Is Photoshop Magic? What Can You Edit?
Is Photoshop magic? Sadly no, it’s not. But it can do some pretty cool things that seem like magic sometimes! Even Photoshop has limitations though. It’s a common misconception that anything and everything can be “edited” out or fixed with this program. Here’s quick (not complete) run down of common things Photoshop can and cannot do!
1.) Distractions from the background. Most of the time additional people, signs, houses, or other distractions can be erased from the background. There are some exceptions, if the program can’t find enough data to replace the object/person that needs to be removed you might be stuck with it in your final picture. There are some tips and tricks photographers can use to “outsmart” Photoshop, but it’s not appropriate for every image. Photographers will do their best to choose locations and setups that are clear or easily editable.
2.) Skies. During sessions we don’t always get lucky and get beautiful skies with lots of color or big fluffy clouds. But that’s one thing that can usually be fudged in Photoshop. This can be done in one of a few ways. Sometimes the beautiful sky is “hidden” and we can bring it back and make it pop with a few setting changes. Other times, we need to take a sky from another image and overlay it over the image. Things to remember - not every sky works for every image. The lighting of the sky you’re overlaying the image with needs to work for that photo. For example, if you took a picture on a grey, cloudless day, adding a beautiful sunset to that photo will look out of place.
3.) Blemishes and other minor skin fixes - This is especially important for newborn photos! Most newborns are not blessed with smooth, clear skin. When you bring your newborn in for a session they have usually scratched their face, have milk crust on their face, they may have baby acne or other irritated skin. All of this is totally normal! But most parents don’t want to remember those types of details. Photoshop has the perfect tools for editing skin. And it’s not just for newborns either. Senior sessions can often require quite a bit of retouching. Some adults ask for skin smoothing to remove acne or soften wrinkles as well. These are all easy edits!
4.) Logos on clothing and other clothing fixes - Sometimes logos and images on clothing can be edited out. However, this is NOT something you should expect your photographer to do. It takes a significant amount of time to fix clothing in Photoshop (and can even be beyond the average photographer’s expertise). Wrinkles, patterns, and ill fitting clothing are outside the photographers control and will not be corrected by the photographer. Minor stains on children can be edited out, but only if they are small.
5.) Hair and makeup! Your photographer may make minor adjustments or corrections to hair. This would include things like small fly aways. But Photoshop cannot change your hair or makeup. Your photographer will not be able to edit out grey hairs, or add lash extensions for you during the editing process. During the session we will do everything we can to catch any hair, makeup or wardrobe issues but at the end of the day it is the client’s responsibility to come ready for their session.
If you’re unsure if something can be corrected during the editing process, just ask (before the photos are taken)! If something is easily editable , we are more than happy to do it for you! Have more questions? Feel free to contact me!
