softwares, you are able to change the color balance of the image to suit your desired effect. It will normally be the 'Color Balance' function in these softwares.
   
   
3. Symmetrical Straightening Adjustments : Another mistake we all do is picture framing. If you later realise that your shot is crooked on one side, easiest way to adjust that is to make the appropriate selection on the image and rotate it until it is straight. Then, crop out the unwanted areas.

So there you go. 3 simple and quick ways to make your images stand out better.