PHOTO EDITING FOR BEGINNERS – 9 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photos

Anthony Turnham
Anthony Turnham
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Published 2020-06-09
The software I'd recommend for those new to photo editing is bit.ly/Luminar-NEO. It's easy to use, fun, and allows more creative and complex edits as your skillset grows (Help yourself to code ATNEO for a discount too!). They offer a buy once option or a subscription that includes some extra extensions (which you don't really need if you're just starting out).

If you’re new to photo editing and you don’t know where to start this video is here to help you get the most out of your photos and improve your editing game. I’m share 9 fundamental steps in getting your photos looking great. Whatever you like to photograph these photo editng tips should help and the work flow can be applied to all genres.
My aim has been to give beginner photographers a guide to help them with get started with a solid editing workflow that’s easy to implement and will get your photos looking great in no time.
The software I’ll be using is what I consider to be the best option for beginner photographers, but equally, you’d be able to follow the techniques using Lightroom or most other photo editors.
An overview of the steps are:
1: Correct the exposure – make sure the photo’s brightness is as it should be.
2: Shadows and Highlights – control the dynamic range by adjusting the shadows and hihglights.
3: Contrast – add or decrease contrast depending on the look you’re going for.
4: Colour Balance – Make sure the colours are accurate – or deliberately get creative.
5: Colour Saturation – increase the vibrancy of the colours or mute them for a subtler palette.
6: Crop – Consider cropping for a better composition, and straighten your horizon line.
7: Fine details – Sharpen your photos and reduce unwanted noise.
8: Add your style – Try different LUTs for an easy way to add a look / style to your photo.
9: Export / Save – Export your edited photo ready to share with the world.

Thanks so much for watching and if you’d like any more help or clarification please leave me a comment. I’d love to help.
I make these videos to help you guys and my goal is to grow this channel so I can support my wee family. Any likes, new subscribers and comments thrown my way help me achieve that and I am extremely grateful.

Best wishes on your photographic journey! It’s a lot of fun :)
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Website: anthonyturnham.com/
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Software

Luminar 4: bit.ly/2vxUi2b_Luminar4
Aurora 2019: bit.ly/2TfoisF_HDR

My studio set up:

🎤 Rode NT-USB: amzn.to/331DAGw
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These are affiliate links to the equipment I use - they are not sponsored by the manufacturer in any way. If you use these links it costs you no more than normal, but the small commission I get helps me to be able to keep providing free content for you guys. T
All Comments (21)
  • @AnthonyTurnham
    This week Skylum have given me a 30% discount off Luminar Neo to share with you guys. It's only valid for a few days but hopefully, that'll help those of you who see this! (Luminar Neo is the photo editor that superceded Luminar AI featured in this video). skylum.evyy.net/c/1304886/1944907/3255
  • @alexcaparas2782
    1. Exposure 2. Dynamic range 3. Contrast 4. Color balance 5. Cropping 6. Creative
  • @accentontheoff
    This kind of tutorial so helps create perspective. Am also very glad you that you use the word fundamental as opposed to basic.
  • @JMissy205PAGE
    How to approach my photos has made a huge difference in my editing. I finally know how to utilize saturation, exposure, and the rest of the ediing functions. It's alot of videos I look at and then forget information by the time I pick up the camera.
  • @mjudkins1371
    Thanks so much for making this video please keep up the great work
  • @ellegrindstaff726
    This was wonderful and extremely helpful and informative. Thank you!
  • @achiyaku
    This is so helpful thank you for your time and efforts!
  • @onirushkasantiago7698
    I can thank you enough for this video! It was SO EASY to understand! Now my picture look a lot different. Thank you so much!
  • @anishpyne
    Awesome tutorial. Have been searching for a good simple workflow for luminar 4 for a long time. This is very helpful.
  • @brianwilliams4222
    This is a great video that I'm probably going to watch a few time over. I'm just starting thus "photo guy" journey and this was a boost to my confidence. Thanks brother!
  • @marnix1
    Very very nice, simple to understand and informative video, thank you so much 🙏.
  • @mumo9413
    HUGE APPRECIATION! I haven't touched a camera for 30yrs. Kids grown up-time for me! Got a new Canon 77D, new MAC, joined a club, been out with a friend taking rock gig photos. Now to editing. Trouble is I'm dyslexic & other programs just don't work with my 'faulty' brain. I'm definitely downloading luminar, seem so much more intuitive. You're by far the BEST teacher in the Tube. I so appreciate you giving your time to do this. May I also say what an amazing Dad you are! Most of us could only wish for a father like you! Keep up the excellent work, it'll pay off in the long run. My kids are still with me age 26 & 27yrs. Maybe I've done too much.....🤣 okay off to download & have a go! Have a wonderful Christmas!