A SIMPLE GUIDE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPH EDITING.

1. File Formats.

There are dozens of file formats used on computers for saving information about images. Digital cameras save files in the format types specified by the manufacturer. The file format produced by scanners depends on the type of software in use. Most types of software can read and convert the most common types of file format. For display on websites, files need to be converted to the "jpg" or "gif" formats, since most web browser software cannot recognise other formats. Conversion to jpg or gif formats reduces the file size, and hence the time taken to download files into the browser. However, reduction in file size, a process known as compression, means that some information is lost from the image, and this can affect the colouration and sharpness of the image.

2. Image Editing.

Numerous types of image editing software are available. Those who can afford it often prefer to use the full version Photoshop, but for people with less funds, Paint Shop Pro and cut-down versions of Photoshop (sometimes supplied with scanners or digital cameras) will suffice for most purposes.

If you want to learn more about digital imaging techniques, I recommend that you attend demonstrations by experts, as for example those arranged by St. Helens Camera Club. However, the following sections illustrate some of the things that can be achieved using digital editing. There are some people who are suspicious of digital imaging, and yes, it can be used to produce pictures of "unreal" subjects or events. However, it can also be used to "rescue" acceptable photographs from the results of errors made by the camera, scanner or photographer.

3. Exposure Correction.

Sometimes, the scanner can add a colour cast to the scanned image. Also, a camera sometimes fails to record the correct exposure - the internal light meter may be unduly influenced by a bright sky, by reflections from snow or water, whereas you want to photograph a subject in a shady area, and the subject appears dark and underexposed. Or, you might use an incorrect camera setting, and your photograph appears bright and overexposed. Digital imaging can be sometimes be used to correct these errors and make the photograph appear more presentable.

4. Photograph Masking.

For many years, photographers have been using physical masks to obscure parts of the image that detract from the pictorial quality of their slides or prints. A similar effect can be achieved easily by digital processing.

5. Image Manipulation.

Not to everybody's taste, but it is possible to change colours, introduce special effects, or combine parts of two or more images to produce a new picture. This is probably best described as computer art, rather than photography, and can be compared to painting, but using a computer instead of brush and paints.

 5.1. So - you don't like red Class 37's ? Let's try a few changes.

5.2. Software Filters.

Filters can be used to add special effects to photographs. For example, you can make a photo. look like an artist's painting or drawing, you can simulate 3-D effects, multiple reflections, or you can emphasise selected parts of the image. Whether people like these effects is a matter of personal preference. Imaging software often contains a selection of filters, whilst many more can be obtained for free, or low cost, on the internet, but this compiler considers that only a very small proportion of the available filters are of any practical use.

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This page compiled by Bevan Price on 16 January 2004