7-Point System for Editing Photos (in Camera Raw)
The 7-Point System is really just for editing photos in Adobe Camera RAW. We will only do 6-Points, because the first point only applies to RAW files. We only will be working with JPEG files in our class.
You will do pretty much the same 6 things to your images. Some images might not even need all 6 editing points, only some of them. Below is a list of the 6-Points will cover when editing photos in Camera Raw |
- Color - The color has to be right. White Balance
- Tone - We have to get the exposure where you want it, as well as the overall tone of the image. Tweak the Exposure and Contrast
- Problems - We need to know how to fix problems that pop up in our images. Highlights and Shadows
- Flat Photos - We need to know how to fix flat-looking photos. Blacks and Whites
- Details - Increase the details and color. Clarity and Vibrance
- Selective Adjustments - Now were going to affect just a part of the photo. Adjustment Brush or Techniques done in Photoshop
Video Tutorials on using Camera Raw & the 7-Point System
To begin, click on the photo below to begin.
Click Sign in
Click Sign in
Enter the following:
- kbrady
- LTHSDigitalPhoto
Opening Photos in Camera RawBefore we can begin the 6-Points of editing photos, we need to learn how to open them in Camera Raw. Click on the video link to the right to watch, and then come back to this page and watch the next video. Continue this process, watching all videos, then you will work on a DEMO image yourself.
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Step 1
Fix the White Balance
White Balance is important to fix your white balance first because it changes your exposure also I find it hard to work on an image or your color is way off if you fix this first many of your problems will go away.
My favorite method to fix white balance is to use the White Balance Selector tool (eyedropper). Ideally you want to click on something that is light gray. If there's nothing grey, pick something neutral. |
Step 2Tweak the Exposure & Contrast
The Exposure slider adjusts the exposure overall. Don't overthink this slider you are just going to make the image brighter or darker. If you drag it to the left it's darker and if you drag it to the right it's brighter.
The biggest thing I see in images today for post-processing is that the images are flat. Go to the Contrast slider and drag it to the right if you're exposure is pretty close. This is your secret to increasing the overall look of the image. |
Step 3Fix Shadow and Highlight Problems
Shadows
If your image has some areas that are too dark you may need to fix them though the Shadows Slider.
Highlights
There are times that I use the Highlights Slider.
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Step 5
Step 6Adjustment Brush - Selective Areas
Everything we have done so far has changed the whole photo. Look for parts of the photo that need something. Is an area too dark, but another area too light? Now we want to affect just one part so we need the Adjustment Brush.
One of the oldest least taught and most important things to do to a photograph is Dodging and Burning. Dodging is making the image brighter, and burning is making the image darker. |
Example 6-Point System Edited Photo in Camera Raw
Exercise
Now you can put your new knowledge to the test on one of the available photos found on the GRAPHICS Drive (G: drive) > Digital Photography > ___6-PointEditingPhotos
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Call me over to assess your editing when your done while the photo is still inside the Camera Raw Editor. :-)
WORTH 50 Points
WORTH 50 Points
Save this photo by doing the following steps:
Press the Save AS button at the bottom of the dialog window:
Press the Save AS button at the bottom of the dialog window:
Close this photo by clicking on the Cancel button once it has been saved.