Computer Mentor - For a Healthy Computer

With the advent of digital technology, photography has finally come out of its ivory tower and is now the prerogative of even the most inexperienced amateur. While this in no way means that you are exempt from paying attention to all the intricacies, which range from light conditions to color themes, it also does mean that you can afford to make a few mistakes while capturing the image, without having to worry about all the dire consequences if it doesn’t end up like it’s supposed to. And here’s where you need to pay attention to not just choosing the best version of editing software, but also to mastering the basics for it is only when you are a natural with these key functions that you will be able to move on to the more complicated procedures which you will eventually graduate to, in the course of your foray into the world of editing.

Even as you set out to rework your photographs, stop a moment to save a copy of the original image in a folder you can easily access if need be. This is because if your efforts at editing yield results that are contrary to what you set out to achieve, you can simply revert to the original you have and begin all over again. Once you open your image in your photo-editor, you will find an option which says ‘Save As’ which you need to click on to save the original and get to work on the copy you’ve created. And once you set forth, don’t restrict yourself with the fear of having to plod through the entire process if you create an effect you aren’t particularly fond of. You can eliminate the unwanted change with the ‘Undo’ option that your software will provide you with, and if you’re one of the lucky few who has the more sophisticated versions, you can even avail of the ‘Multiple Undo’ option. This remarkable feature lets you stick with only the changes you like while deleting the unwanted ones.

Your software will also offer you plenty of alternatives when it comes to working your way around the image. The most basic, and also most common, tool is the ‘Hand tool’, which is also known as the ‘Pan tool’. You can use this to move through the image, without having to worry about causing any involuntary changes. If you need to get closer for a better view, which also translates into more accuracy, you can zoom in to your image with the ‘Magnifying Glass Tool’ which, as the name suggests, is similar to function as the magnifying glass. This tool will display a ‘plus’ sign, when you are closing in on your image and a negative sign when you’re drawing out. Most editing softwares let you left click to zoom in or out of your image, while others also have the added advantage of a set increment when you right click on the specific part of the image.

Although your image may appear unclear and hazy when you zoom into it, it does not mean that the final image that you create will appear quite that way. This distortion appears only because the pixels of your image get separated and hence, more distinct, which also gives you more precision. You can even use the ‘Eyedropper’ tool which lets you select only pixels in a specific color, without having to worry about skipping a minute part of your image when you are in the process of editing it.

Your editing software will also be enabled with what are known as ‘Marquee’ tools, which let you trace basic shapes like rectangles and circles or even ellipses around your image. You can also use the freeform tool for drawing around unsymmetrical shapes which do not fit into the rectangular or circular frames. This freeform tool lets you trace around the image by holding your mouse button down or clicking around the image to create a series of dots which will automatically connect to each other, once you click on the first dot again. And once you’re through with your selection, a flowing dotted line will appear around the highlighted portion of your image.

Having mastered these basic functions, you can then progress to more advanced features like creating effects and using enhancement tools to perfect your image. The easiest way to draw focus to the pivotal part of your image is to crop it so that the key elements are highlighted. You can even use filters in various hues to tint your image or paint strokes over it, just as you would with a physical painting using the brush and airbrush alternatives. Your software will also provide you with a diverse color palette to choose from and paint over any minor flaws or blemishes.

Your skills at editing your digital photographs will be as developed as your willingness to experiment is. The more you dabble in the unconventional, the wider array of tools you use, which also increases your familiarity with the software. And once you are aware of the true potential of your editing software, you’ll soon discover the multitude of opportunities it offers, thus metamorphosing your images into spectacular works to art!

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