How to Edit Photos Using Adobe Photoshop CS3

I use Photoshop to edit all of my photographs, and I am by no means a photographer. I generally take pictures of my children doing everyday things and I also take a lot of candid photos while on vacation and at family events. Using Adobe Photoshop CS 3 has been an amazing experience. I used CS2 for many years. I learned my program well and the transition to CS3 was simple and wonderful. I love working in it and editing photos is a breeze.

Simply start your program and once it loads, open the picture you wish to perfect. The first thing I do is resize the photo to the size I want it to be. To do this, simply select Image à Image Size and adjust as necessary, either by pixel or by inch.

The next thing I do is reduce any camera noise by selecting Filter à Noise à Reduce Noise. Adjust the bar accordingly so your photo appears smoother and less grainy, but not blurry.

Next, go to the Layers tab and select Adjustment Layer. You will find several sets of options. The first one I select is Levels. I adjust the level bar back and forth to either lighten or darken the photo as necessary.

The next adjustment layer I use is Curves. By pulling the diagonal bar up and down, you can easily brighten and add varying levels of contrast to your photo is a different way than simply adjusting brightness of contrast.

Next, I use a color Balance adjustment layer. This is a wonderful option if you photo is too warm, or cool. You can adjust the coloring of you photo, making it appear even, not too red and not to blue. It's a neat little tool for perfecting photo coloring.

The final adjustment layer is brightness and contrast. I bump them both up just a smidge, adding to much brightness often makes photo appear over exposed. Brightness and contrast adjustment will also allow the bright colors in your photos to really pop.

Lastly, adjust the sharpness of your photo by selecting Filter à Sharpen à Smart Sharpen. Within this menu, you will be able to adjust the sharpness of your photo making it much more crisp and clear. Be careful not to sharpen your photo too much or you risk making it appear very grainy.

By following all these steps and adjusting your specific photo as you see fit, you will have better photos and optimal printing results. Be sure to carefully crop out unwanted backgrounds before re-sizing and don't go overboard with any of the editing techniques. You want your photos to look good, but natural, as though you didn't edit them at all.