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 11/01/2010 06:56:15 PM · #1
In photoshop I always find my self doing the same few things:

Levels
Contrast
Dodge/Burn
Hue/Saturation
Shadows/Highlights

And thats about my only editing knowledge for a photo.
What other things could I do to make my photo stand out that aren't too advanced?
I don't shoot in Raw YET so I can't do anything there but if you could reccomend anything when I do buy my SLR and shoot in raw it would help :)

Thanks

Message edited by author 2010-11-01 18:57:22.
 11/01/2010 06:58:54 PM · #2
Gaussian Blur
Erase to bring detail back to where you want the eye to be drawn to

I do Topaz DeNoise/Neat Image and Topaz Adjust (I know not part of PS) and recently I just added LR3 (great program)
 11/01/2010 07:04:25 PM · #3
I don't use Photoshop, but many things are the same concept between Photoshop and PaintShop Pro.

-Learn to use noise reduction, either the built in or an aftermarket plugin.
-Learn how to use a high radius unsharp mask for contrast adjustments. It improves contrast without killing as much detail.
-Learn how to use layers and masks. This one took me a while to wrap my head around, but it is one of the most powerful tools available to you.
 11/01/2010 07:37:18 PM · #4
I'm currently in the process of learning curves, and I can see how much power is in them. I watched various videos, and I think i'm starting to get a hang of it. A good starting point is learning the typical S-curve. I have used various tools to give a photo contrast, but nothing does it quite as well as curves. Plus, I just recently found out that you can Brush in/out curves in Aperture, which means I get super amazing micro adjustments. I bet you could do similar to this in Photoshop using a curves adjustment layer and then masking the layer.

I would also recommend looking into the Topaz line of plugins. I just recently started using them, and they have turned some hum-drum photos into something I'm proud to show other people. Obviously you must get things right in camera beforehand, but Topaz can take that image and really make it stand out.

Also, since I don't see it in the list of things you normally do, learn the Straightening tool as well. A tilted horizon is a sure fire way to generate low votes.
 11/01/2010 07:38:30 PM · #5
I don't know what version you are using, but I will recommend that whatever version, you will benefit from one of the editions of this book. The link is to the edition pertaining to the latest version of Ps, but there are editions for earlier version as well.
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