Introduction to image processing

Image editing: developing, improving and enhancing photos

Developing images has always been an essential and important part of photography. In analog photography, this was (and still is) actually manual work in the darkroom or laboratory. This is why development is more present for photographers in this type of photography. Here, development is a step in the creation of an image that involves physical labor or patience. In the age of digital photography, the development of images is still present, but is no longer as visible and is often classified as part of the process of "image editing". We shed light on the subject for you from all angles.

Image editing is a term that covers several different processes. In addition to the development of images, it also includes the improvement, enhancement and retouching of images. In a first step, we will therefore give you a brief introduction to the terminology and explain what is actually involved in image editing. In the following articles, we will then introduce you to popular image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom as well as WhiteWall's award-winning mural configurator, basic editing techniques and useful tips and tricks for organizing and archiving images.

Developing digital images - RAW vs. JPEG

Caption: Product photography is an example of a genre in which authentic colors are more important than creative approaches to editing.

How are digital images actually developed? And why can and should they be edited at all? The latter is usually indirectly related to the RAW format, which is generally available as an image format in almost every camera alongside the compressed JPEG.

With the JPEG format, the camera uses an internal algorithm to decide how the image is developed from the raw data - depending on the manufacturer and the camera's image processor, the results can vary accordingly. The result is a compressed image file that can be used directly.

In contrast, the uncompressed RAW format (raw data format) initially produces an optically flatter-looking image with a significantly larger tonal range - and a correspondingly larger file size. The reason for this is that the RAW files contain considerably more tonal value information. The raw file output here has to be developed digitally so that it can be presented at all.

Image processing programs that support the manufacturer-specific file formats are required to develop the RAW files. These RAW files can differ from camera model to camera model. For example, Leica uses .DNG files, Fujifilm X cameras use files with the extension .RAF and Nikon uses .NEF files.

The RAW format may seem complicated and impractical at first glance, but it offers photographers the opportunity to intervene in the digital development of the image themselves. The removal of color casts, the adjustment of tonal values or the selective editing of individual image areas, for example, are flexibly and extensively possible with the RAW format. Even incorrect exposures can usually be corrected afterwards - especially in the case of underexposed images.

For this reason, the RAW format is the first choice for all demanding photographers who want to get the most out of their shots. However, this does not mean that the JPG format is not also justified. JPEG is ideal for sharing images directly or for capturing fast-moving subjects. In contrast to the RAW format, JPEG allows significantly faster continuous shooting speeds.

Tip: If you are starting to work with RAW, you should shoot in both formats whenever possible so that the JPEG photo can serve as a reference. In this way, you can see what result the camera has produced - and also where there may be differences to your desired effect. Important: Make sure you have enough space on your memory card. Because if you record both formats in parallel, the amount of data to be saved increases significantly.

As already mentioned, RAW files directly from the camera are generally quite flat and unspectacular - which is why these files must always be developed digitally, just as was the case in analog photography in the past. But the effort is worth it, as there are numerous options and adjustments available to you as a photographer. In addition, modern image editing programs speed up the workflow and, if you wish, provide a suggestion for developing your RAW image.

How to get the most out of your images

Caption: In the case of portraits, small distractions such as skin blemishes or unwanted shine are often reduced in post-processing.

There is a fine line between digital development and editing or enhancing images. Some photographers want to achieve a natural look in their final shots and only edit the photos minimally on the computer - for example, to increase the contrast or brightness. Others, on the other hand, see the potential in their photos to transform them into digital works of art. To do this, they use extensive color grading for special looks or combine several shots to create images with more depth, greater sharpness or create a digital composing.

Classic post-processing at a glance

Classic post-processing involves editing your own image according to your own preferences and the photographer's requirements in order to achieve the best possible quality. Classic digital tools here include, for example, dodging or re-exposing individual image elements to bring them more into the foreground or obscure them. Lowering highlights to bring out details in the sky. Or the correction of optical distortions, such as those found in architectural photography. The range of digital tools is broad and the individual programs offer us more and more possibilities - also with the help of artificial intelligence. Tip: No matter which approach you take, clarify in advance what goal you want to achieve with your editing.

Avoid typical mistakes

Two typical mistakes are made time and again, especially when familiarizing yourself with image editing on the computer: The first is the futile attempt to save an overexposed image. Due to the lack of information in the highlights of the shot, the result is usually sobering. Our advice: In tricky shooting situations, always use the RAW format and underexpose the image slightly. This way, the result can be perfected with the help of digital image processing.

The second mistake is reworking photos. Contrast, color or other parameters are increased too much. This can lead to unsightly artefacts, color fringing or image noise - or the result can look completely unnatural. The rule here is therefore: less is (usually) more.

Creative image editing

Caption: Day-night composings are images that classically fall under digital enhancement and editing. Here, several shots taken at different times of day are combined into one image.

Creative image processing involves, among other things, the digital enhancement of images. This includes, for example, combinations of several images such as HDR shots (high dynamic range; high contrast shots), but also the merging of different elements of images into digital composings.

Creative minds are divided on what still belongs to the development and optimization of the shot and where digital manipulation begins. Ultimately, however, the question of how far you want to go with editing can only be answered by each individual. And that again is the beauty of photography - the creative possibilities are limitless and tastes differ.

Incidentally, in some areas of photography it is often simply impossible to capture a scene perfectly in a single shot. For example, photos of the night sky are usually composed of several images. This is necessary to make the stars (or the Milky Way) visible and at the same time get the right exposure for the foreground in the picture. So there is no right or wrong here. What is important is your own creative and well thought-out approach.

How to edit your RAW images

Most editing is aimed at making full use of the information in a RAW file. Since RAW images contain more tonal values than we can reproduce on a normal print or on the screen, it is particularly important to develop RAW images as perfectly as possible.

Most images are simply developed with basic adjustments such as highlights, depths, exposure and white balance. A well-thought-out detailed adjustment also requires local editing with the appropriate tools in image editing programs such as Adobe Lightroom or DxO. The procedure should be as follows: First, you need to analyze your RAW image carefully. What is the aim of your editing? What was going through your mind when you took the picture? How close did the image come to your original idea?

Look at the image from an objective perspective and without preconceptions. When editing yourself, make sure you either work with a copy or use software that allows non-destructive editing - this means that you can undo any changes if necessary and that the original is always preserved.

Once you have finished editing, you should allow some time to pass and then look at the image again from a distance and ask yourself: Do all the image qualities meet your expectations?

Inspiration for successful images

Current works by professional photographers also show what well-developed pictures look like. It is worth taking a look at works in your own photographic genre. On the one hand, typical color looks and processing strategies can be recognized, but on the other hand, you also get hints on possibly less noticed approaches. Inspiring articles on current photography and photographic art can also be found in WhiteWall magazine.

The right workflow

To conclude our article, we would like to touch on another important factor in image editing: the workflow. This begins with taking the picture in the camera, whereby attention must be paid to the most authentic representation of the colors via the appropriate white balance and the choice of file format (RAW).

Before the images are transferred to the laptop or computer, the monitors should be calibrated. This is the only way to guarantee that the colors can be displayed as they appear on the monitor when printing or exposing later on. Important factors here include color profiles, the correct file formats for further processing and any adjustments to the print media. We will go into this in more detail in a later article. Incidentally, WhiteWall is at your side as a premium partner and supports you in the preparation of your images during the ordering process. For example, ICC profiles and information about data preparation are available on this page. You can also obtain individual advice from us. You can find all information about our comprehensive services here.

Conclusion

Digital image processing offers you every opportunity to develop and edit your images according to your ideas. Regardless of whether you only want to slightly optimize your photos or create a creative digital work of art. To achieve the perfect starting point, however, you should pay attention to all the relevant details when taking the picture. Especially the file format. RAW offers you significantly more scope for image editing and development, but also requires more storage space on your memory card. JPEG, on the other hand, is ideal if you want to share your photos quickly and invest little or no time in image editing.