Where to start to edit an image in Photoshop? Video guide
Do you know where to start to edit a photo in Photoshop? The sad truth is that we were all at that stage one day. We stare at Photoshop and, wondering which tool can get us what we want, we work hard to find it.
Edit an image in Photoshop, using each tool and creating 1000 different layers to add complexity to your image, with the illusion that you immediately make the image very attractive.
Preparation
The process of editing image chaos (additions) in Photoshop does not take long. It’s easy to take a look at your photo and start immediately by creating a layer on top of the existing layer for a variety of settings and edits. Adding a little contrast and a bit of brightness and some sharpness or blur is a quick step.
What happens if we remove the chaos?
Creating beautiful images is an art; And much like the art of handicrafts, a lot of opaque work leads to fun and interesting things at first.
- Photographers spend time exploring different places and landscapes, researching where the sun rises and what the weather is like before 4 a.m. and photographing these magical moments.
- Chefs spend hours preparing resources and ingredients before presenting their masterpieces.
- Painters clean the dust of their pens and fill their canvases before giving life to their vision and mental images.
- Writers spend time building the structure and content of the program before putting the pen on paper.
- Architects prepare complex plans and designs before laying bricks and building a house.
Preparation is key to presenting the best final version of your craft. Preparation lays the groundwork for starting and creating integration and style, and helps you focus and move along the path.
So, how is the preparation?
You, as a photographer and image editor, should not accidentally try your way through Lightroom or Photoshop, aimlessly tapping layers and settings without making a plan. You have specified the details.
So as you get closer to your image, you know what to edit, when to start, and what to do. There is no lack of planning – this is systematic and as a result, you will be ready, methodical, purposeful as well as energetic as you work.
Step 1 – Upload Photoshop
Open your image in Photoshop. You can do this in Photoshop by going to FILE> OPEN and selecting your image. You can also download your image in Photoshop from the Lightroom library. Do this by right-clicking on the image inside the Lightroom library and going to EDIT IN> EDIT IN ADOBE PHOTOSHOP.
Step 2 – Turn black and white
To start editing, it is useful to temporarily start to remove the distraction from the color so that you can easily see with your own eyes what is going on in the image. Convert your image to black and white using the Adjustment Layer menu and the Black and White option.
Step 3 – What do you see?
Make sure you can see the whole image on your screen. At this point, you are just looking at your image to get an idea. Go to VIEW> FIT ON SCREEN and then hold down CTRL with the – or + key to zoom in.
Ask these questions while looking at your picture.
- What is the photo trying to say?
- Tilt your eyes
- Where do your eyes go?
- What elements reinforce the story of the image?
- Which elements weaken the story?
You do not need to write an in-depth analysis here. Just spend a few seconds on each question and listen to your instincts. What you want to do is look at the image from the viewer’s point of view and make sure what they want to see.
It is very important to control the viewer’s eye in a good photo and it leads them to a continuous journey so that they can receive all the thoughts of the story in your image at once.
Next, we take a look at this sample image and create a distraction so we can create a simple editing program.
Step 4 – Create your design
Create a new layer and rename it “Notes”. In this layer, you can use the brush tool to mark areas based on the answers in step 3.
The example image tries to tell the story of a Thai man who launches his boat and has basic oxygen and diving equipment while trying to protect himself from the sun. However, you may find that your eyes are disturbed by a black strap, a rope, and what looks like a metal compass in a frame.
Mark any causes for distractions and things to remove or hide. Use a light colored brush on your note layer to add markings to your design. You can also use the Type tool to clear your mind, so you do not forget when and for what purpose the cues were created, and you can edit them later.
Mark the elements that you want to attract the most attention. Continue to allow your eyes to search for the image and mark the elements that enhance the story. In the example image, you will notice that the subject is wearing a pair of sunglasses and his face is a bit dark. The viewer’s attention to this area will definitely increase the efficiency of the story.
The sample image uses many lines to guide the horizontal view, such as the horizon, the edge of the boat, and the canopy. While these are effective in directing the eye across the image towards the subject and also you do not want them to be too effective and let the viewer continue his eye along these image lines to get out of the image.
A good way to prevent this from happening is to darken the right side of the photo. This will help to strengthen the viewer’s focus on the frame and on the subject.
Another element in this example that can potentially enhance the story is the light source. Adding a sunglasses or flashlight may help to add some interesting aspects and align the settings to match the color of the face and sunglasses.
See the image in color again.
Finally, we can work on the overall color of the image to match the story. Given that the story is a typical image of a man who wants to show a relatively cool atmosphere in the hot summer sun, adding a subtle color to show a cool sub-environment in a warm environment can stimulate the story and create a beautiful image combination. .
The final image before and after