Many photographers get confused regarding what to focus on when it comes to photo post-processing. And I said ‘many’. Yes, you’ve read it right.
Interestingly, this simple matter draws the thin line between a professional photographer and an amateur one.
Anyway, if you are looking for some tips to make your photography unique read through the last. Here, you’ll find what to focus on when clicking the shutter button outdoor and how to pass the post-processing session indoor.
However, things are changing.
Indeed.
Today, there are a good number of photo editing companies offering outstanding photo editing services for photographers. Easy breezy. And, that’s why it’s quite difficult to differentiate an amateur photographer from the professionals.
But, the thing is, professional photographers know what to do when a capture is done. And, that’s their ‘pride’ thing.
If you are tired of seeing your photos being underrated despite hard works you might want to change your post-processing techniques.
Image post-processing is a vital part where an ordinary frame becomes gorgeous. But you need to handle this session carefully. Only a skillful touch can ensure the grand output. Therefore, sharpen your skill first and then, give it a go.
However, it all starts when you pull your camera from the bag. And hence, learn to shoot first.
Anyway, let’s learn what to focus on before clicking the shutter button and how to pass the post-processing session indoor.
Well, primarily, it is quite difficult to determine what to focus on before sorting out the contexts. In that case, the thing entirely ‘depends’ on the perspective of the cameraman.
So, it is wise to set up the vision first.
Ask yourself: what’s the ‘behind the scene’ of that photo? What are you truly trying to express through the photo? What will be the story circling the moment? And most importantly, why did you plan to shoot the moment in the 1st place?
When you are done with the answers set up your tripod and let the light pass through the aperture.
Basically, it’s the moment on the camera that determines what can be generated through the post-processing session. So, put your efforts on it more than the indoor post-processing.
Create a plan first regarding where you want to see your photo at the end of the day. Then, start from the beginning of the plan and only stop when your plan is executed accordingly. No matter what happens, nothing can stop you from getting the frame you’ve looked for.
Well, so, now you have the primary frame on what you’ll apply post-processing technique.
Let’s see what to do now.
Actually, image post-processing is not a different project and related to photography like no other. It is the second part of a two-part cycle of photography. Post-processing is all about demonstrating creativity. The more creative you are, the better the photos look.
However, beginners often make mistakes editing their photos. Professional photographers, to some extent, may get confused regarding their actions in the post-processing session.
Professionals already know the basic features of the most common photo editing tools available. But, the beginners struggle to master the tools function. For them, it should be ‘try & fail.’ They need to learn the effects of the tools first. And therefore, there is no alternative to experimenting.
So, let’s have a look at the tips to make your photo post-processing session fruitful.
A perfect photo only comes out when there is the best combination of the light. And therefore, setting up the ideal parameter to let the light in is mandatory. In that case, ISO, Aperture, and Shutter speed play vital roles.
Enhancement of the ISO and Aperture generate brighter and well-lighted photo and vice versa. On the other hand, slower shutter speed lets more light in through the lens.
The perfect combination of these items ensures a better result in the post-processing session. So, tune your camera according to your goals and what you want to see once the post-processing is done. However, Adobe Photoshop has specific tools for fixing those issues if not maintained properly.
It is very common photographers find it difficult to choose the best resolution to keep. Well, the higher the resolution is the better the quality would be. But, not necessarily, you have to maintain a high resolution for every purpose.
It depends on the subjects and only the printing purpose requires a high-resolution photo. For website publication, a photo with the mid-level resolution is okay. It loads faster and makes the site lighter. Image resizing and cropping allows you to deduct some portions of the photo making it attractive. Moreover, it rearranges the center and is required for the perfect photo book.
Most of the modern cameras come with a smart focus assistant tool. Generally, it helps a photographer to set the focus easily except in some situations. It is better to set the focus manually as it ensures perfection. It is obvious that, you know which subjects you want to focus; not the camera. So, auto-focusing may not generate perfect result in complex situations and therefore, manual focusing is recommended.
Using tripod saves a cameraman from clicking blurry photos. But, a tripod may not be a suitable tool in every situation. Even sometimes a photographer doesn’t get a chance to set his tripod. The shaky hand often destroys the beauty of the image. However, considering a tripod for a better picture should be the first choice.
If not possible, use whatever comes in a handy at the moment. A public bench, lamp post, or even a small wall may help you to keep your hands stable. Evaluate the situation quickly and optimize yourself to overcome the barriers.
Framing is quite difficult and if you are regularly putting your subjects in the center it will lose its charm. Moreover, the placement of the subject at the center of the frame is now a ‘gone-by’ tradition. Photographers are now improvising their creativity in framing objects.
Well, it is not a big deal nowadays to make changes to your frame as Photoshop has a cropping tool through which you can set your frames as per your taste.
But it doesn’t preserve the elements present on those cropped portion. So, it’s wise to set the frame manually while looking through the lens.
It actually depends on the subjectivity and the person involved. More or less, it reflects the taste of the photographer and client. So, you have to tune the colors maintaining the demand of the client.
But, in most cases, vibrant and sharp colors attract the eye in the first place. A photo usually contains a good number of color variants. Tuning them to maintain balances requires a skilled hand. You have to maintain the natural tone while enhancing it for better visibility.
Contrast adjusting and saturation tuning will help you to play with specific colors. Again, warmth modification will add a classic vibe to your photo.
However, focus on the surrounding to represent them in your post-processed photos. For example, if your primary photo is shot in a beach containing sand, trees, and sea focus on those colors while editing. Don’t change the blue water into something like orange or pink to add diversity. Be natural and sharpen those colors to make them delightful.
If your skills need development or planning to take your first steps in photography the mentioned items may help you to capture flawless photos.
It takes time to master the art of photography. However, following the tactics mentioned above may shorten your experimental period. To shine in the photography business, improvisation in the photo editing technique is a must. Smart photo post-processing techniques are mandatory for gaining the trust and appreciation of the clients. Consistency in the quality and style may result in better brand value.
What tricks do you think are effective in boosting photographic output?
What is your take on improving photo post-processing skills?