hints on editing pictures

[Redskin301]

I would really like som tips and hints about how to edit my pictures as I am still new at this.

One tip from my side, use in photoshop the shadow highlight function on those dark pics, or use fill light in Lightroom for the same effect!

[Redskin]

I would really like som tips and hints about how to edit my pictures as I am still new at this.

Use neat image or noise ninja to reduce sensor noise.

[Flanker27]

I would really like som tips and hints about how to edit my pictures as I am still new at this.
Jonas

Use Photoshop or if you like a simpler piece of software Paint Shop Pro 9(free).

Try out different functions. In Photoshop under image-->adjustments or like the shadow/highlighting mentioned above under filter.
What I use mostly are contrast, color balance, and curving (the latter is more advanced).
Google around a little. There are dozens of sites with pictures that explain how to edit your pictures like a pro.

I always used Paintshop untill a month ago, but Photoshop CS3 has more abilities and as the whole world works with it, it is easier to exchange ideas and tips. Good luck.

[jaah]

@ Redskin, Redskin301 and Flanker27 thank you for your replies.

I have a couple of questions I hope you can help me with:

When I crop pictures (even if it's just a little bit) the quality of the image becomes a bit poor, is there something I can do about that?

When I sharpen an image I use the Unsharp Mask function in Photoshop, but I am not quite happy with the result, is there another way to do this?

Thanks

Jonas

[Flanker27]

You're welcome, also for the sepia tint I just found out that under:
Image-->adjustments--> phofo filter, you can use a sepia filter with a density 0-100%. Try out that one, it works perfect.

cropping will always result in losing quality, there is software I have hard of neat image it is called but never used it myself. For sharpening try sharpen edges for a diff. effect. Most of the times you want the wings etc. to be a nice line and the rest is ok just fine.

[Redskin301]

You don't need the sharpen edges filter in PS. Just use the Unsharp mask at an amount of about 80-90% and the radius at 1,0 pixel and the threshold on 6 levels. The biggest mistake some people make is to oversharpen a picture sow you just need to play with these settings in PS!

[Flyboy]

When I crop pictures (even if it's just a little bit) the quality of the image becomes a bit poor, is there something I can do about that?

When I sharpen an image I use the Unsharp Mask function in Photoshop, but I am not quite happy with the result, is there another way to do this?

There is a add-on/plug in for Photoshop called "blow up" from Alien Skin which calculates new pixels in a more intelligent way. Removal of noise is done by me with Noise Ninja.

If you realy want to practice shopping, you might want to consider a Photoshop training.

Good Luck, Marc

[jaah]

Thanks guys for all the answers.
I know a professionel photographer, I think I will ask him if he can give me a course in this. I guess there is no easy or fast way to learn, just practice.