How To Edit Photos Like A Professional: Crucial Steps
August 13
11 min. to read
High-quality processing can improve photos' appearance, while inept editing will spoil them. This article will be useful for beginners and amateurs just starting their way to professional photo editing. However, if you are an experienced photographer, do not skip it. You will find tips that can make working with images more efficient. Following a few basic tips can improve your results, optimize your work with images, and enjoy the process more. Read to the end for bonus tips that will come in handy! So, let's understand the main seven steps — where to start and what is key.
Advanced yet easy-to-use photo editor
Get Luminar Neo NowHow Do Photographers Edit Photos: A Step-by-step Guide
This question is broad and can have many answers, depending on what nuances of editing we are considering, from the workplace arrangement to choosing a photo editor and basic settings to advanced functionality and AI tools. Look at these seven key steps to learn professional photo editing:
Step 1: Select a Photo Editor
The choice of software is the basis. First, you should decide where to work with photos - PC, tablet, mobile phone. It depends on the type of photography and your work style and preferences. The most powerful photo editors are those that work as desktop programs. Learn more about the Best Photo Editing Software 2024 to choose the best one for you and find out what do photographers use to edit photos.
A photo editor must not be expensive or full of many effects and functions. Pay attention to those with a visual and understandable interface and advanced technologies in their tools, such as AI functions, because this can optimize work with images and facilitate processing. For example, AI Image Editing from Luminar Neo gives users a positive experience of working with modern tools that help even beginners achieve professional results.
Step 2: Crop and Straighten
The best way to edit photos is to preserve naturalness by emphasizing the main thing and removing flaws. The image will look better if you make a lens correction, align the horizon, and correct the framing. It is easy to do with the crop tool in any photo editor. Luminar's Composition AI will help you achieve the perfect perspective of the image without compromising its quality.
Step 3: Basic Adjustments
Basic settings are available in any photo editor. They can be done both manually and with the help of AI tools. These settings are a solid foundation because they set the image's tone. Adjust the exposure to make the photo brighter. Reduce the brightness to bring back detail in the highlights of the photo. Make global settings of colors and shades. At this stage, it is important not to distort the image too much. Unnatural colors or incorrect exposure will give away amateur editing skills. Be patient and, if necessary, see additional training materials and recommendations from professional photographers to learn how to make basic settings correctly and intuitively. Enhance AI feature from Luminar Neo can do these settings for you. You will get visually correct tones and a basis for further edits.
Step 4: Adjust the White Balance
White balance is important for creating professional images. Start by adjusting the temperature and shade. Color Balance allows you to add color to your image's highlights, mid-tones, and shadows to create the perfect tone. The setting depends on the photo's mood you want to convey. Cold shades are suitable for dramatic scenes, while warm ones are better suited for family photo sessions, pictures of food, apartments, etc. If you feel unsure about the settings, the Color Balance Filter from Luminar Neo can help.
Step 5: Add Effects
How to edit photos to look professional when you are just mastering these processes? The answer is to learn how to use effects! With them, your images will look even better. However, as with other settings, you need to know the measure. Too many effects can visually spoil your photo. Most photo editors come with presets that you can apply to your images. Luminar Neo has a selection of Photo Effects that can be applied to any image. In addition, its presets work with other photo editors, such as Lightroom and Photoshop. So you can use Luminar Neo filter plugins or AI features even if you use Adobe products.
Step 6: Use Local Adjustments
Local adjustments are important to create the perfect image. These include cutting out unwanted objects, retouching, adding new composition elements, etc. Retouching Photos with Luminar Neo incredibly simplifies the process and increases efficiency. You don't have to work on every detail by hand. Photo editor algorithms will do it for you in seconds. The GenSwap tool will help you delete unwanted objects without a manual brushing.
Step 7: DeNoise and Sharpen
No matter how attractive your image settings look, excessive noise or image blur can ruin everything. Enhance photo quality with Luminar Neo to achieve a professional result. The AI-driven tool will give you a professional result by noticeably improving photo quality and smoothing imperfections.
The Last Step: Rate Your Result
Compare the finished image with the original to see all the changes made and evaluate whether the result is ready to your liking. If in doubt, save the result and start over. Please create a new project and compare it to the original and the previous version. Make additional changes as needed. Remember that practice will help you improve your skills and master the art of photo editing faster. After all, this is an important part of a photographer's job.
7 Bonus Tips
1. Shoot in RAW Format
This format stores more data than JPEG, giving you more flexibility in post-processing. In addition to better quality, you will get all the advantages of creating a professional image.
2. Organize Your Photos
Use the cataloging tools in your photo editor to import, organize, and rate your pictures. Add keywords and metadata to make it easier to find specific images in the future. Luminar Neo provides all the benefits of working with Catalog Files and Multiple Catalogs.
4. Select the Correct Export Format
Export in the appropriate format and resolution for your intended use (e.g., web, print, social media). Optionally, add a watermark to protect your work when sharing online. Keep different versions of your changes, especially if you plan to make additional changes later.
5. Learn the Keyboard Shortcuts
Learn editing software keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
6. Practice Non-Destructive Editing
Use layers and masks to make reversible changes.
7. Constantly Learn
Stay tuned for tutorials, courses, and new techniques to improve your skills.
Bottom Line
The best way to edit photos professionally is to demonstrate technical skills and creative insight. Start with quality software like Luminar Neo and always shoot in RAW for maximum flexibility. Organize your images efficiently and start with basic settings like exposure, contrast, and white balance. Advanced techniques such as tone curve adjustment, color gradation, and noise reduction enhance the image. Retouching tools allow you to make precise corrections, while creative enhancements and local adjustments add artistic flair.
The finishing touches ensure consistency and perfection in detail. Export your pictures in the format and resolution you want, and consider watermarks to protect your work. Consistent practice and continuous learning are key to improving your skills. By following these important steps, you can take your photo editing to a professional level, creating stunning images that captivate and inspire.
