10 Practical Steps to Edit and Enhance Your Photos for a Professional Finish

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 19 June 2023 12 min read

1. Choose the Right Photo Editor

3. Adjust Exposure and Contrast

5. Sharpening and Noise Reduction

7. Retouching Skin Imperfections

8. Applying Filters and Presets

10. Exporting and Saving Your Work

Learning how to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish can make a world of difference in your photography game. In this blog, we'll guide you through 10 practical steps to help you achieve that polished look in your images. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, these tips will help you elevate your photo editing skills.

1. Choose the Right Photo Editor

Before you start editing, it's important to pick the right photo editor for your needs. There are many options available, so consider the following factors when making your decision:

Features: Look for a photo editor with a wide range of tools that cater to your specific needs. This will help ensure you have everything you need to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish.
User-friendliness: Choose a photo editor that's easy to navigate and learn, especially if you're new to photo editing. This will save you time and frustration in the long run.
Compatibility: Make sure the photo editor is compatible with your computer or device, as well as the file formats you typically work with.
Price: Consider your budget when selecting a photo editor. There are free options, like GIMP, and paid options, like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Each has its own set of features and capabilities, so weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Once you've chosen your photo editor, you can start exploring its features and learning how to use them effectively to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and refine your skills over time.

2. Crop and Straighten

One of the most basic yet powerful edits you can make is cropping and straightening your photos. This can greatly improve the composition and overall appearance of your images. To do this, follow these simple steps:

Choose the crop tool: Most photo editors have a designated crop tool, which allows you to select and remove unwanted parts of your image. Select this tool to get started.
Adjust the aspect ratio: Consider the desired aspect ratio for your photo, which can vary depending on your intended use (e.g., social media, print, etc.). Many photo editors offer preset aspect ratios or allow you to enter a custom ratio.
Reposition the crop area: Click and drag the corners or edges of the crop area to include the important elements of your photo. Pay attention to the rule of thirds, a common photography guideline that can help create a more balanced and visually appealing composition.
Straighten your image: If your photo has a crooked horizon or appears tilted, use the straighten tool to correct it. Most photo editors offer an easy way to rotate your image to the desired angle, either by dragging a slider or using a dedicated straighten tool.
Apply the crop: Once you're satisfied with the crop area and alignment, click the "apply" button (or equivalent) to finalize your changes.

By carefully cropping and straightening your photos, you can create better compositions and make your images more visually appealing — a key step in learning how to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish.

3. Adjust Exposure and Contrast

Adjusting the exposure and contrast is another essential step in editing and enhancing your photos for a professional finish. These adjustments can help you correct overexposed or underexposed images, as well as add depth and dimension to your photos. Here's a quick guide on how to make these adjustments:

Find the exposure and contrast sliders: In your chosen photo editor, locate the exposure and contrast sliders, usually found in the "adjustments" or "brightness & contrast" panel.
Adjust the exposure: If your image is too dark or too bright, move the exposure slider to the left or right, respectively. Be careful not to overdo it, as you may lose details in the highlights or shadows.
Adjust the contrast: To add depth and make your image pop, increase the contrast by moving the slider to the right. However, if your photo appears too harsh, reduce the contrast by moving the slider to the left.
Consider using the histogram: A histogram is a graph that displays the distribution of tones in your image. It can help you visualize the exposure and contrast adjustments you're making. Keep an eye on the histogram as you make your adjustments to ensure a balanced tonal range.
Apply your adjustments: Once you're satisfied with the exposure and contrast settings, apply the changes to your image.

By properly adjusting the exposure and contrast, you can significantly improve the overall appearance and quality of your photos, bringing you one step closer to mastering how to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish.

4. Color Correction

Color correction is an important aspect of photo editing, as it helps you achieve accurate and consistent colors in your images. This step can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your photos, providing a more professional finish. Here are some tips on how to approach color correction:

Identify color issues: First, examine your photo for any color issues, such as an unwanted color cast or incorrect white balance. This will help you determine the adjustments needed.
Adjust white balance: White balance is the process of neutralizing color casts caused by different light sources. Most photo editors have a white balance tool, allowing you to choose from presets or manually adjust the temperature and tint sliders.
Use the color balance tool: The color balance tool allows you to adjust the overall color balance in your image by tweaking the red, green, and blue channels. This can help you correct color casts and achieve a more natural look.
Enhance saturation and vibrance: Saturation affects the intensity of all colors in your image, while vibrance adjusts the intensity of muted colors without affecting already saturated colors. Adjusting these sliders can make your colors pop and create a more visually appealing image.
Apply selective color adjustments: If necessary, use selective color tools to target and adjust specific color ranges in your image, such as adjusting the hue, saturation, or luminance of only the blues or greens.

With these color correction techniques, you'll be well on your way to mastering how to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting with these tools to develop your skills and achieve the desired look in your images.

5. Sharpening and Noise Reduction

Sharpening and noise reduction are essential steps in the photo editing process, as they help improve image quality and create a more professional finish. Here's a breakdown of these two techniques and how to use them effectively:

Sharpening

Sharpening enhances the details and edges in your photos, making them appear more crisp and clear. To sharpen your images, follow these steps:

Zoom in: Zoom in to 100% or more to accurately assess the sharpness of your photo and make precise adjustments.
Choose a sharpening tool: Most photo editors offer several sharpening tools, such as Unsharp Mask, Smart Sharpen, or High Pass. Experiment with these tools to find the one that works best for your needs.
Adjust sharpening settings: Carefully adjust the settings of your chosen sharpening tool, such as the amount, radius, and threshold. Be cautious not to over-sharpen, as this can result in unnatural-looking edges and halos.
Use selective sharpening: If needed, apply sharpening only to specific areas of your image using layer masks or selective sharpening tools.

Noise Reduction

Noise reduction helps minimize unwanted grain or digital noise in your photos, resulting in a cleaner and more professional appearance. To reduce noise in your images, follow these steps:

Identify noise issues: Examine your photo for any visible noise, particularly in darker areas or when shooting at high ISO settings.
Select a noise reduction tool: Most photo editors have a noise reduction tool or slider, such as Reduce Noise or Denoise. Choose the tool that works best for your needs.
Adjust noise reduction settings: Carefully adjust the settings of your chosen noise reduction tool, such as luminance, color, or detail. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive noise reduction can result in a loss of detail and a "plastic" look.
Apply selective noise reduction: If necessary, apply noise reduction only to specific areas of your image using layer masks or selective noise reduction tools.

By mastering these sharpening and noise reduction techniques, you'll be well-equipped to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish. Practice and experimentation are key, so don't be afraid to try out different methods and tools to achieve the best results.

6. Dodge and Burn Techniques

Dodge and burn techniques are powerful tools that can help you enhance the lighting and depth of your photos, giving them a more professional and polished look. These methods allow you to selectively lighten (dodge) or darken (burn) specific areas of your image. Let's explore how to use dodge and burn techniques effectively:

Create a new layer: Start by creating a new layer in your photo editor specifically for dodging and burning. This will allow you to make adjustments without affecting the original image.
Select the Dodge or Burn tool: Most photo editors have dedicated dodge and burn tools. Choose the appropriate tool based on whether you want to lighten or darken a specific area.
Choose a brush size and softness: Select a brush size that fits the area you want to modify and adjust the hardness or softness of the brush edges to create smooth transitions.
Adjust exposure settings: Carefully adjust the exposure settings for the Dodge or Burn tool, starting with a lower value (around 10-20%) to avoid overdoing the effect.
Apply the effect: Gently paint over the areas you want to lighten or darken, building up the effect gradually. Remember to zoom in and out to assess your progress.
Refine your adjustments: If needed, use layer masks or the Eraser tool to remove any unwanted dodging or burning effects.
Experiment with blending modes: For more advanced control over the dodge and burn process, try using different layer blending modes, such as Soft Light or Overlay, to achieve unique results.

By incorporating dodge and burn techniques into your photo editing process, you'll be able to create more dynamic and visually appealing images. Just like with any other editing technique, practice and experimentation are essential in mastering how to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish.

7. Retouching Skin Imperfections

Retouching skin imperfections is an essential step when editing portraits or close-up shots. It helps to create a more polished and professional appearance by removing blemishes, smoothing out wrinkles, and evening out skin tone. Here are some practical tips on how to retouch skin imperfections effectively:

Zoom in and analyze the image: Start by zooming in on the areas of the skin you want to retouch and take note of any imperfections that need attention.
Use the Healing Brush or Clone Stamp tool: These tools are perfect for removing small blemishes such as acne, scars, or spots. The Healing Brush automatically blends the retouched area with the surrounding skin, while the Clone Stamp allows you to manually sample and replace the imperfection.
Adjust brush size and hardness: Choose a brush size that matches the size of the imperfection and adjust the hardness to create a smooth transition between the retouched area and the surrounding skin.
Apply Frequency Separation: This advanced technique helps to separate the texture and color layers of the skin, allowing you to retouch each layer independently. This is especially useful for smoothing out wrinkles and maintaining a natural skin texture.
Use the Dodge and Burn tools for contouring: To enhance the shape and definition of facial features, you can use the Dodge and Burn tools to subtly highlight and shadow the face.
Adjust opacity and blending modes: When using multiple layers for retouching, experiment with opacity settings and blending modes to achieve a natural and seamless result.

With patience and practice, you'll be able to master the art of retouching skin imperfections, taking your portraits and close-up shots to the next level. By using these techniques, you'll be one step closer to achieving a professional finish when learning how to edit and enhance your photos.

8. Applying Filters and Presets

Applying filters and presets can significantly speed up your editing workflow and help you achieve a consistent style across your images. Filters and presets are pre-made adjustments that can be applied to your photos with a single click, saving you time and effort. Here's how to make the most of filters and presets for a professional finish:

Explore built-in filters and presets: Most photo editing software comes with a variety of built-in filters and presets that cater to different styles and effects. Familiarize yourself with these options and experiment with them to see which ones work best for your images.
Customize your own presets: To maintain consistency in your editing style, create your own presets by saving your favorite settings and adjustments. This way, you can apply your unique look to multiple images with just one click.
Adjust the intensity: Filters and presets can sometimes be too strong or too subtle for your taste. Use the opacity slider or adjustment layers to fine-tune the intensity of the applied filter or preset to achieve the desired effect.
Combine multiple filters and presets: Don't be afraid to mix and match different filters and presets to create your own unique style. Just remember to keep the overall look cohesive and balanced.
Use layer masks: When applying filters and presets, you might want the effect to be visible only on certain parts of the image. Use layer masks to selectively apply the filter or preset to specific areas of the photo.
Stay true to your vision: While filters and presets can be a great starting point, remember that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Be prepared to make additional adjustments as needed to achieve the perfect look for your specific image.

By incorporating filters and presets into your editing process, you'll be able to create a consistent style and save time, helping you achieve a professional finish with ease. As you continue learning how to edit and enhance your photos, you'll discover new ways to use filters and presets to elevate your photography.

9. Adding Text and Watermarks

Adding text and watermarks to your images can serve various purposes, such as adding a professional touch, protecting your work from unauthorized use, or providing additional information about the photo. Here are some practical tips for adding text and watermarks to your images:

Select an appropriate font: Choose a font that complements your image and is easy to read. Stick to simple, clean fonts for a professional look. Remember, less is often more when it comes to typography.
Position your text carefully: Find a suitable location in the image where the text will be visible without distracting from the main subject. Consider using the rule of thirds or other composition techniques to place your text in a visually appealing spot.
Choose the right color: Select a text color that stands out against the background without being too harsh. You can use complementary colors or sample colors from the image itself for a harmonious appearance.
Adjust the size and spacing: Make sure your text is large enough to be legible but not so large that it overwhelms the image. Adjust letter spacing and line spacing as needed for optimal readability.
Apply effects sparingly: You can add drop shadows, outlines, or other effects to make your text stand out, but use these effects sparingly to maintain a clean, professional look.
Design your watermark: If you're adding a watermark, create a design that represents your brand without being too intrusive. A subtle, semi-transparent watermark in the corner of the image is often enough to deter unauthorized use without detracting from your photo's visual appeal.
Consider watermark alternatives: If you don't want to add a visible watermark, you can use metadata or invisible watermarks to protect your work and provide additional information about the image.

By thoughtfully adding text and watermarks to your images, you can achieve a professional finish while ensuring your work is protected and properly credited. With practice, you'll become more adept at incorporating these elements seamlessly into your photos, enhancing their overall presentation and value.

10. Exporting and Saving Your Work

Once you've edited and enhanced your photos to achieve a professional finish, it's important to save and export your work correctly to maintain the high quality of your images. Follow these tips to ensure your finished photos are saved and exported properly:

Save your work in progress: As you edit your images, make sure to save your work in progress. Use a native file format that preserves layers and adjustments, such as PSD for Photoshop or XCF for GIMP. This will allow you to return to your work later and make additional changes if needed.
Choose the right file format for your final image: When exporting your finished photo, choose a file format that suits your needs. For high-quality images with minimal compression, consider using TIFF or PNG. For web use or sharing on social media, JPEG is a popular choice due to its smaller file size.
Adjust the quality settings: When exporting your image, you may need to adjust the quality settings to balance file size and image quality. For example, when exporting a JPEG, you can choose a higher quality setting for less compression and better image quality—but be aware this can result in a larger file size.
Optimize for web use: If you plan to share your images online, consider using image optimization tools to reduce file size without sacrificing quality. This can help improve page load times and make your images more accessible to a wider audience.
Organize and backup your files: Keep your edited images organized in a folder structure that makes sense to you, and make sure to backup your files regularly. This will help protect your work from accidental loss and make it easier to find and reuse your images in the future.

By following these steps when exporting and saving your work, you'll ensure your edited photos maintain their professional finish and are ready for use in print, online, or any other medium you choose. With a solid understanding of how to edit and enhance your photos for a professional finish, you can confidently create stunning images that showcase your creative vision and skill.

If you're looking to improve your photography skills and learn more about editing and publishing your projects, don't miss the workshop 'Editing and Publishing Photography Projects' by Benedetta Ristori. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to enhance your photography projects and showcase them in the best light possible.