📷Photojournalism II Unit 9 – Photo Editing and Image Management

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Pixel represents the smallest unit of a digital image, derived from "picture element"
• Resolution measures the level of detail in an image, expressed in pixels per inch (PPI) for digital images or dots per inch (DPI) for printed images
  • Higher resolution images contain more pixels and appear sharper and more detailed
  • Lower resolution images have fewer pixels and may appear blurry or pixelated when enlarged
• Aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between an image's width and height (common ratios include 1:1, 4:3, and 16:9)
• Color space defines the range of colors that can be represented in an image (common color spaces include RGB, CMYK, and LAB)
• Histogram is a graphical representation of the tonal distribution in an image, displaying the number of pixels at each brightness level
• Dynamic range refers to the ratio between the lightest and darkest parts of an image, measured in stops
• Bit depth quantifies the number of unique colors that can be represented in an image (8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit)

Software and Tools Overview

• Adobe Photoshop is a widely used raster graphics editor for photo editing, manipulation, and compositing
  • Offers a wide range of tools, filters, and adjustments for precise image control
  • Supports layered editing and non-destructive workflows through adjustment layers and smart objects
• Adobe Lightroom is a photo management and editing software designed for photographers
  • Provides a streamlined interface for organizing, editing, and exporting large volumes of photos
  • Includes tools for color correction, exposure adjustments, and batch processing
• Capture One is a professional-grade photo editing software known for its advanced color editing capabilities and tethered shooting features
• DxO PhotoLab is a RAW image processing software that leverages camera and lens-specific profiles for optimal image quality
• ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editor that combines non-destructive editing with AI-powered features and effects
• Affinity Photo is a powerful, affordable alternative to Photoshop, offering a similar feature set and workflow
• GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free, open-source raster graphics editor with a wide range of tools and plugins

Basic Photo Editing Techniques

• Cropping removes unwanted portions of an image to improve composition or change the aspect ratio
• Straightening corrects tilted horizons or skewed perspectives to create a more balanced and visually appealing image
• Exposure adjustment alters the overall brightness of an image, making it lighter or darker
  • Overexposed images appear too bright, with loss of detail in highlights
  • Underexposed images appear too dark, with loss of detail in shadows
• Contrast adjustment increases or decreases the difference between the light and dark areas of an image
• White balance correction removes color casts caused by different light sources (daylight, tungsten, fluorescent) to ensure accurate color representation
• Sharpening enhances the edges and details in an image to create a clearer, more defined appearance
  • Oversharpening can introduce artifacts and an unnatural look
• Noise reduction minimizes the appearance of grainy or speckled patterns in an image, particularly in low-light or high-ISO shots

Advanced Image Manipulation

• Layered editing allows for non-destructive adjustments and compositing by stacking multiple images or adjustment layers
• Masking isolates specific areas of an image for targeted adjustments or effects
  • Layer masks use black and white values to control the visibility of a layer
  • Luminosity masks create selections based on the brightness values of an image
• Compositing combines multiple images or elements to create a new, seamless image
  • Requires careful attention to perspective, lighting, and color matching for realistic results
• Retouching involves removing blemishes, smoothing skin, or enhancing specific features in a portrait or product image
• Frequency separation is a retouching technique that separates an image into high and low-frequency layers for targeted adjustments to texture and color
• Dodge and burn tools selectively lighten (dodge) or darken (burn) specific areas of an image to enhance contrast or emphasize certain features
• Content-aware fill intelligently removes objects from an image and fills the area with surrounding content for a seamless result

Color Correction and Grading

• Color correction is the process of adjusting an image's colors to accurately represent the original scene
  • Involves adjusting white balance, exposure, contrast, and saturation
  • Aims to create a neutral starting point for further creative adjustments
• Color grading is the creative process of stylizing an image's colors to evoke a specific mood or aesthetic
  • Can involve applying color filters, adjusting individual color channels, or using lookup tables (LUTs)
  • Often used in film and video production to create a consistent visual style
• Hue, saturation, and luminance (HSL) adjustments allow for precise control over specific color ranges in an image
• Curves adjustments enable fine-tuned control over an image's tonal range and contrast by manipulating a graph of input and output values
• Split toning adds different color tints to the highlights and shadows of an image for a stylized, dual-tone effect
• Lookup tables (LUTs) are pre-designed color grading presets that can be applied to an image for instant stylization

File Formats and Compression

• RAW is an uncompressed, minimally processed image format that preserves the maximum amount of data from a camera's sensor
  • Offers the greatest flexibility for post-processing and color grading
  • Requires specialized software for viewing and editing (e.g., Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom)
• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is a widely used, lossy compressed image format that balances file size and image quality
  • Supports millions of colors and is compatible with most devices and software
  • Lossy compression permanently discards data and can introduce artifacts at high compression levels
• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is a lossless, uncompressed image format that preserves image quality but results in larger file sizes
  • Supports layers and is often used for high-quality printing or archival purposes
• PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless, compressed image format that supports transparency and is commonly used for web graphics
• Lossy compression reduces file size by permanently discarding data, which can result in a loss of image quality
• Lossless compression reduces file size without losing data, maintaining the original image quality but with larger file sizes compared to lossy compression

Workflow and Asset Management

• Import and organize photos into a centralized library or catalog for efficient access and management
• Apply metadata, such as keywords, ratings, and labels, to facilitate searching and filtering of images
• Develop a consistent naming convention for files and folders to maintain organization and ease of navigation
• Utilize collections or albums to group related images based on themes, projects, or clients
• Implement a backup strategy to protect against data loss, including on-site and off-site backups
  • Consider using cloud storage services for remote access and additional data protection
• Establish a color-managed workflow to ensure consistent color representation across devices and output methods
  • Calibrate monitors and printers using hardware calibration tools and ICC profiles
• Optimize images for specific output requirements, such as web, print, or social media, considering factors like resolution, file format, and color space

Ethical Considerations in Photo Editing

• Maintain the integrity of journalistic images by avoiding excessive manipulation that alters the truth of the captured moment
  • Adhere to industry guidelines and publication standards regarding acceptable adjustments
  • Disclose any significant alterations or composites to maintain transparency
• Respect copyright and licensing agreements when using or editing images created by others
  • Obtain necessary permissions and provide proper attribution when required
• Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and potential misrepresentations when editing images depicting individuals or communities
• Consider the impact of retouching on body image and societal expectations, particularly in fashion and beauty photography
  • Avoid perpetuating unrealistic or harmful standards of appearance
• Preserve the dignity and privacy of subjects, especially in sensitive or vulnerable situations
• Use editing techniques responsibly and avoid misleading or deceiving viewers through excessive manipulation
  • Maintain the factual accuracy of images in news, documentary, and scientific contexts
• Continuously educate yourself on evolving ethical standards and best practices in the field of photo editing and photojournalism