November 2024 | Graphics Cycle

Photo Editing Basics for Beginners | Easy Guide to Start

By graphics cycle on November 21st, 2024 in Image/Photo Editing

Photo editing has become an integral part of our life. It is nothing but giving your photos the best possible looks. However, photo editing gives you scope to be creative with it. But photo editing is like a puzzle that is difficult to solve without knowing the basics. That’s the aim of this post to give you insights into photo editing basics for beginners.

First, you have to start with photo editing software. There are a lot of desktop and mobile photo editing applications available. Your goal is to learn any of these software thoroughly to edit your images. When you learn the basics from a software you can apply them to other software as well.

However, in this tutorial, we are going to help you learn the photo editing basics using Photoshop. Photoshop is the most popular and used program for photo editing. It has a great number of features for both the beginners and the professionals.

But remember that whatever the tips and tricks tips we will provide you here will be useful if you practice them regularly. Photo editing is going to test your patience level. So, do not dishearten easily. Practice a lot to become a master of these tools.

How to Get Started with Photo Editing?

To me, photo editing is like a structured research program. First, you have to look at the photo and understand the changes you want to apply to make it look perfect.

Then, you have to move to the experimentation part, using different tools and changing parameters to give the image the best look. This is how the professionals work.

Let’s learn about some programs for photo editing basics for beginners:

01. Canva | Visual Suite for Everyone

Canva is a web-based photo editing program. Also, you can download the software for desktop, iOS, and Android.

Canva is popular among photo editing and designers who want to edit their photos quickly. Also, there are a lot of presets available that you can use for creating different professional designs.

02. Pixlr | AI Art Photo Editor

Pixlr is another web-based application. It is also available for iOS and Android devices. Pixlr is considered an alternative to Photoshop. Its features allow photo editors to perform basic to intermediate photo editing. Additionally, Pixlr is free with ads.

03. GIMP | GNU Image Manipulation Program

GIMP is only available for desktop platforms. It is for beginners who want to learn more advanced editing techniques for free. GIMP has features like layers, masks, filters, color correction, cloning, text, and much more.

Can Beginners Start Learning Photo Editing with Photoshop?

Beginners are usually afraid of the high-end features of Photoshop. As a result, they start learning photo editing with other programs. But starting with Photoshop can give you a lot of advantages.

It is one of the most powerful photo editing programs. And it can be rewarding if you’re willing to invest time in learning this program.

Though Photoshop offers extensive features for professionals, it has a lot of beginner-friendly features. Additionally, the inclusion of AI has made this program helpful for beginners.

Moreover, photoshop has a wealth of tutorials for beginners. You will get a lot of tutorials on our site. Also, you will get free tutorials on YouTube and Adobe’s website.

These tutorials will guide you through specific tasks. So, Photoshop is an ideal tool for photo editing basics for beginners.

First, you will need to download and install Photoshop on your device. You can download the file by going to the official website of Adobe Photoshop. Then you can either start a free trial or purchase a plan based on your requirements.

However, you should check the system requirements before downloading the installation file. Here are the minimum system requirements for Photoshop:

Operating System: Windows 10 or macOS (v10.15 or later)
RAM: At least 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
Processor: Intel or AMD processor with 64-bit support
Hard Drive: 4 GB of available space (SSD recommended)
Graphics: GPU with DirectX 12 support and 1.5 GB of dedicated memory (optional but recommended for optimal performance)

After the installation is complete, open Photoshop on your computer. Let’s start editing your photos.

A. Background Removing | Remove Background from Image

Background Removal is the most demanding task in the photo editing industry. You may need to remove an unwanted background for different purposes but the principle is always the same. To remove the background, you have to select the subject or the subjects in the image and cut them out from the background.

Photoshop has different tools to make a selection of the subject. For instance, the quick selection tool allows one to make a selection around the subject quickly. Also, there are tools like the magic wand tool, and the magnetic selection tool that allows one to make selections efficiently.

However, I like the object selection most among these tools. It efficiently works on selecting the object in the image.

So, select this tool from the Photoshop toolbar and then drag the cursor around the object that you want to select. The Photoshop AI will process the selection for a moment and it will give the result.

Moreover, Photoshop shows two buttons “Select Subject” and “Select and Mask” at the top below the option bar whenever you choose a selection tool from the toolbar.

If you click on the “Select Subject” button Photoshop will select the subject automatically.

After making the selection, you can copy it by right-clicking the mouse and selecting copy selection. Also, you can take the selection to any layer by pressing Ctrl+J.

This is how you can use Photoshop to remove the background.

B. Image Resizing | Resize Your Images with Photoshop

Image resizing is an important photo editing technique. You may need to resize your image to make it compatible with different platforms. Image resizing with Photoshop is super easy.

All you need is to open your image on Photoshop. Then, go to the option bar and click on the Image. Now click on Image Size to get options to change the height, width, and resolution of the image.

Here you will get a chain icon. If you make it active, the image size will be changed without distorting the image. That means, the height will be changed automatically, whenever you change the width and vice versa. On the right side of the dialogue box, you will get options to change the units of the heights and widths.

Thus you can resize your image to a particular height and width.

C. Image Cropping with Photoshop | Crop Tool Photoshop

The crop tool is a frequently used image editing tool. The main purpose of this tool is to crop out the unwanted areas of the image. This is how we can focus on the subject. You will get the Crop tool in the Photoshop toolbar. After selecting the tool a box will appear on your image.

All you need is to drag the sidelines to get rid of the unwanted areas. If you are satisfied, click the tick mark that appears at the top of the window. After that, you will see the result.

D. Adding Text in Image | Photo Editing Basics for Beginners

Photoshop is a Versatile photo editing tool. It has all the features that you may need to edit your image. Likewise, Photoshop allows you to add text to an image and give it an eye-catching effect.

So, open your photo in Photoshop. Now select the text tool from the Photoshop toolbar. Place the cursor on your image, it will create a default lorem ipsum text. Select this default text by double-clicking on it and writing your text.

After completing the writing, you can create a text effect by double-clicking on the text layer from the layers panel. It will take you to the layer-style dialogue box.

Now you can change the stroke of the text, give shadows to the text, or add gradients to it.

Moreover, at the top of the window, you will see options to change the font size, font color, and color of the text. By utilizing these options, you can create striking text effects.

E. Changing Image Position | Transform Tool Photoshop

We may need to change the image, or text position in the canvas or we may need to rotate them to create a particular effect. In Photoshop, you can do it easily by using the transform tool. To get the transform tool, you can simply press ctrl+T.

F. Color Correction Using Photoshop | Adjust Image Color

Color Correction is the most important part of photo editing. The colors in the photo make it look eye-catching and deliver the message accurately. Color Correction involves adjusting the colors, brightness, contrast, saturation, and overall tone of an image. The goal is to achieve a more balanced look.

Photoshop gives you all of these options to adjust colors in your image. For instance, you can adjust Levels to change the shadows, mid-tones, and highlights. Thus you can control the brightness and contrast.

You can get the Levels by going to Image > Adjustments > Levels or pressing Ctrl + L (Windows) or Cmd + L (Mac). Now, move the sliders for shadows (left), mid-tones (middle), and highlights (right) until the image looks balanced.

Another way to adjust the colors is by using the Curves. It provides more precise control over the color adjustments. You can get the Curves by navigating Image > Adjustments > Curves. Now you need to click on the diagonal like. It will create an anchor point on the line. If you drag the curve upward it will lighten the image. And by dragging the curve downward, you can darken it.

The hue and saturation adjustments of Photoshop are also an efficient way of intensifying the colors in the image. So, go to Image > Adjustments > Hue/Saturation. Now move the saturation and hue slider to get the desired color.

G. Remove Object Like Magic | Content-Aware Fill Photoshop

The content-aware fill works like magic. It allows us to get rid of unwanted elements of objects in the background. For example, there is a man in the background in your image and you want to remove him. The Content-Aware Fill works in this case.

First, you have to select the object using an image selection tool. After making the selection, go to Edit > Content-Aware Fill. A new window will pop up with Content-Aware Fill options.

Photoshop will process the selection and remove the object.

After that, you have to deselect the area. You can do it in three ways:

By going to Select > Deselect
Right-click the mouse and click Deselect
Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac)

FAQ | Photo Editing Basics for Beginners

How Much Does It Cost to Edit a Photo?

Well, the price of photo editing depends on several factors like complexity, emergency, and type of editing. However, the average price for the background removal service starts at $0.25 per image.

How Do Professionals Edit Their Photos?

Professional photo editors first make sure the composition of the image is looking good. Otherwise, they use the crop tool or straightening tool. If the background looks noisy they remove the background and replace it with a more accurate one. Then they work on the color of the image to ensure that the image looks eye-catching.

Final Thoughts | Photo Editing Basics

So, this is photo editing basics for beginners. Here we have given you an insight into these photo editing techniques. So you have to practice a lot to master these. Meanwhile, you can follow us to get advanced photo editing tips and techniques.

However, if you are dealing with a large number of photos, we can help you in completing. We have professionals with years of experience in this field.

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20 Best Masters of Photo Manipulation Artists to Follow

By graphics cycle on November 13th, 2024 in Other

Photo manipulation artists possess the ultimate skills of photo editing. A photo manipulation artist has different skills in editing which he/she combines to create the required effect.

Not only the editing skills, a photo manipulator also needs an artistic mind to create a unique style. So, it is not a cup of tea for everyone. The best way to learn this art is to follow the masters of photo manipulation.

You will get ideas about modern photo manipulations from the greatest artists in this field. Their works will help you learn about the creativity and skills that you require to be a professional in this field.

But, the question is, who are the best photo manipulation artists that a beginner should follow? As a beginner, it is not easy to find the best one in any field. This is where this article is going to help you.

What is Photo Manipulation?

As you are in this post, you already know the usefulness of manipulating photos. Let’s be more specific about this genre of photo editing.

According to YourDictionary, photo manipulation refers to the use of image editing methods to create a surreal effect. The main goal is to improve the overall look of the image. You may work with only one or multiple images and apply different editing techniques to create a specific effect.

It may involve working on the colors, changing the background, or adding surreal elements. All these things depend on the goal that is set by the artist.

Different industries use photo manipulation services. They use this service to improve the images. It helps them to communicate with their audiences. Thus, it works as a medium of branding. Here are some of the industries that use this service most:

Advertising & Marketing
Fashion & Beauty
Entertainment (Film, TV, and Gaming)
Photography
Publishing
E-commerce
Real Estate
Print Media

These industries hire the masters of photo manipulation to get their required photos. The salary range for these professionals is higher than that of other image editors. So, you can learn photo manipulation techniques to build your career in this field.

20 Masters of Photo Manipulation to Follow in 2024

01. Rosie Hardy | Photo Manipulation Photographers

Rosie Hardy is one of the famous photo manipulation artists from Britain. She blends reality with surreal effects. It evokes an emotion that attracts the viewers. Rosie has become popular with Flickr.

Rosie has worked with some of the top brands like Pringles and Universal Music. One of the main aspects of her works is self-portraits. Here she mostly uses herself as a model.

These portraits have dreamy effects of soft tones or ethereal lighting. The theme of these portraits is loneliness, inspiration, and the busy life of social media.

02. Kyle Thompson | Masters of Photo Manipulation

Kyle Thompson is from America. His works have a characteristic haunting effect. The emotional depth of these photos has made them stand out among the visitors. In the self-portraits, he creates an eerie atmosphere.

However, Kyle relies on minimal manipulation. His works are examples of making the best of the composition. Thus, the basic editing methods seem enough to create a surreal effect.

03. Brooke Shaden | Fine Art Photographer

Brooke Shaden is a popular name in the field of fine art photography. He is also known for dark, moody, and surreal self-portraits and is one of the masters of photo manipulation. Through his works, Brooke tells stories of life and death.

She portrays the interaction of different elements of life using the play of light and dark. Her self-portraits are frequently used in scenes from a storybook. In post-processing, she uses different elements and plays with the colors to create these effects.

04. Ramón Laguía | Digital Image Manipulation

Ramón Laguía is a spain based artits. He is famous worldwide in the field of digital image manipulation. He usually works on heavenly themes that give a magical vibe.

These images take the viewers to a fantasy world. The critics call this celestial theme magical realism. The viewers can engage with his work on both a visual and emotional level.

05. Platon Yurich | Famous Photo Manipulation Artists

Platon Yurich is a visual artist from Russia who loves to create surreal compositions using image manipulation processes. Yurich uses natural elements in their photos. He ensures that his audiences feel deeply connected with the images.

Yurich transforms the natural elements into dreamy effects. Post-processing has a great hand in his works. He creates a modern cinematic edge that enhances the emotional impact.

06. Christophe Gilbert | Photo Manipulation Artists

Christophe Gilbert is a Belgian photographer. He is known for innovative photo manipulation techniques. He has worked with some of the top brands. He transforms commercial images into visually stunning art pieces.

Thus he helps the brands to promote their products with eye-catching images.

Gilbert’s images have the creative application of fluids. He manipulates elements like paint and water to create dramatic effects.

07. Riccardo Bagnoli | Manipulated Photography

Riccardo Bagnoli is a creative artist from Italy. He works on conceptual photo manipulation. His compositions are examples of transforming elements into surreal effects. This abstract style challenges the viewer’s perception. Thus they create an impact on the viewers.

Moreover, Bagnoli has worked extensively in the commercial world. His images are useful in marketing campaigns for global brands.

08. Lara Zankoul | Photo Manipulation Photographers

Lara Zankoul is a Lebanese fine art photographer. She works on the heavenly themes by blending fantasy with reality. Moreover, we see the clever use of props in her works. However, Zankoul’s works rely heavily on digital manipulation.

She uses symbolic elements to convey deeper meanings. The autenticity makes the viewers to think differently about life. As a result, Zankoul has earned international recognition and exhibitions in prestigious galleries worldwide.

09. Dmitry Rogozhkin | Inspiration Photo Manipulation Ideas

Dmitry Rogozhkin is a talented Russian artist and photographer. His photos evoke a deep meaning, which gives inspiration to photo manipulation ideas. Rogozhkin relies on minimalist compositions. He focuses on bringing a symbolic meaning to the subject that can connect the viewers.

As a result, the themes of his photography are mostly based on deep emotion. He best uses the empty spaces in the photos with muted, subdued colors.

10. Jati Putra | Masters of Photo Manipulation

Jati Putra is from Indonesia. He is a renowned name in the photography world. He is famous for creating amazing bending reality with gravity-defying scenes and optical illusions. His works have a unique visual style. Putra uses the elements of architecture of nature and science fiction.

One of Putra’s signature techniques is creating landscapes that appear to defy gravity. He often manipulates the horizon line, tilting or flipping sections of an image.

11. Charlie Davoli | Professional Artists

Charlie Davoli is a professional artist from Italy. He has a unique style of photo manipulation using natural and urban elements. You will see a combination of minimalism and surrealism.

Also, Davoli’s works show a mix of pop art that makes the elements from our daily lives into thought-provoking imagery.

12. Bára Prášilová | Manipulation Photography

Bára Prášilová is a Czech photographer. She is a talented digital artist known for her surreal staged photography. She uses different props in her photos that help to create stylized images. These images are highly useful for commercial promotion.

Prášilová’s unique craftmanship has become popular among the patronizers of the surreal arts. Her works have been exhibited and celebrated internationally.

13. Julien Tabet | Digital Photography Artist

Julien Tabet is an award-winning French digital photography artist. He creates dreamlike themes by using different animals as elements of the photo. Thus, he challenges the perception of the viewers making them think differently about reality.

As an artist, Tabet broadens the boundaries of the imagination of the viewers. He brings deep messages that lie within nature by interacting with humans and animals.

14. Robert Cornelius | Professional Photographer

Well, there are two Robert Cornelius in the history of photography. We are now talking about the pioneer of photography the great Robert Cornelius. Cornelius has started professional photography in 2008.

He is a professional photographer as well as a renowned digital artist. He loves to take adventurous photos.

15. Aleah Michele Ford | Highly Experienced Photographer

Aleah Michele Ford is a highly experienced photographer and artist. Her images are often based on self-reflection themes with surreal features. She tells a story of transformation in her photos. The images provoke different layers of meanings to the viewers.

Ford employs vibrant colors and textures to enhance the emotional intensity of her images. These aesthetic choices draw the viewer’s attention and add depth to the storytelling.

16. Jared Tyler | Masters of Photo Manipulation

Jared Tyler creates photos based on the intersection between technology and the natural world. You will see the play of different colors that help to create a human connection with deep emotion. He skillfully mixes the real-world and fantastical elements that bring an emotional resonance.

Tyler uses multiple layers and textures to get a striking image. This creates a cinematic feel to his images, drawing the viewer into his imaginative worlds.

17. Daniel Serva | Digital Photo Manipulation

Daniel Serva is a Venezuelan photographer. He is a famous image manipulation artist. He inspires beginners with impressive art pieces. There is a portrayal of the complexities of human emotions by using different props.

Serva conveys deeply personal stories. Each image in Serva’s portfolio tells a story. These images show his skills in digital image manipulation.

18. Kylli Sparre | Kylli Sparre Photography

Kylli Sparre an Estonian digital artist. She is famous all around the world for high-quality ethereal images. Her works show the composition based on the dance forms. She has a background in ballet. It inspires her to bring this into photography.

The play of light helps create a dreamlike landscape. Then she makes the best use of the photo editing technique to create the final result.

19. Marcus Møller Bitsch | Masters of Photo Manipulation

Marcus Møller Bitsch is a renowned name in the commercial photography field of Denmark. He is known for dramatic and cinematic visual storytelling. Here you will see a strong narrative element that gives a dreamy vibe.

The main theme is the feeling of humans that he portrays using elements and expressions.

Marcus Møller Bitsch has gained a strong following on social media. Moreover, his works have been recognized by different international platforms.

20. Melania Brescia | Fine Art Photography

Melania Brescia is an Argentine photographer. She takes fine art photography to a new level by using different image editing methods.

Brescia’s self-portraits evoke human experiences such as solitude, introspection, and vulnerability. Her works show a combination of fine art photography and digital manipulation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Methods of Photo Manipulation?

The photo manipulation artists use different techniques based on their composition. However, double exposure, masking, blending modes, and color grading are the common methods that most photo editors commonly use.

Is Photo Manipulation Ethical?

The ethics of photo manipulation depend on the intent and the extent of the alteration. Minor adjustments to improve image quality or remove imperfections are generally acceptable. However, altering images to deceive or mislead others is unethical and can have serious consequences.

Final Thoughts | Masters of Photo Manipulation

So, these are the 20 masters of photo manipulation in 2024. Each of them has a unique style of photographing. Also, some of them are popular as a commercial photographer. You can follow the works of these artists to level up your skills.

However, if you are dealing with a large number of photos, you can contact Clipping World for professional manipulation services. This agency has 10+ years of experience in photo editing and maintains the deadline strictly.