Unlock the marvels your software promises you

With the ease of use and remarkable effects that digital technology offers, it is no surprise to find an ever-growing segment of photographers turning to digital cameras and photo-editing software with every passing day. While the key elements which converge to create flawless images do remain the same, digital tools do make it a lot easier to correct any blemishes that you may have overlooked when capturing the image while also letting you create marvelous effects with just a handful of tools. but when it comes to the actual process of re-touching your images, your efforts are not just limited to choosing the most appropriate editing software, but also ensuring that you do not spend unnecessary hours toiling over the most basic of functions and lose out on the more elaborate, and also more attractive, ones.

Even as you set out to rework your photographs, stop a moment to save a copy of the original image in a folder you can easily access if need be. This is because if your efforts at editing yield results that are contrary to what you set out to achieve, you can simply revert to the original you have and begin all over again. Once you open your image in your photo-editor, you will find an option which says 'Save As' which you need to click on to save the original and get to work on the copy you've created. And once you set forth, don't restrict yourself with the fear of having to plod through the entire process if you create an effect you aren't particularly fond of. You can eliminate the unwanted change with the 'Undo' option that your software will provide you with, and if you're one of the lucky few who has the more sophisticated versions, you can even avail of the 'Multiple Undo' option. This remarkable feature lets you stick with only the changes you like while deleting the unwanted ones.

Being a pro when it comes to maneuvering around the image is vital to how quick and easy your editing process is. A popular navigating tool is the 'Hand Tool' or the 'Pan Tool' which allows you to work your way up and down the image, without making any inadvertent changes to it. You can also choose the zoom options to be more accurate in your editing process which are represented by the 'Magnifying Glass Tool'. This tool displays a plus sign as you draw in to make the necessary changes and the negative sign as you zoom out to assess the effect of your changes to the overall image. While most types of software let you left click on the image to zoom in or out, many versions also let you right click on the image to proceed in set increments.

Although your image may appear unclear and hazy when you zoom into it, it does not mean that the final image that you create will appear quite that way. This distortion appears only because the pixels of your image get separated and hence, more distinct, which also gives you more precision. You can even use the 'Eyedropper' tool which lets you select only pixels in a specific color, without having to worry about skipping a minute part of your image when you are in the process of editing it.

Your editing software will also be enabled with what are known as 'Marquee' tools, which let you trace basic shapes like rectangles and circles or even ellipses around your image. You can also use the freeform tool for drawing around unsymmetrical shapes which do not fit into the rectangular or circular frames. This freeform tool lets you trace around the image by holding your mouse button down or clicking around the image to create a series of dots which will automatically connect to each other, once you click on the first dot again. And once you're through with your selection, a flowing dotted line will appear around the highlighted portion of your image.

These basic functions set the stage for the more advanced tools which you can use to create spectacular effects and even make discreet changes to enhance your images. The easiest and most foolproof technique to augment the focus of your photograph is to crop the edges off with the subject in the center. You can even hue your images with a subtle tint to imbibe it with a special theme using the array of filters that your editing software provides you with. You can also paint brush strokes over your image, just as you would with a physical painting, to add color and even paint out slight blemishes in your image.

How easy or difficult it is for you to use your software all depends on how systematic and well-versed you are with all the options you are granted. The more creative you get the larger number of tools you use This also means that you are conversant with many more features than if you restrict yourself to the conventional stereotypes. And before you know it, you'll be well on your way to creating one-of-a-kind works of exquisite art!

By: Dan Brown

Starting to know Digital Photography is better in many ways. Classes have developed and new sources have risen. Now you can read all about tips on lighting

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