From Good to Great - 3 Tips to Elevate Your Outdoor Photography Through Editing
Post-processing images may seem to some as something that only professionals should use. With so many filters out there and phone and digital cameras becoming much more intelligent and autonomous by the day, it might seem like it is an unnecessary process to master for those who are not primarily photographers. However, there are many reasons why educating yourself in basic post-processing and developing your unique style could benefit you and your brand. Below I will discuss a few of these
1. The Importance of Post-Processing
Photo credit: Mylene Tremoyet via Unsplash
Even though cameras are becoming more and more intelligent by the day, when it comes to professional-looking photography, post-processing is still an essential part of the equation. It allows you to correct any mistakes that were made during the shooting and to compensate for unfavorable circumstances that you had no power over during the shoot (such as a passing cloud, changing light conditions, bright reflections in the water, etc.). Further to this, you can use the post-production process to make the pictures look more polished and professional and give them a bit of a pop.
2. Master Essential Editing Techniques
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Many people are averse to learning even the most basic techniques of editing because the process seems daunting and superfluous with all the filters out there. However, there could be huge advantages for you and your photography in just mastering the basic elements of editing. There are many software out there that you can use for free or upgrade to use more advanced features. For example, Adobe Lightroom offers a free version of their photo editing app for mobile.
To start with, there are only a couple of techniques that you should aim to learn. With the help of these, you can correct or perfect certain details, such as color temperature, brightness, contrast, and the vibrance of the colors in the image. By playing around with the toggles, you might find yourself venturing into more creative editing endeavors and that is where the fun begins!
3. Develop Your Own Style
Photo credit: Nicole Savadeera via Unsplash
Once you become more comfortable with the basic techniques, you can take it up a notch and develop your own technique. You can play around with different hues and color temperatures and create your own presets to create a uniform, personal style. You would still be editing your photos individually, but there would be an overarching atmosphere or color harmony that you prioritize throughout your pictures.
Once you get the hang of it, it is a deeply satisfying process as well. Just as with any other creative pursuit, you can find your voice and find ways to express your own unique vision through your pictures. Not to mention that it will draw more people to your brand and social media channels.
Learning the basics of post-production is not as daunting as it might initially seem, and a lot less time-consuming than it used to be. Creating a style that you can apply through your pictures can help you develop your style and help people relate to your brand and recognize it more easily. If you have any questions about how to get started with editing or have any tips of your own, feel free to reach out or share them in the comments!
