This tutorial shows you how you can become an expert in editing digital photographs. You can try your hand at retouching photographs of great people or famous places, such as Albert Einstein or Yosemite National Park (USA). Let's see together how to proceed.
Steps
Step 1. Get a suitable image editor, capable of editing your digital photos, and install it on your computer
Below you will find some of the most popular programs: Paint.net, Adobe Elements. There are others but those listed are more than enough.
Step 2. Install one of these software and run the program
You will notice that both have multiple features, although 'Paint.net' is not as complex and powerful as 'Adobe Photoshop' or 'Elements', although very simple to use.
Step 3. Correct your photograph
The intent of this guide is to demonstrate that retouching a digital photograph by following the steps in this example is a very simple process. The image taken as an example is the result of a scan of an old printed photograph.
Step 4. Understand the meaning of 'noise' in a photograph
You may notice that there is a large amount of 'noise' in the image. The 'noise' is just what you perceive in this image.
Step 5. Remove the 'noise' from this image using Paint.net's 'Effects'
Select the 'Noise' item from the 'Effects' menu, then choose the 'Noise Reduction…' option. At this point change the settings to your liking. Look at the result, is it to your liking?
Step 6. Use the 'Curves' tool
It is an equally useful tool that can change the colors and brightness of the image.
Step 7. Try using the 'Clone' tool
This is a very special feature that can even replace your head with Einstein's! If you wish, you can also use it to eliminate any defects in a photograph caused by specks of dust or spots. The 'Clone' tool is normally located in the lower left part of the 'Tools' window.
