With graphics and photo editing software, even the most novice photographers can edit and enhance their pictures. Pesky image problems like dust or water stains can be edited out, and colors or imagery added in. Robust software packages such as Adobe Photoshop present a massive portfolio of editing options, but even freeware such as Paint, which comes standard on most computers, allow budding lensfolk to produce interesting and custom pictures.
Instructions
Using Photoshop
1. Open a photo in Photoshop by navigating to the "File" menu, then click "Open" and pull the drop-down arrow to select "My Computer." Double-click the "My Pictures" folder and click once on a picture to edit, then click the "Open" button.
2. Edit out water damage with the "Clone Stamp" tool. On the "Tools" palette in the left of your screen, click once on the "Clone Stamp"--it looks like a stamp used to print "Approved" or "Cancelled" on bills.
3. Note the new toolbar at the top of your screen. Select a brush from the "Brush" drop-down menu; choose a small round circle. Hover your cursor over your picture; the cursor is now a small, clear circle.
4. Hold down the "Alt" key while clicking your mouse near an area of your picture that matches the part you're editing. (For example, if there's a water stain on the knee of someone's pants, click the mouse on the person's thigh so you get the same pants color.) Note that the cursor changes to a stamper icon. Click once.
5. Move your mouse to the area to edit (with the water stain), click once and hold your finger down. Move the mouse around the area, filling it in with the cloned color, covering over the water stain.
6. Navigate to the "Image" menu (on the top screen toolbar), then select "Adjust" and choose the "Brightness/Contrast" menu. This lets you adjust the colors on the picture, in case it was taken in a dark room without a flash or the flash went off too brightly. Use the "Brightness" and "Contrast" slider bars to enhance your image.
7. Click the "File" menu, then select "Save As" and rename the picture when you save it (never save on top of the original in case you want to use it again).
Using Paint
8. Open a photo in Paint by navigating to the "File" menu, then click "Open" and pull the drop-down arrow to select "My Computer." Double-click the "My Pictures" folder and click once on a picture to edit, then click the "Open" button.
9. Click on the "Select" tool (the dotted square) in the "Tools" palette on the left side of the screen. Draw a square around the part of your picture you want to remove (such as a speck of dust or a person who walked into the shot). A dotted line appears on the screen; press the "Delete" key and the section is removed.
10. Click the "Image" menu at the top of the screen, then select "Invert Colors." This gives your image a retro, glowing look.
11. Click the "Paintbrush" icon in the "Tools" palette, then select a color from the bottom of the screen. Draw designs directly on top of the photo, as if you're spray painting. Change brush sizes from the brush menu directly under the "Tools" palette.
12. Click the "File" menu, then select "Save As" and rename the picture when you save it (never save on top of the original in case you want to use it again).
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