TL;DR: Edit photos like a pro by mastering a consistent workflow: import and organize, correct exposure and color in Camera Raw, then retouch and sharpen on separate layers in Photoshop. Finish with local adjustments, a subtle crop, and export at the right resolution and color profile for your destination.
Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
Open Photoshop and go to Edit > Preferences to confirm your color settings (sRGB for web, Adobe RGB for print). Create a folder structure before importing, and use Adobe Bridge or Lightroom to cull weak shots first. Professionals spend more time selecting than editing—only retouch images worth the effort.
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Step 2: Work Non-Destructively
Duplicate your background layer (Ctrl/Cmd + J) before any edit. Use adjustment layers (Layer > New Adjustment Layer) for brightness, curves, and hue/saturation instead of destructive commands. Add layer masks to paint corrections in or out. This habit lets you revise any decision later without losing quality.
Step 3: Correct Exposure and Color
Open the image in Camera Raw (Filter > Camera Raw Filter) for the heaviest lifting. Pull back highlights, lift shadows, and set white balance using the eyedropper on a neutral gray area. Watch the histogram: avoid clipping at either end. Apply clarity and dehaze sparingly—overuse creates halos.
Step 4: Retouch and Sharpen
Use the Spot Healing Brush for dust and blemishes, and the Clone Stamp at low opacity for trickier areas. For portraits, try Frequency Separation on a duplicate layer to smooth skin while preserving texture. Sharpen last with Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask (Amount 80–120%, Radius 0.8–1.2) on a separate layer, then mask it away from skies and smooth surfaces.
Step 5: Add Local Adjustments and Crop
Use dodging and burning on a 50% gray layer set to Soft Light to guide the viewer’s eye. Apply a gentle vignette with a masked Curves layer. Crop with the rule of thirds in mind and straighten horizons. Small, deliberate moves beat heavy-handed global edits.
Step 6: Export Correctly
For web, use File > Export > Export As: JPEG, quality 70–80, sRGB, and sharpen for screen. For print, keep 300 PPI, embed the Adobe RGB profile, and save as TIFF. Always keep your layered PSD as the master file.
FAQ
Q: How long should a professional edit take?
A: A standard retouch takes 5–15 minutes; complex composites can take hours. Consistency matters more than speed.
Q: Do I need a drawing tablet?
A: No, but a tablet greatly improves masking and dodging precision. A mouse works fine for basic corrections.
Q: Should I edit in RAW or JPEG?
A: Always RAW when possible—it holds far more tonal data and recovers highlights and shadows that JPEG discards permanently.
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