Photoshop is a photo editing software that has many surprises. To become a master as a photographer or a photo editor, there are many steps that one has to take. Here we will be discussing the easiest methods to add interest and drama to your pictures.
Overlay/Blur
Drag your picture layer to the “new” icon in the layers palette to duplicate the picture, apply the Gaussian blur enough to keep the shapes in form, and let details disappear. Change the normal blending mode to overlay in the layer’s palette. This method lightens the lighter tones and darkens the darker tones boosting the contrast. For more dramatic effects, use the vivid light blending mode rather than an overlay. This method works well with almost everything, from nature shots to portraits.
Filter The Background
When filtering the image, you need first to duplicate an open picture, then using the lasso tool, roughly select the image you want to filter from the background. Using ctrl+alt+d, feather the selection then uses 50 pixels to enlarge the feather.
Using layer>new>layer via copy, you end up with a new layer with only your subject inside and fades at the edges. Below your subject layer, select the layer copy and start trying out filters. Brushstrokes work better than blurs. If you want a more advanced subject selection, you first duplicate the layer, then mask it out and paint the subject back using a large soft white brush.
Burn and Dodge Tools
To whiten teeth or eyeballs, or other areas too dark, you can use the dodge tools by setting up the circle size and adjusting the flow on the top menu bar. Do not use dodge tools on a picture with a flow of more than 25% because the selected area will get a red tone.
Neon Glow
The neon glow adds a touch of drama and color to your selection. First, duplicate the layer, then using Filter > Artistic > Neon Glow, select a color that will complement your shot and exaggerate it. Begin with a glowing brightness of 18 and a glowing size four and twerk it until it suits the shot. Switch to the overlay blending mode and cycle through the linear light, vivid, soft and hard lights to give your shot the best effect.
Portrait Touch Up
To remove any blemish from the shot, you use the healing brush. In replacing the blemish, the tool uses the surrounding pixels. The healing brush is found on the toolbar, adjust the circle to fit that of the blemish and then spot on that item for it to be removed and replaced. In case the part you need to replace is significant, you can use the patch tool. You select the area you need retouched and choose the best fitting skin color by dragging the selection.
Easy Blur
Easy blur is meant to soften the picture and give it a dreamy look, and it’s best used on portraits. Using Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, apply the Gaussian blur after duplicating the layer. Set the layer’s opacity to 50% and work around the opacities until you find something that works in your shots’ favor.
Layers and Text
You can put text on the picture to make it pop or decorate it by using additional layers.
When to Use Photoshop
Photoshop is used anytime you want to improve your images, and the tips above will assist you in post-processing your images better and more proficiently. Whether you’re a teacher selecting the software for students or a creative professional looking to elevate your offerings, Adobe CC is a great option for beginners and experts alike.
