This seems to be the question for a lot of individuals. Scrolling through our social media feed, we often wonder as to how in the world did that particular photograph turn out to be so nice? And, how to edit photos like a pro.
Which is totally understandable. Not every time the picture that we take, whether with our phone or a professional camera, does justice to the landscape that we are in. I have been there so many times that I have literally lost count. So many times I look at a landscape and I am like, “Naah… not even going to bother taking out my camera because I know it will not be able to do justice.”
This is one of those times where no one, not even pros will be edit photos like a pro. So might as well make a memory out of this. Yes, editing photos like a pro can help to some extent, but 6 out of 10 times (if we are talking about landscapes), even that won’t help.
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So how to edit pictures like a pro?
Define the subject. There is no such thing as a random photo that looks good. No. Editing starts in the camera itself. You don’t have to wait till post-production.
Step #1 Set the frame right.
If you are able to set the frame right, you will never ask the question, “how to edit the pictures like a pro?” Look at where everything is in your frame. If all the elements have a dedicated place in the frame. Where all the lines are converging and where they are diverging. If there is a person in the frame, where is it in respect to its surroundings. Are there any unwanted elements? Do they hamper eye moment? Are these elements taking the attention away from the subject? If yes, can you get rid of them in post-production?
Or, can you get rid of these extra elements in your frame by re-adjusting the subject and the position of your camera? Some small tweaks can help you take a much better photo. All you have to do is to make sure to pay attention to the slightest of details.
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Is it a piece of Art or Truth
Sometimes, while scrolling your feed, you must have come across some photos that are part real but part fantasy.
This is called art photography. It is very different from street photography. Hobopeeba is a very good example of this.
To edit a photo like a pro is to set the mood right. Whether you are doing art photography or street photography. Street photography is about sharing the everyday reality with the help of your photos. Tell the story that you feel is worth sharing with your audience. But also, set the mood right.
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How can you set the mood right?
- Colors (part of post-production)
- Distance from the subject
- Relation with the surroundings
- Elements in the frame
Just because you know what you are doing, doesn’t mean that your clueless audience does too. They won’t be able to pick up your thought unless it’s in a language that they understand. Give some references. Try and invoke some emotion with your photos by using the elements above.
Step #2 Choose the colors right.
So how to edit pictures like a pro? Highlight the subject and use the right tones to set the mood.
How do you feel during autumn? The shades then are usually between orange and brown with some hint of yellow. Similarly, how do you feel when you look at the beach? And, how about the mountains? The dominant colors in your photos can set the mood for your pictures. So choose them wisely.
Tell a story like a pro
A picture is worth a thousand words. Which ones do you want to highlight?
Step #3 Tell a story
If there are many people taking pictures in the same scenario will end up finding a different story. More the number of photographers, more the perspectives. This eventually means a different story every single time. So pick a story.
Don’t just randomly click photos. Make sure that your photo tells a story. Otherwise, your photos will mean nothing and there will be nothing for your audience to connect with. This eventually reduces the chances of your photos looking like that of the pros.
So what do you mean by taking pictures like a pro?
It has nothing to do with any certification, age, college, or course. Neither is it about ‘making’ your photos look a certain way or of a certain edit.
Most iconic pictures, from the beginning of time, have been telling a story. No edits, no filter. These pictures have been able to invoke emotion. It has been able to provoke certain thoughts.
Many of these pictures have not even been taken by professionals. Some were just right clicks at the right time.
So what I am trying to say is, that don’t lose heart if you haven’t figured out as to how to edit photos like a pro yet. ‘Like a Pro’ is actually a lot of grey area. You’ll eventually figure out why. So until then, just pick up the camera, be conscious about what you are trying to click, what’s the story, and what is the subject that you are trying to highlight.
And not just once, over and over again until you start finding endless ways of making your best shots better.
All the very best!