5 Practical Tips for Professional Editing with PhotoDirector

Published on 21 July 2023 6 min read

Use the AI-powered express layer templates
Make precise edits with the adjustment brush
Create panorama shots with photo stitching
Remove unwanted objects with content aware removal
Enhance portraits with face and body editing tools

If you've ever wondered how to take your photos to the next level, you're in the right place. This blog post will guide you through five practical tips for professional editing with PhotoDirector. This user-friendly software brims with powerful tools, allowing you to bring your creative visions to life. So, let's jump right in and start exploring!

Use the AI-powered express layer templates

First on our list is using the AI-powered express layer templates. These templates are a game-changer in professional editing with PhotoDirector. They help you create complex images without spending hours on manual editing.

What are express layer templates?

Express layer templates are pre-designed image layers. They consist of components like text, stickers, and frames. You can use these templates to quickly build and customize your photographs.

How to use express layer templates?

Open your image in PhotoDirector.
On the right sidebar, click on the 'Layers' icon.
Click on 'Add new express layer'.
Select a template that fits your vision.
Customize the layers as you see fit. You can move, resize, and adjust each layer individually.

And just like that, you've created an eye-catching image without the need for time-consuming editing!

Why should you use express layer templates?

Express layer templates are a great way to speed up your editing process. They're perfect for those times when you're on a tight deadline, but still want to deliver high-quality images. Plus, they're a fantastic way to learn about layering and how different elements interact with each other. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to create your own templates for your unique style of professional editing with PhotoDirector.

Remember, the goal is to make your images stand out, and express layer templates are your secret weapon to achieve that. So, let your creativity shine and start experimenting with these templates today!

Make precise edits with the adjustment brush

Adjusting specific parts of a photo can be a tricky task. But not to worry, PhotoDirector has just the tool for you—the adjustment brush. This tool lets you refine your pictures with precision, making your professional editing with PhotoDirector as smooth as possible.

Understanding the adjustment brush

The adjustment brush is a selective editing tool. It enables you to make edits to specific areas of your image without affecting the rest. You can adjust attributes such as exposure, saturation, and clarity, to name a few. It’s like having a mini photo lab at your fingertips!

Using the adjustment brush

Open your image in PhotoDirector and select the 'Adjustment' tab.
Choose the 'Adjustment Brush' from the tool palette.
Select the attribute you want to adjust from the dropdown menu.
Brush over the area you want to modify. You’ll see the changes in real-time!

Remember, the adjustment brush is a powerful tool. So, don't rush—take your time and adjust as finely as needed. The more you use it, the more you'll appreciate its potential in professional editing with PhotoDirector.

Why the adjustment brush is your best friend

Think of the adjustment brush as your magic wand. With just a few strokes, you can transform your photos from average to stunning. It gives you the ultimate control over your edits, allowing you to create photos that truly reflect your vision.

So, whether you want to brighten a dull sky, enhance the color of a flower, or add a dramatic touch to a portrait—the adjustment brush has got you covered. With this tool in your arsenal, your journey of professional editing with PhotoDirector will be even more rewarding.

Create panorama shots with photo stitching

Who doesn't love a breathtaking panorama shot? It's like capturing a wide-angle view of the world in a single photo. But how do you create such a wide image? That's where the photo stitching feature of PhotoDirector comes in, a tool that can help you take professional editing with PhotoDirector to the next level.

What is photo stitching?

In simple terms, photo stitching is the process of combining multiple images with overlapping fields of view to create a single, high-resolution panorama photo. It's a technique that can turn your ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.

How to create a panorama shot in PhotoDirector?

Choose the 'Photo Stitching' option in PhotoDirector.
Select the photos you want to stitch together. Make sure they have some overlapping areas for the best results.
Click 'Start' and let PhotoDirector do its magic!

Just like that, you've created a stunning panorama shot! It's a simple yet powerful tool that can add a new dimension to your professional editing with PhotoDirector.

When to use photo stitching?

Photo stitching isn't just for landscape photos. Got a group photo where someone is always blinking? No problem! You can stitch together the best parts of multiple group photos to create one perfect shot. Or, you can use it to create a wide-angle view of a room or a building—useful for real estate photography, for instance.

In short, photo stitching is a versatile tool that can help you overcome many common photography challenges. So, give it a try and see how it can enhance your experience of professional editing with PhotoDirector.

Remove unwanted objects with content aware removal

Alright, let's say you captured a perfect shot. Well, almost perfect. There's just one tiny issue — an unwanted object in the background. A trashcan, a stray photobomber, or a rogue bird flying through the sky. All of these can steal the spotlight from your main object. But fear not! There's a solution for this in professional editing with PhotoDirector called content aware removal.

Understanding content aware removal

Content aware removal is a feature in PhotoDirector that allows you to remove unwanted objects from your photos. It works by filling in the space left by the object with content from the surrounding area. The result? It's as if the object was never there!

How to use content aware removal in PhotoDirector

Open your photo in PhotoDirector.
Select the 'Content Aware Removal' tool from the toolbar.
Using the brush, outline the object you want to remove. Don't worry about being too precise — PhotoDirector is smart enough to figure out what you want to remove.
Click 'Apply', and voila! The object is gone, and your photo looks better than ever.

It's an incredibly useful tool that can help you declutter your photos and keep the focus on what's truly important.

When to use content aware removal?

Content aware removal is ideal for removing small to medium-sized objects from your photos. It's also helpful when you want to maintain the consistency of the background after removing an object. It's all part of the package when you dive into professional editing with PhotoDirector. So, the next time you spot an unwanted object in your photo, you know what to do!

Enhance portraits with face and body editing tools

Imagine you've snapped a stunning portrait of a friend, but there's a little blemish on their face. Or perhaps you've taken a group shot where everyone looks great, but someone's posture is a bit off. That's where the face and body editing tools in PhotoDirector come in handy. Let's dive into how these tools can elevate your professional editing with PhotoDirector.

Features of face and body editing tools

The face and body editing tools encompass a range of features that can help you enhance your portraits:

Face Shaper: This tool helps to subtly refine the facial structure, ensuring your subjects look their best.
Skin Smoother: A simple slider can help you reduce the appearance of blemishes and fine lines.
Body Shaper: A tool that allows you to gently sculpt and shape the body of your subjects.

How to use these tools in PhotoDirector

Using these tools is quite straightforward. You simply select the tool you want to use from the toolbar, then use the sliders to adjust the intensity of the effect. Remember, subtlety is key. Too much editing can make the photo look artificial. The aim is to enhance, not alter completely when you're doing professional editing with PhotoDirector.

When to use the face and body editing tools?

These tools are ideal for portrait photos, whether they're individual or group shots. They help to enhance the natural features of your subjects, resulting in photos that are more flattering and professional. So, next time you're editing a portrait, remember to explore these tools in PhotoDirector!

If you enjoyed learning about professional editing with PhotoDirector and want to expand your knowledge on editing and publishing photography projects, don't miss the workshop 'Editing and Publishing Photography Projects' by Benedetta Ristori. This workshop will provide you with invaluable insights and techniques to help you successfully edit and publish your photography work, taking your skills to the next level.