Basic processing techniques

From the shot to the perfect image

Editing your pictures is not just another step from the moment the camera is triggered to the finished picture on the wall - in most cases, it is also the most important step after the shutter has been released. In this step, you give the photo its final character and decide on the message and effect of the image. First things first: there is no "one" or "right" way to edit a photo. Rather, editing is the continuation of your creative vision during the shoot.

How to get the best out of your image

Some image editing techniques are very basic, others are much more in-depth and require a good understanding of the individual tools of the respective software. We start with the basic image editing techniques, show you the various options and explain them to you using practical descriptions.

In the previous article, you have already learned the difference between RAW and JPEG files. When it comes to editing your images, this detail becomes extremely important. The RAW file is your digital negative with extensive editing options, while the JPEG is already fully developed in many areas.

By digitally adjusting exposure, contrast and color temperature, you can influence the effect of your shot during image processing. You develop the image - and complete your creative work.

1. The workflow: Image editing from the ground up

1.1 Importing and selecting images:

At the beginning of the image editing workflow, a routine workflow is a solid basis. Export the images from the memory card to a folder on your computer or an external hard disk. You can now examine all the images with a critical eye. Image editing begins with the selection. Not every picture is perfect. Therefore, check whether the next steps are really worthwhile. Don't be afraid to produce rejects. Especially at the beginning, it can be hard to filter out 15 good photos from 150. On the other hand, no good image should be lost on a hard disk.

As digital presentation media, social networks are popular for showing pictures publicly. On the other hand, an elegant analog photo book - as a portfolio, for example - has a much higher quality, but the selection of images is more exclusive, as a photo book does not offer an infinite amount of space. If you opt for a large-format print, you will have to end up with a single, perfect image anyway. So take advantage of digital photography and take as many pictures as you want. But only develop the ones you are really happy with.

1.2 The preparation

Just as photography involves a lot of practice and experience, editing is also a learning process. The most important thing is to familiarize yourself with your program. Just as you get to know your camera and its settings, the same applies to the software. Routine and confidence will give you full control and make the process easier. Make sure that you work non-destructively. This means that you either work with a copy or with a program that allows all editing steps to be undone.

Think of the creative advantage: an image can be redesigned as often as you like. Color, black and white or sepia are no problem. Take advantage of this and experiment with all the possibilities.

1.3 The workflow

As soon as you have imported your images, the fun can begin - and image editing can really be fun. Routine helps here too. All programs have a rating function. Be it with stars, values or colors. Always sort the images you want to edit according to the same scheme. Then filter the selection and your favorites are collected and ready for development.

2. Basic editing techniques: step by step to your goal

The workflows and tools are generally the same in all programs, only the values change. Ideally, you should first work through an internal checklist that leaves room for the individuality of the image.

When using a new program for the first time, check whether it supports profiles for the camera or lens, for example to correct distortions. With new cameras and lenses, a new update may be necessary until these are implemented in the software.

2.1 Cropping: It's all a question of perspective

The first thing you should always look at is the image section. Before you change anything, align the image - you don't want to spend a lot of time editing what you are going to cut away anyway. This allows you to remove distracting factors at the edge of the image, position your subject better or, if the image resolution allows, make a smaller area the main subject.

Perspective distortions and falling lines can also be corrected. Especially in architectural photography or when shooting with wide-angle lenses, these unsightly "kinks in the optics" can occur.

2.2 Exposure: Let there be light

The first setting is the exposure. Based on the exposure of the shot, the necessary steps can be initiated here. The optimum exposure would be when the slider on the exposure display at the bottom of the camera screen is at exactly zero. This can be difficult depending on the lighting and conditions. If the image is slightly overexposed or underexposed, this can be compensated for here.

In most cases, only very small and precise steps are necessary; rarely does a high value have to be used. Tip: An underexposed subject can usually be saved in RAW format, as the shadows contain more tonal value information. A strong overexposure, on the other hand, usually contains hardly any color information.

2.3 Contrast

Contrast regulates the gradations between light and dark image areas. The higher the value, the greater the differences - at the expense of a significantly darker image. If the contrast is too high, the colors become pale and the picture dull.

The contrast is often increased slightly to make the picture appear crisper and sharper. The image may need to be brightened up again afterwards. Also consider how you want to present your image on the wall later. Depending on the material, you should adjust the contrast optimization accordingly.

2.4 Highlights and shadows

These controls are responsible for light and dark areas. For example, a burnt-out, white cloudy sky can be filled with detail again using "Highlights", while "Shadows" brightens the dark areas. Each slider only works in its area of responsibility, the overall brightness remains unaffected.

2.5 White and black

All colors of the image are addressed here. The effect is very drastic. If an image is brightened considerably, the contrast is lost. In this case, the black level can be reduced. However, if the black areas are to appear crisper, a slight reduction in the black level can be helpful.

In this way, "highlights" and "blacks" as well as "shadows" and "whites" are opposed to each other. An image that is correctly exposed from the outset requires only careful and precise corrections, if any at all.

3. Color

Color is probably the biggest point of contention. We have already talked about "color science", the color reproduction of the various camera manufacturers. The color spectrum captured by the camera's sensor and what we see can be very different. The "Color" section makes it possible to easily reproduce authentic colors or to explore new creative avenues.

Depending on the software, different tools are available here, ranging from the classic adjustment of dynamics and saturation to fine adjustments of individual color channels and color grading.

3.1 Temperature

A color temperature is recorded in your digital image based on the white balance that you set when taking the photo. As a rule, you will find the white balance directly at the top of the exposure in the software, usually under the name "Temperature", "Color temperature" or "White balance". The slider now changes the Kelvin temperature from cold blue to warm yellow. This allows you to manually correct the white balance afterwards or give the image a different mood - especially if you have photographed in RAW format. Slightly cooler tones often have a more mystical effect, while warm tones create a cozy atmosphere.

3.2 Saturation and dynamics: from radiant to dull

Saturation and dynamic range increase or decrease the color intensity in the image. Saturation increases all colors in the image evenly, which appears very unnatural above a certain point, or makes the image appear only in shades of grey. This is a quick way to turn the image into a black and white image, although further adjustments are required, but more on this later.

Dynamic enhances or reduces the colors without extreme effects. Depending on the subject and the desired style, the colors become stronger and more vivid.

3.3 Portrait retouching: Beautiful Smile

Anyone who photographs people cannot avoid retouching portraits. Whether it's small imperfections, a little gloss or the refinement of artistic fashion portraits. Retouching includes various tools that have different names and functions depending on the image editing software used.

What can be included in portrait retouching? First of all, red eyes. This problem is as old as photography. If you have a person in your photo whose pupils are reflecting red light, you can remove this effect with one click.

Another type of retouching is teeth whitening. The surface of our teeth reacts differently to ambient light, often appearing gray in images without a directional light source. The same applies to stains and skin irritations that were present at the time the photo was taken. Removing these with the repair brush is a nice option for digital editing.

Some programs also offer the option of reducing dark circles. Used discreetly, this is also friendlier than a distortion. Removing lint from clothing or protruding hair is also one of the useful benefits.

Exactly what you do when retouching a portrait is a personal decision that you need to reconcile with the intention behind the image. Smoothing out a face completely can quickly look unnatural. Do you want to remove people from the background or replace the entire background - or does this contradict the image idea? Your image editing should always support the image idea. Keep this in mind for all steps.

3.4 Filters, presets and film looks

Filters and presets are now part of the standard repertoire of almost all software. Whether as film looks or preconfigured for special application situations, these presets help to quickly develop or spice up images.

For example, an analog grain can be applied to the image, a known analog film style can be copied or image development can be steered in a certain direction. Most programs offer a good selection of tone filters and black and white presets. This is useful and saves time.

Most of these presets are, as the name suggests, presets, i.e. settings recommended by the software. With most programs, you can vary the intensity and turn the controls yourself to achieve an individual result. Of course, you can also do this yourself if you know what you are doing.

Tip: If your software has an "automatic" option, i.e. an option to edit the image based on an analysis, you can use this option to learn. Look at what and how much the software has changed and start there with your own development. The result is not always perfect, as the program lacks the feeling that only you had during the shoot. But these functions help to get a first impression of possible styles and directions in which an edit can go.

4. The finishing touches: sharpening and exporting

You have now completed all the necessary steps to create the final image from the RAW file. When you are finished, you need to export the image for its intended use. A slight sharpening for printing is just as much a part of this as choosing the right file format for your purposes.

The "Denoise" and "Sharpen" functions can correct small errors in the image very well - and should always be at the end of the processing chain. If the ISO sensitivity was too high or the light was too weak, AI-supported noise reduction is a good method of removing this from the image. A little more depth of field can be added to the image when sharpening.

The following applies to the file format: You don't need the full size for the web, a JPG is often the best choice here. If you are exporting for print, larger formats such as TIFF are better suited to achieve the maximum quality for the desired presentation format.

Conclusion

Modern image editing programs are very powerful. Some functions help with minimal adjustments, others have a profound effect on the final image effect. When editing, you should consider how you want the image to look and feel in the end - and how to achieve this effect. Less is often more. Start with the basic adjustments to exposure, white balance, highlights and shadows mentioned above and then - if desired and necessary - work your way up to more advanced adjustments such as color grading and retouching.

The next chapter will cover more complex and comprehensive image editing techniques.