Adobe Photoshop is digital editing software that usually works with single images. However, there are a few methods for handling a range of images. Let’s now explore how to batch resize images in Photoshop. 

Why Would I Batch Resize My Images In Photoshop? 

Batch resizing is a method for changing the size of a group of images without having to go through each one individually. This is particularly helpful for preparing images for clients or competitions. 

Photoshop provides an image processor script that can resize our images from any folder. The biggest advantage is that you do not have to upload any images into the program. 

You simply set the parameters for the images’ output, including size and location, and Photoshop will open each image automatically. This process is one of the fastest ways to batch resize images on your computer. 

How to Batch Resize Images in Photoshop 

Let’s now look at a simple step-by-step process to batch resize images in Photoshop. 

Step 1 – Prepare Your Files

The batch resizing method in Photoshop requires all our files to be in the same folder. If not, we will have to run the image processor a couple of times, which defeats the purpose of batch resizing. 

Ensure all your files are in a single folder to make the process as quick as possible. If this is not possible, there is an extra tick box to include subfolders. 

Step 2 – Open Photoshop and Find the Image Processor 

Now, you’re ready to open Photoshop. This process doesn’t require opening each image individually, but Photoshop does allow you to batch resize the images you may have open. 

To find the Image Processor, go to File > Scripts > Image Processor. 

The Image processor allows you to perform batch edits, resize images, change the file type, and even perform basic edits. 

Step 3 – Setting Parameters 

Upon opening the Image Processor, you will see a clear step-by-step process Photoshop outline. Let’s look at each of these sections in more detail. 

Step 1 – Selecting Images 

Photoshop lets you select from Use Open Images or Select Folder. The first option will use all the images in Photoshop, while the second option takes you to a normal file browsing interface. 

To batch resize images in Photoshop, you will need to find the folder we have prepared using the Select Folder option. You can tick Include All sub-folders if you have an expansive folder structure. 

Step 2 – Select Export Location 

Now, you will select where your new images will end up. You can choose to save them in the same location or choose a custom location. 

If you select Save in Same Location, Adobe will create a new folder for your new resized images inside your initial location. Select Folder will take you to a file browsing window where you can choose the exact location on your computer. 

Step 3 – File Type 

Editing the File Type is the most important section of this process. The first choice you will make is between your desired output file type. To resize images that have already been edited, you should choose JPEG. 

The JPEG option gives you two different methods to resize your images. The first method, Quality, is rough and inaccurate. It allows you to put in a number between 1 and 10 to resize your image. This can be helpful if you quickly resize images without a select size in mind. 

If you click Resize to Fit, you will have the option to resize your images in detail. Here, you will enter the width and height dimensions in pixels. The Image Processor will export your image as the smallest number from either the Width or Height. 

The export process will not skew your image, so do not worry about having the two dimensions match up perfectly. 

The Image Processor also allows you to export your images as PSD or TIFF files. 

Step 4 – Preferences 

Adobe Photoshop also allows you to perform a selection of adjustments to your images during this process. These adjustments include adding a Vignette or a Wood Frame. 

This can be useful for decoration, but we should avoid it for resizing an image. For instance, if you add a Wood Frame, the image will export as the size you set, but the frame will add extra pixels. 

Step 4 – Run Image Processor

When you have set all your parameters, click Run in the top right of the Image Processor window. You will now see each image open and close individually. 

Afterward you can find your images in the export location you have selected. 

Conclusion: Batch Resize Images in Photoshop 

Batch resize images in Photoshop is one of the fastest ways to resize a wide selection of images on your computer. It is a super simple process that only takes a few steps. Once you have done the process, it will get much faster the next time you do it. 

A successful face swap can be tricky even though it only has a few steps. This article will cover all the points necessary for a seamless face swap. After some practice you will be able to create novelty images for your friends or picture yourself on holiday!

What are the Key Points to Consider with a Face Swap in Photoshop?

Although the process is fairly straightforward, there are key points to consider when picking your images. We will now review all the points you want to consider before your edit. 

Position of the Head 

The most important factor is the position of the head. You cannot perform a face swap where one of the model’s heads faces forward and the other to the side. This is because the body posture will not match up.

Therefore, you must find images where the head is facing in a similar direction relative to the camera. If a head is tilted, this does not matter. You can easily fix a tilt in Photoshop. 

Lighting

Lighting is not as important as the position of the head, but it can still ruin a face swap. If one image has harsh light with strong shadows and the other has none, it is unlikely you could get them to match. 

Therefore, look for images that have similar light sources and shadows. You can always flip your image if the light source comes from the opposite direction. 

If you need two photos to match, you can use exposure controls to apply your own shadows. This can be a difficult task, but the burn tool is brilliant for this. We will touch on this action later. 

Sharpness 

You will also want to ensure that there is no huge difference in image quality when selecting your photos. If you make a face swap from a 35mm scan to a high-quality image, you will notice it looks unbelievable. 

This also applies to taking a face from someone in the background and putting it on a front and center body. The image in the background could look pixelated or not as sharp as a normal portrait. You can edit the image to reduce the sharpness, but this may be hard to replicate. 

Make A Face Swap in Photoshop 

Let’s now guide you through the easiest way to perform a convincing face swap in Photoshop. We will include ways to fine tune your edit to make it as believable as possible. 

Step 1 – Pick your Photos 

First, you want to choose the photos on which you want to perform a face swap in Photoshop. Think of the kind of edit you want to create. Maybe your flight got canceled, and you want to show your friends you are still on holiday. Or maybe you want to create a novelty image for a birthday card for friends or family. 

You also have the option to swap faces in the same photograph. This will make editing easier as the lighting and quality will be similar. 

Remember to select images where the two people are looking toward the camera in a similar way. You will also want to ensure the lighting is similar. 

It is worth spending some time thinking about which photos to use, as the success of the face swap will depend on this. Once you have selected your images, you can open them in Photoshop. 

Step 2 – Cut Out Your Face 

Go to the image you want to take the face from. We will cut the face out and then transfer it to our next image. 

First, create a duplicate of your background. 

We now want to make a mask for our model’s face. You can use the Pen tool to create an accurate mask; click here to learn how to do this. We will use the Quick Selection tool to look at the easiest option.

For the Quick Selection tool, draw inside the areas you want to include in the mask. Stay calm if the selection goes outside of the face initially. You can swap between the ‘Subtract from selection’ and ‘Add to the selection’ brushes to fine tune your mask. 

Once you have done this, you want to inverse your selection. You can do this by clicking Command + Shift + I (Control + Shift + I for Windows). You will know this worked when you see the moving dotted line around your selection and also around the edge of the photograph. 

Now press backspace. This will delete your background from your layer copy. You are now able to move this layer to the next photograph. 

Step 3 – Place the Face Into the Photograph 

Now, you should drag and drop your new layer into the other photo in Photoshop. You can do this by dragging the layer to the top of Photoshop, where the name for your other image is. Once you hover over this, Photoshop should change the image. 

You can also drag your photo from the top tool bar of Photoshop and drop the layer into the new image. In addition to this, you can go to Arrange at the top and choose a way to show different images. Then, you can drag and drop the layer from one image to another. 

Step 4 – Move Your Face to the Right Place 

We want to get the face in roughly the right location. Once we have applied further edits, we can always fine-tune the placement. 

Use Command + T (Control + T for Windows) to enter the Transform adjustments. You can now change the size of your new head to match the body you want to swap it with. You can also change the angle at which it sits. 

Do not try to cover up the other figure’s features with the size. This will look unnatural. Instead, we can eliminate stray hairs and other features that may stick out later. 

Step 5 – Apply Adjustments to Make A Convincing Edit 

The most crucial process for making a face swap in Photoshop is to blend the two images. We can ensure they go together by editing our face swap’s color, tone, and saturation. 

The first thing we want to do is create a mask. Get the Quick Selection tool and make sure your face layer is selected. Then, draw roughly in the face. The layer just contains the face, so it will only keep to this previous selection. 

Now, you can click on an adjustment, and it will make a mask for this adjustment. I will always first try to match the color. The easiest way to do this is to use the Color Balance adjustment. 

Here, you can try matching the two scenes. If the background image is warmer, add some yellow, and the opposite if it is cold. You may also need to play with the red/cyan colors, as these facial tones can be very noticeable. 

Once you have done this, emphasize the blend using the Hue/Saturation adjustment. Make sure you use the Quick Selection tool to make a mask before selecting the adjustment. I would then make tonal adjustments using the Levels tool using the same process. 

Step 6 – Fine Tune Your Edit 

Now, we want to apply the final edits to the face swap. Let’s first remove any unwanted elements behind the model’s head. 

For this process, you will want to ensure that the background has a copy. You can do this by dragging it onto the New Layer icon at the bottom. Now, you want to get the Clone Stamp tool. 

After ensuring the background copy is selected, start brushing away the unwanted elements from behind your new face. Option click (Alt on Windows) to select a replacement location for your brush. Select an area that has the same color and tones as what should be behind your head. 

After this, we want to fine-tune the shades on our new face. The best way to do this is to use the Burn tool. I suggest reducing the Exposure to around 10%. 

Make sure you select your head layer and slowly paint in new shadows. This could be around the neck or places where the shadow should be according to the light source. 

If you ever need to move your head, you can do this anytime. Make sure you have selected your adjustment layers and face layers. Then, press Command + T (Control + T for Windows) to move all layers at the same time. 

Now, you should have a convincing face swap in Photoshop. 

Conclusion: Face Swap in Photoshop 

Now that we have given you a step-by-step guide, you can see that the initial process is easy, but fine-tuning can be tricky. The best way to do this is to take your time and try to understand the unique characteristics of each photo in terms of color and tone. 

Creating a face swap in Photoshop is a brilliant way to make fun images for friends and family. It can also be an effective way to place yourself in new environments. The more you practice this technique, the better you will become at fooling your friends and creating convincing photo composites. 

How to Edit Details in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is one of the best photo editing programs out there. And using this powerful software to edit detail in your images in the best way to take your photos to the next level.

We have tutorials on adding texture, changing image resolution, and sharpen images. The following sections are just an introduction to each topic, so click the link in the text to learn more. 

You can also see our full Photoshop Editing Guide. 

Add Grain

Adding film grain in Photoshop can give your digital photos a vintage, timeless feel. The process is simple and quick.

First, create a new layer and set its blend mode to Overlay. Convert this layer to a smart object so you can edit the adjustments later.

Next, go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise to add the grain effect. Use the Gaussian option for a more realistic look.

Then, apply a slight Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) with a radius between 0.5 and 1 pixel to soften the grain.

Since the grain layer is a smart object, you can double-click the Noise filter to adjust the amount of grain until you’re satisfied with the result.

To learn more about adding grain in Photoshop, check out our full tutorial. 

Add Texture

Adding texture in Photoshop is a simple process that can make your images pop.

Open your main image and texture file in Photoshop. Resize the texture layer to fit over your main image using the Free Transform tool.

Change the blending mode of the texture layer to see how it interacts with your main image.

Popular modes for textures are Lighten, Overlay, and Soft Light. Lower the opacity of the texture layer to find the right balance between the texture and your main image.

To remove or lighten the texture in certain areas, create a layer mask. Paint with a black, low-opacity brush over the places where you want to hide the texture.

You can add texture in Photoshop to multiple layers for an even richer effect.

Remove Chromatic Aberration

Chromatic aberration is an unwanted distortion of colors that sometimes appears on high-contrast edges in photos.

It happens when light of certain wavelengths gets bent by the lens. Luckily, it’s easy to remove chromatic aberration in Photoshop.

The lens correction filter does a great job at fixing chromatic aberration automatically. You can also use the sliders to remove specific colors manually.

Another way to remove chromatic aberration is by using Gaussian blur and blending modes. Duplicate the layer, apply Gaussian blur, and set the blending mode to “Color.”

Then use a layer mask to paint over areas where there’s no chromatic aberration.

Remove chromatic aberration in Photoshop with this full how-to guide.

Gaussian Blur

The Gaussian Blur filter in Photoshop is useful for reducing noise, adding an artistic blur effect, or creating depth by blurring the background.

To apply Gaussian Blur, first duplicate the background layer to keep the original image safe. Then use a selection tool like the Pen Tool to create a path around the object you want to blur.

Convert the path to a selection and refine the edges if needed.

Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and adjust the Radius slider until you get the desired amount of blur.

The Gaussian effect results in a smooth blur that looks like viewing the image through a translucent screen.

Gaussian Blur is perfect for blurring backgrounds or unwanted elements to make your subject stand out.

Check out our full article if you want to learn more about Gaussian blur in Photoshop.

High Pass Filter

The high pass filter is a useful tool in Photoshop for sharpening images. It’s simpler to use than other sharpening tools because it only has one slider to adjust.

The high pass filter detects edges in a photo by looking for sudden changes in brightness between neighboring pixels.

To use it, duplicate the background layer and apply the filter. Adjust the amount of sharpening using the slider, then set the blending mode to “Overlay” to see the sharpening effect.

It’s important to zoom in to 100% when using the high pass filter to avoid over-sharpening. The best results usually show thin black lines with no white areas.

Learn how to use the high pass filter in Photoshop with this useful guide.

Change Image Resolution

Changing the resolution of an image in Photoshop is simple.

First, go to Image > Image Size to open the Image Size dialog box. Here you can see the current size of your image in pixels.

To change the resolution, type in the new width or height you want.

Photoshop will automatically adjust the other dimension to keep the aspect ratio the same. You can also change the resolution by setting the number of pixels per inch.

When increasing resolution, choose a resampling mode like Bicubic Smoother for the best results.

After resizing, it’s a good idea to sharpen the image using Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask.

If you want to change the resolution of an image even further, check out our in-depth guide.

Reduce Noise

Reducing noise in Photoshop is easy with the Reduce Noise filter or the Adobe Camera Raw filter. These tools let you reduce luminance noise and color noise in your images.

If the built-in Photoshop noise reduction tools aren’t enough, there are also plugins available. Many of these work directly within Photoshop.

With all these denoise tools at your fingertips, you can fix photos ruined by excessive grain. Knowing how to reduce noise in Photoshop is a valuable skill for any photographer.

Sharpen an Image

Every digital image needs some sharpening, but too much will make it look unnatural.

Use separate layers for different sharpening amounts based on the final medium, like print or screen.

The best sharpening filters in Photoshop are Unsharp Mask and Smart Sharpen.

Unsharp Mask is the most common as it doesn’t increase noise. Smart Sharpen has a noise reduction slider to reduce noise that becomes visible after sharpening.

Choose the Remove option that best fits your photo, like Gaussian Blur, Lens Blur, or Motion Blur.

If you only want to sharpen specific parts of an image, use selective sharpening.

You can sharpen an image in Photoshop using the Brush Tool on a duplicate layer, sharpening a selection of the image, or using the Sharpen Tool for quick results.

This is useful for things like portrait photography where you want to keep skin soft but sharpen the eyes.

This article has everything you need to know about editing color in Photoshop. Keep reading to find out more. 

How to Edit Color in Photoshop

There are many ways you can edit color in Adobe Photoshop, and we cover all the main methods in the following sections.

We cover specific color editing tasks, such as adjusting white balance or colorizing black and white images. And we also look at some of Photoshop’s unique color editing features, like theiry dodge-and-burn and color isolation tools. 

The sections below serve as an introduction to each color editing method. Click the links in the text to see the full, in-depth article on each topic. We also have a full guide on Photoshop editing. 

Change the Color of an Object

To change the color of an object in Photoshop, start by making a selection of the object using the Color Range tool.

Go to Select > Color Range and click on the color you want to change. Adjust the Fuzziness slider to refine your selection.

Next, edit the selection in Quick Mask Mode by painting with black or white to clean up the selection.

Once you have a precise selection, create a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and adjust the Hue and Saturation sliders to change the color of the object.

For added depth and contrast, duplicate the selected object, set the blending mode to Multiply, and readjust the Hue/Saturation layer.

By taking your time to make a quality selection and matching the lightness with contrast, you can achieve a natural-looking result.

See our full guide on how to change the color of an object in Photoshop.

Color Dodge and Burn

Color Dodge and Burn are powerful tools in Photoshop for color grading your photos and adjusting light.

To use Color Dodge, add a new layer and set the blend mode to Color Dodge. Then, paint around the light source with a low flow brush to create haze and light leaks.

Combine Color Dodge with Color Burn for even more impact.

Add two solid color layers, set one to Color Burn and the other to Color Dodge, then lower the fill to around 15%. Use Layer Style to protect shadows or highlights if needed.

This technique works well for landscapes, portraits, and street photos. Experiment with different colors and settings to find the perfect look for your image.

Color dodge is a simple yet effective way to add punch to your photos.

Colorize Black and White Images

Colorizing black and white photos in Photoshop can breathe new life into old images. The process involves adding Solid Color Adjustment Layers and painting on Layer Masks to apply color to specific areas.

Start by choosing a color for your first Solid Color layer, then change the blend mode to ‘Color’. Fill the Layer Mask with black, and use the Brush tool to paint with white on the mask, revealing the color in the areas you want.

Repeat this process for each color in your image. You can also adjust saturation and apply a Curves Adjustment to improve contrast and brightness.

To learn more about how to colorize black and white photos, check out our in-depth tutorial.

Change Color Mode

Color modes in Photoshop determine how a photo will be represented on screen or in print.

They affect how colors combine based on the number of channels in a color model. The purpose of your project will decide which color mode to use.

To change the color mode, go to Image > Mode and select a different option. RGB is the standard mode and uses three colors to reproduce colors on screens.

CMYK is based on the use of inks and is best for images you want to print.

Grayscale uses different shades of gray, while Duotone creates images using one to four custom inks.

Lab mode is based on how humans see colors, and Indexed color builds a lookup table to store and index colors in the photo.

Changing the color mode in Photoshop is an important part of color management, which aims to match colors across devices.

Adjust White Balance

White balance is one of the most important aspects of photography, and it’s also one of the easiest to adjust in Photoshop.

Often, the colors of our images don’t precisely match the scene we are capturing. If the colors look off, setting your white balance in-camera is the best way to go.

In Photoshop, the best way to correct the light is by using Curves. You can find it in Image > Adjustments > Curves. Use the eyedroppers at the bottom to set the white point, grey point, and black point in your image.

It’s important to color correct the white balance in Photoshop for all your pictures. Doing so allows your pictures to have a more precise rendition of the colors you see in real life.

If you’d like to learn more about photoshop white balance, we have a detailed guide that covers the topic in depth.

Invert Colors

Here is the article section on inverting colors in Photoshop, written in 150 words across 4 paragraphs with varied sentence lengths and burstiness:

Inverting colors in Photoshop is a quick way to create a negative image. This can be useful for artistic effect or to see an image in a new way. To invert colors, open your image in Photoshop.

Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert. Your image colors will instantly invert.

You can also invert colors on a specific layer or selection. Just select the area first before going to Image > Adjustments > Invert.

Inverting colors preserves transparency, so you can use this on a layer without affecting the rest of the image.

To dive deeper into how to invert colors and use this creatively in your photo editing workflow, check out this detailed guide.

Isolate Colors

Isolating colors in Photoshop is a powerful technique that can transform your images. To get started, open your image and go to the “Select” menu. Click on “Color Range” to target a specific color.

Use the Eyedropper tool to click on the color you want to isolate. This will select all pixels of that color in the image. For more precise selection, use the Color Picker instead.

Adjust the Fuzziness slider to control the range of colors selected. A lower value selects colors very close to your chosen color, while a higher value selects a broader range.

By isolating colors, you can create stunning, color-focused images that stand out.

Lab Color Space

Lab Color is a more accurate color space than RGB or CMYK. It uses three values (L, a, and b) to specify colors, similar to how the human eye perceives color.

The L value represents lightness, while the a and b values represent the color axes, with “a” ranging from green to red and “b” from blue to yellow.

One of the main advantages of Lab Color is its device independence, meaning colors will appear consistent across different media.

This makes it particularly useful for ensuring brand colors remain accurate on various products like cups, T-shirts, and banners.

In Photoshop, converting an image to Lab Color is simple. Go to Image > Mode and choose Lab Color, or use Edit > Convert to Profile and select Lab Color.

The Channels panel will then display the L, a, and b channels, allowing for more precise color adjustments without relying on the saturation slider.

Click this link to learn more about the capabilities of Lab Color in Photoshop.

Color Management

Color management is the process of controlling colors so they appear correct across different devices, including cameras, laptops, phones, tablets, and prints.

The goal is to ensure colors look as similar as possible on all devices in your workflow, as long as the device can reproduce the colors.

Understanding the difference between RGB (Red-Green-Blue) and CMYK (Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black) color spaces is important.

RGB is used for digital formats like web browsers and displays, while CMYK is used for printing.

Color profiles describe how a device represents color and help translate colors between devices.

To eliminate color inconsistencies, choose the right format (RAW or JPEG) based on your needs and set the correct color profile before editing.

Calibrate your monitor to ensure accurate colors and check your edited image on various devices to see how the colors look.

Color management is essential for maintaining accurate colors across all platforms. By understanding the basics and following these steps, you can ensure your photographs look their best no matter where they’re viewed.

Convert RGB to CMYK

Converting RGB to CMYK in Photoshop is a simple process. First, open your image in Photoshop and check the current color mode under the “Image” menu.

If it’s not already in CMYK mode, go to “Image,” then “Mode,” and select “CMYK Color.”

After converting, you may need to adjust the color balance or brightness and contrast of your image. These options are found under “Image” and then “Adjustments.”

Once you’re satisfied with the adjustments, save your image in CMYK format by clicking “File” and then “Save As.” Choose a name and location for your new file.

To confirm the color mode change, go back to “Image,” “Mode,” and ensure “CMYK Color” is selected.

If you want to learn more about how to convert RGB to CMYK, there are great resources available online.

Remove Color

Removing a color in Photoshop is a simple process that can greatly improve your images.

To get started, open your image in Photoshop and add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. Use the hand tool to select the color you want to remove from your image.

After selecting the color, lower the saturation slider until the color is gone. This will remove the color from your image without affecting other colors.

Removing colors can be a powerful way to adjust your images and create unique effects.

If you’d like to learn more about how to remove a color in Photoshop, we have a detailed guide that covers everything you need to know.

Selective Color

Selective color is a great way to make certain colors pop in your photos.

To use selective color in Photoshop, start by duplicating your background layer. Then, select the color or object you want to keep using the Quick Selection tool or Color Range tool.

Invert the selection and create a mask on the duplicate layer. Convert the image to black and white using an adjustment layer.

Move the mask you created earlier to the black and white layer.

Use a white or black paintbrush to fine-tune the layer mask and adjust the black and white layer properties until you’re happy with the look.

If you’d like to learn more about selective color in Photoshop, our full article is essential reading. 

sRGB vs Adobe RGB

Color space refers to the range of colors that can be displayed in a photograph.

The two most common color spaces are sRGB and Adobe RGB. sRGB is the default color space for digital devices like computer screens, tablets, and smartphones.

Adobe RGB has the same number of colors as sRGB, but those colors are more spread out.

This means Adobe RGB gives you a wider range of colors to work with, which is helpful for printing your photos. You can always convert Adobe RGB files to sRGB later if needed.

The best color space depends on how you plan to use your photos. If you’ll mostly share them online, stick with sRGB. But if you want the option to print them professionally, use Adobe RGB.

You can learn more about the differences between sRGB vs Adobe RGB in this blog post.

GIMP is a brilliant great open-source image editor we can access for free. The one issue that you will come across using GIMP is that it cannot open RAW files. This is a big problem as RAW files are crucial for photo editing to get the most out of our images. 

What is GIMP? 

GIMP is a free, open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop. It allows you to perform advanced edits using various tools and adjustments. 

This photo editing software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux users. It is constantly being updated with new features and upgrades. 

You will not find the same expert controls as Adobe Photoshop. But it is a brilliant way for photographers to start photo editing without having to pay a ridiculous price. Also, you will learn many techniques that will help with Photoshop in the future. 

The one issue with GIMP is that it cannot directly open RAW files. This article will show you how to open these files without losing any information. 

Open A RAW File In GIMP Using RawTherapee

The best feature of GIMP is that it is free. Using RawTherapee will ensure that your workflow is all free. Follow the steps below to see how you can do this.

Step 1: Download RawTherapee 

RawTherapee is a free photo editing and organization software. It is similar to Adobe Lightroom and performs many of the same tasks. You can download RawTherapee here. 

RawTherapee is available to download for Windows, macOS, and Linux users. This means that we will all be able to access this program no matter our operating system. 

The download is straightforward and shouldn’t take long at all. 

Step 2: Import Your RAW Files 

RawTherapee has a file browsing system inside the program. Instead of importing your photos, you will find them through the relevant folder structure system. 

Once you have located your folder, double-click it, and the images will start pouring into the program. 

If you like, you can perform some initial edits here. Go to the Editor workspace to see the photo editing adjustments this software offers. 

Step 3: Connect RawTherapee to GIMP 

To open a RAW file in GIMP, you will need to connect the two programs. The quickest way to do this is to drag your RAW file into the GIMP application. 

Upon opening the image for the first time, GIMP will ask you for your permission to use RawTherapee as an external program. When you accept this, your image should open in RawTherapee. 

Every time you close the image in RawTherapee, GIMP will ask you what color space to convert the image to. 

Now, you can edit your picture. When you are finished, simply close the image, and it should then open up in GIMP. 

Open A RAW File In GIMP Using Lightroom 

There may be photographers out there who own Lightroom but not Photoshop. If this is you, then we will show you how to open photos in GIMP from Lightroom. 

Step 1: Download Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a paid application that requires a subscription. There are different price points and options.

Adobe only operates on Windows and macOS. Linux users will have to use the free option, RawTherapee. 

Once you have paid for the program, install Lightroom to begin. This process only works with Lightroom Classic. Luckily, Adobe gives you both versions together 

Step 2: Import Your Files 

Lightroom can import files directly from your camera or a computer folder. Use the import function to find the folder of photos you want to edit. 

Once you have selected your photos, you can import them into Lightroom Classic. 

You are now able to perform initial edits to your photographs. Head to the Develop workspace in Lightroom Classic to do this. 

Step 3: Connect Lightroom to GIMP 

To open a RAW file in GIMP from Lightroom, you will need to connect GIMP as an external editor. To do this, click Lightroom on the top left and go to Preferences. 

In this settings window, there is a section entitled External Editing. There will then be a section here entitled Additional External Editor. 

In the Preset dropdown menu, choose Custom. Then click Choose under the dropdown menu to the right. 

You can then find the GIMP application through the file browsing system. GIMP will be in the applications section. 

Lightroom doesn’t directly export the RAW file; it can export as a JPEG, TIFF, or PSD. The latter of these options, TIFF and PSD, are the best options to keep as much information as possible. 

Lightroom allows you to choose the file type in the dropdown menu entitled File Format. You can then choose the color space and the bit depth. 

You are then able to choose the resolution. A high-quality resolution is normally 300 dpi. I would suggest putting the resolution at 600 to ensure you have the best resolution possible. 

Step 4: Open Image In GIMP 

Now you can open your photo in GIMP. From the Library page, find the photograph you want to continue editing. 

Right-click your file. Go to Edit In, and you will see one of the first options is Edit In GIMP. Click this option. 

Upon clicking this, Lightroom will offer you three different exporting options. If you are opening a RAW file you will have to select the top option. You can also fine-tune your import settings here. 

This will then open your photograph in GIMP. 

Conclusion: How To Open A RAW File In GIMP

Now you have two different avenues that allow you to open a RAW file in GIMP. Either of these options will ensure you are editing a high-quality file to get the most out of your photograph. 

GIMP is a great free alternative to Photoshop. However, nothing can compete with the constant development of Adobe products. If you want to take photography seriously, consider purchasing Adobe products for editing. 

Let’s dive deep into the many settings in the Lightroom export dialogue box (File > Export). Many options are also in the export panel of Lightroom (formerly Lightroom CC), but not all. To learn how to export photos from Lightroom, see our post on how to save and export photos from Lightroom.

Choosing The Best Lightroom Export Settings

We love our images and want to share our favorites at the highest quality possible. But this does not always mean exporting the files at 100%. Exporting images from Adobe Lightroom is not a one-size-fits-all situation.

We share our photos in different ways. So, the best Lightroom export settings depend on where we share our images. But we’ll cover how to best export photos from Lightroom without losing quality.

File Managment

Choose Export Location

Click File > Export from the main menu at the top. Then, use the settings under the Export Location tab to help you organize exports. There is no best export location. Choose the location that works for you.

Select same folder as original photo in the Export To drop-down menu to keep your exports with the original photos. But you can also save them to your desktop in a new folder. Choose where you want to keep your images.

In the Existing Files drop-down, select choose a new name or the exported file. By default, Lightroom Classic exports using the file name encoded by your camera.

You can customize the file names in almost infinite ways. Then, you can save your favorite naming combinations for your exports.

 

Change File Name

Start by opening the File Naming tab and click the box next to Rename File. You can type directly into the template editor.

Add custom text to your image title or punctuation to separate title elements. Lightroom shows you an example of what the title looks like for your selected image.

For more in depth control, open the drop-down menu and select Edit. This opens the Filename Template editor.

Lightroom Classic includes default naming choices like Filename, Sequence #, Date, and Title. Scroll through the drop-down menus to see more choices.

Use other options like Image # and metadata naming options like Copyright. Include as many identifiers as you like. Then click the Insert button next to your choices.

 

File Format

Adjust Details Under File Settings

The File Settings tab lets you choose the image format and quality, file size, and color space. Lightroom has similar settings. But the export panel is organized differently from Lightroom Classic.

This space allows you a great amount of control. You have a quality slider which is great for roughly editing the output quality of your photograph.

For more accurate control, use the Limit File Size To: box to set the highest limit for your file size. 

 

Best Formats to Export Photos

The best image format for online posting is JPEG. It is a universal image file format. But a JPEG is a compressed file. So you lose some quality when exporting. It just may not be obvious when viewing a photo online.

If you want to export a high-resolution image, select TIFF or DNG. For printing, you can choose either a JPEG or a TIFF file. But not all social media platforms accept uncompressed file formats. Some platforms accept RAW files. But this is not common.

Here are the image file formats currently accepted by the most popular social media platforms:

• Instagram: Converts all uploaded photos to JPEG.
• Facebook: Accepts JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, and BMP.
• X: Accepts JPEG, PNG, and GIF.
• Flickr: Accepts JPEG, PNG, and non-animated GIFs. All other formats are converted to JPEG.
• Pinterest: Accepts JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP, and WEBP.
• Website Hosts: Web hosting sites vary. For example, Wix accepts JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, WEBP, HEIC, HEIF, JPE, JFIF, JPEG 2000, and RAW files.

Best Image Quality and Sizes for Export

Cameras with lots of megapixels (MP) create large files. And if you do any editing in Adobe Photoshop beforehand, your file size can skyrocket past a gigabyte (GB).

We want to export photos from Lightroom without losing quality. But exporting full-sized files usually means large file sizes.

When exporting for print, export a full-sized file unless the print lab has an image size limitation. But large image files do not work well online. 

Large image files are slow to load and use lots of photo storage space. Also, there is a limit to how much quality can be displayed on most monitors and mobile devices.

Popular platforms compress your images because of the large volume uploaded. If you export images at their recommended size, you will see little difference in image quality.

If you upload a full-size image and leave the compression up to the platform, you will probably see reduced image quality.

High-quality images can become pixelated, and the platform may crop your photo. Plus, reducing the size also protects your full-size image from unofficial downloads.

 

Reducing File Size

In Lightroom, you can reduce file size in two ways. You can use the slider to reduce JPEG quality by a percentage or set a size limit.

Rather than export the files at 100%, select 85%. This reduces the file size and keeps the perceived image quality. Some photographers even suggest reducing image quality to 70%.

If the social media platform has a file size limitation, check the box next to Limit File Size To: Then, enter a maximum file size.

Lightroom creates the best quality file within the size limit. Here are the current image size limitations of popular social media platforms:

• Instagram: Max 8 MB
• Facebook: Under 30 MB is recommended
• X: Under 5 MB is recommended
• Flickr: Up to 200 MB
• Pinterest: Max 20 MB
• Website Hosts: This varies. For instance, Wix recommends no larger than 25 MB.

You may also want to reduce file size to make images load faster. But there is disagreement about the optimal image size for online viewing.

If the images load slowly, reduce the size to under 1 MB (1,000 KB). If the photos still load slowly, reduce the size to 500 KB.

Best Color Space Settings for Export

Most online content is viewed on computer screens or mobile devices. Both have limited colors. So, you may prefer to edit in a larger color space like Adobe RGB.

But the best color space for posting online is sRGB. This limits the colors to those your viewers can see. It is also the default color space for many cameras. 

If you print photos, the color space can be sRGB or Adobe RGB.

Image Size

Adjust Image Sizing

The size of your images will vary with your camera system and how you have cropped them. But most digital cameras create images larger than accepted on social media platforms.

Under Image Sizing, you can export files at defined display sizes and resolutions. You have similar choices in Lightroom, but they are more limited.

Best Display Size for Export

If you are printing, export your file with the original display size. Check the box next to Resize To Fit if you are posting online.

You can choose to enter the exact dimensions for both width and height. Or you can enter dimensions for your image’s long or short edge. Lightroom then figures out the other dimension based on the current aspect ratio.

There is an optimal display size for many social media platforms. Platforms reduce your image to the maximum size. Some keep the aspect ratio. But others may crop your photo.

Platforms have different recommendations for cover photos, banners, and ads. But here are the display size recommendations for image posts:

• Instagram: 1,080px on the bottom edge. Photos in landscape orientation are 1,080 x 608px. Photos in portrait orientation are 1,080 x 1,350px (4:5 aspect ratio)
• Facebook: 1,200px on the bottom edge. Pictures in portrait orientation work well as 1,200 x 1,500px (4:5 aspect ratio).
• X: Images posts are best at 1,200 x 675px (16:9 panoramas).
• Flickr Pro: Images display at 6,144px on the long edge. Other accounts display at 2,048px.
• Pinterest: Images display at 1,000px on the short side. Photos in landscape orientation are 1,000 x 1,500px. Photos in portrait orientation are 1,000 x 2,100px.
• Website Hosts: This varies. Wix suggests uploading images that are 2,560 x 1,440px.

There is debate about the best resolution for posting images to a personal website. It is about balancing quality and how fast you want the webpage to load.

Most web hosting services let you load whatever file size you want. But the platform may compress or “optimize” your image to increase speed. If you are unsure what display size to use for your website, 2,048px is an excellent place to start

The ‘Don’t Enlarge’ Box and Best Export Resolution

If you are working with a small image file, you may be tempted to enlarge the photo on export. Lightroom is not a good tool for enlarging photos. Check the box next to Don’t Enlarge.

If you need to enlarge a photo for printing, use Lightroom, Photoshop, or a resize tool. You can use ON1 Photo RAW’s AI resize. Or use Photoshop’s Superzoom neural filter to enlarge part of a photo without losing resolution.

The best resolution for images viewed online is 72 ppi. For the best printing resolution, change the resolution to 300 ppi.

Final Touches 

Sharpening

Sharpening defines the edges and usually adds a bit of brightness to your image. Most images benefit from a bit of sharpening during export. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a set of output sharpening presets.

Both Lightroom Classic and Lightroom include sharpening presets for onscreen and printing on matte or glossy paper. You can choose from three sharpness levels—Low, Standard, and High.

Adjust Metadata Settings

Your camera collects lots of data, including settings and maybe GPS coordinates. Lightroom makes adding more metadata to your images easy to help you find and sort images.

You can add a model’s name and your address. And you may want this personal information attached to the image. But you may not like the world to see it.

Because this information lives with an image, it becomes public when you post to many social media platforms. The exception is Instagram, which strips your picture of all metadata.

Other platforms may strip some of the metadata. But Flickr preserves metadata. So, under the Metadata tab, you control which metadata Lightroom Classic embeds when you export images.

You can include all metadata, camera settings, or only copyright information. You can also remove information about the location and people in your photo.

Add a Watermark 

Adding a watermark is like signing a painting. There is much debate about whether to watermark images or not. One side argues that a watermark detracts from the image. Others argue it is like signing artwork and reduces image theft.

You can add a watermark at export rather than onto the image itself. This lets you change when and where you add a watermark. Most photographers do not watermark printed images. But you may add it when posting to social media.

You can add simple text or a graphic watermark. Click the box next to Watermark. Open the drop-down menu in Lightroom Classic and select Edit Watermarks.

 

Setup Export Preset Settings

It is easy to forget which export settings are best for various social media platforms and printing. So, make an export preset of your favorite settings! Click the Add button below the left-hand column in Lightroom’s export dialogue.

Here are some examples of what you can enter:

Lightroom Export Settings for Instagram

• Location: Personal choice
• File Naming: “Filename_Instagram”
• File Settings: JPEG, sRGB, 85%
• Image Sizing: Width 1,080px, resolution 72 ppi
• Sharpening: Screen, standard
• Metadata: Leave the default setting
• Watermarking: Personal choice

Lightroom Export Settings for a Website

• Location: Personal choice
• File Naming: “Filename_Website”
• File Settings: JPEG, sRGB, 85%
• Image Sizing: Width 2,048px, resolution 72 ppi
• Sharpening: Screen, standard
• Metadata: Include all metadata, then check the Remove Person Info and Remove Location Info boxes
• Watermarking: Personal choice

Lightroom Export Settings for a High-Resolution Print

• Location: Personal choice
• File Naming: “Filename_Print”
• File Settings: TIFF, sRGB, 100%
• Image Sizing: Uncheck resize box, resolution 300 ppi
• Sharpening: Matte or glossy, standard
• Metadata: Leave the default setting
• Watermarking: Uncheck the box

 

Conclusion: The Best Lightroom Export Settings

The best Adobe Lightroom export settings depend on how you want to use the exported file. File and display sizes vary across social media platforms.

What you use for social media posts will not be the same for Lightroom export settings for print. So you should determine them on a case-by-case basis.

For more tips and tricks, look at our complete Lightroom guide! And try out The Preset Collection for shortcuts to perfection!

Grain can be a stylistic choice to add a certain feel to your photographs. The downside is that more grain means less clarity. Luckily, fixing grain has been a common issue throughout digital photography. This means that almost all digital editing software contains some form of grain reduction.

What Is Grain? 

Grain has always been an issue in photography, even with film photography! Film grain comes from the chemistry that makes up photographic film. The larger ISO film that we use to shoot in low-light conditions has a larger grain. 

In digital photography, grain is known as noise. Digital noise is often found in similar low-light conditions. The ‘noise’ is unwanted electrical signals that the camera’s sensor produces. These signals prevent us from obtaining our desired information. 

Grain and noise are emphasized in low-light situations as the information is much harder to process in these environments. If we simplify the scientific understanding, fewer photons hit the desired location due to insufficient light. 

How To Fix Grainy Photos in Lightroom 

The best way to fix grainy photos is to use Adobe Lightroom. Lightroom is a digital editing software that can organize your photos and apply general editing adjustments. 

As Lightroom has progressed with the boom of digital photography, it has managed to fine-tune the shortcomings of digital photography. Let’s now look at a step-by-step guide to fix grainy photos in Lightroom. I will show examples of a film scan with grain and a noisy digital photo. 

In these examples I am using Lightroom classic. You can perform all these same adjustments in the other version of Lightroom provided with your purchase. 

Step 1. Import your images 

Once you have your images in Lightroom, you will want to find the Develop Panel. In the Develop panel, head down to the Detail section. Inside here, you will find how to fix grainy photos. 

Step 2. Editing Detail 

If you have a digital RAW file allowing for Lightroom Denoise, click the Denoise button for Lightroom to automatically provide its excellent noise reduction abilities. This is the best denoise software on the market. 

If you have a grainy film scan, this adjustment will not work. Do not worry; you can adjust the grain through the Manual Noise Reduction panel. 

You want to move the Luminance, Detail, and Contrast sliders to your desired effect. The more Luminance, the less grain. This comes at a price, though, as the image will become much softer.

The Detail slider will combat the softness but also make the grain prominent again. This is a fine balance that you will have to play around with yourself. The Contrast slider will add contrast to similarly emphasized tones while also enhancing the grain. 

Step 3. Editing Basic Adjustments

If the Detail adjustments are not enough, you can go to the Basic adjustment section. Here, you can increase the exposure if it doesn’t ruin the atmosphere of the photograph. 

The most important adjustment is in the Presence subsection. You will want to reduce the Texture slider. Again, this will make the photograph softer, so you will have to find a good balance. 

How To Fix Grainy Photos in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is another great editing software for fixing grainy photos. It is more advanced than Lightroom, so it may not be suitable for photographers who are not computer-literate. 

Regardless, we will walk you through a simple way to fix your grainy photos in Photoshop. 

Step 1. Import Your Image 

First, let’s open our image in Photoshop. We can do this by dragging our image over the application icon or by going into Photoshop, going to File > Open, and finding our image through the browsing method. 

Step 2. Edit Your Image

As we are in Photoshop, you should start by duplicating your background image. This is important for this process as we will have to experiment. We don’t want to damage the original image. 

The first thing to try is to reduce the Noise. You can do this by going into Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise. A new dialog box will open up. Play with the sliders until you have the effect you desire. 

If Reduce Noise doesn’t help fix grainy photos, like my example, more drastic measures must be taken. Go to Filter > Blur > Smart Blur and play around with these sliders. This adjustment is dramatic, so be sure to use only the smaller side of these sliders. 

Again, these steps will compromise the quality, and your photo will look much softer. You will have to decide if you would rather your image has more grain or is softer. 

How To Avoid Shooting Grainy Photos 

We will now look at ways to ensure there is no grain or noise in our photographs. You may not want to employ all, or even any, of these options. If not, you will get grain or noise in your images and you will have to settle for the post-processing approaches we outlined in this article. 

Shoot With A Lower ISO 

The main cause of grain and noise is a high ISO. Therefore, shooting with an ISO of 200-600 will ensure as little grain or noise as possible. 

Use A Flash 

Grain and noise are emphasised in dark environments. Using a flash on your camera will ensure a majority of your image is well lit (if shooting in an indoor environment). If you don’t want a harsh flash you can angle your flash to bounce off the walls by aiming it upward. 

Overexpose Your Images 

Again, getting as much light in as possible will combat grain and noise. If you overexpose your images you will find there is a slight amount less of grain and noise. This may not be much, but with the added editing in post-production it may be enough to suit your taste. 

Shoot in RAW

RAW files provide much more information than shooting in JPEG. Ensure you are shooting in RAW as it will allow you much more customisation in the post-processing. This is a crucial bit of information. People who shoot in JPEG will realise that the suggestions above are much harder to perform if you dont have RAW images. 

Built-in Noise Reduction 

Many new cameras have built-in noise reduction inside the camera! Be sure to choose this setting in low-light situations or if you have to shoot at a high ISO. The camera make will have a good idea of how its sensors process light, so the built-in noise reduction should do an okay job. 

Conclusion: How To Fix Grainy Photos 

From this article we can see that there are a number of ways to fix grainy photos in Lightroom or Photoshop. Digital images will be much easier to fix, especially if shot on RAW. Film scans will be harder but you are able to get grain-free images. 

The best software to fix grainy photos is Lightroom. This is thanks to its abilities but mainly its usability. If you don’t have any of these Adobe products, there are many digital software available that are able to reduce noise and grain online. 

These creative editing ideas show you how to make the most of photo editing software. We show you how to edit photos in new ways, giving your work a new lease of life. Our article has tutorials on editing techniques that produce truly unique images.

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you can find something to spark your imagination in our list of creative editing ideas!

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• Learn from a world-renowned photographer with 500,000+ followers
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• Simple Photoshop techniques to enhance your photos

16 Creative Editing Ideas and Techniques

This compilation of creative editing ideas will kickstart your passion for digital art. We have a wide range of techniques and concepts, from digital collages to 3D modeling. So, there’s something to excite any photographer or digital artist.

All the tutorials are beginner-friendly. So, they’re accessible even if you’re new to photo editing software and editing.

More experienced readers will have no problem following the instructions. You’ll find something completely new to get their creative juices flowing.

Each section has a link to a full article on that topic, so if anything interests you, follow the links to learn more.

Digital Art

Digital art is a vast and exciting field encompassing various creative processes, from digital painting to 3D artwork. You need a computer or tablet, an input device like a digital art tablet and stylus, and digital artwork software.

As a beginner, you can create many fun projects. You can make comic strips, children’s book illustrations, or alternative movie posters. You can also make local postcards, birthday cards, and photo paintings.

You can also build your digital art portfolio on Instagram to track your progress, connect with others, and get feedback. With the right tools and resources, creating digital art can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for anyone.

Our full-length article is the best place to start if you’d like to learn more about digital art for beginners.

Photo Manipulation

Photoshop has opened up a world of creative possibilities for photo manipulation. With the right techniques, you can transform your images into surreal works of art.

There are some easy photo manipulation ideas. They include digital double exposure, multiplying your subject, or using the “Droste effect.” You can also restructure landscapes, create faceless portraits, or overlay images for dual worlds.

Other ideas involve creating hybrids using photography and illustration. Or, there’s adding magic and movement with cinemagraphs. You can also make your own perspective illusions. With a bit of creativity and Photoshop skills, the possibilities are endless.

Click the link if you’d like to learn more about photo manipulation.

Digital Collage

Digital collage is a technique that combines multiple images using editing software to create a new context. It takes the same cut-and-stick approach as a traditional collage but applies it in a digital environment like Adobe Photoshop.

To make a digital collage in Photoshop, start by selecting photos for your collage. Cut out a section of the main subject to reveal an image beneath it. Add a detailed layer underneath your subject and use collage elements to create different layers.

You can also cut and stick more collage elements, erase and reveal layers, and incorporate the cut-and-stick approach in many ways. Balancing all the elements together can make for an exciting image.

Find out more about digital collage by clicking the link.

Digital Collage Ideas

Digital collage is a powerful artistic genre. It combines photography, graphic design, and traditional skills like painting and drawing.

Modern technology has brought new life to the art of collage. Photoshop and other editing software have redefined the limits of what’s possible!

Collage artists are embracing their surrealist spirit. They use retro aesthetics and teleport viewers to other dimensions.

They combine various media and techniques. They also replace heads to challenge viewers and electrify compositions with vibrant colors. Some artists go minimalist for a strong composition, while others tear it down and put it back together.

Pop culture, past and present, is a significant source of inspiration for digital collage artists. They can also use humor to express themselves and add meaning to their work.

If you want to learn more about digital collages, our ideas will help you create unique and inspiring pieces.

3D Model

Photogrammetry is a process for creating a 3D model from photos. You need a camera, 3D modeling software, and a 3D printer (optional).

Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens and a sturdy tripod. Agisoft Metashape, Regard3D, and VisualSfM are popular 3D modeling software options.

Choose a subject that’s not too large and take photos from different angles, ensuring an 80% overlap between each shot.

Import the images into the software and align them. The software will create a 3D model, which you can 3D print or use for various applications.

Learn more about creating a 3D model from photos with our complete article.

Double Exposure

Double-exposure photography is a creative way to make your photos more interesting. It involves merging multiple images to create surreal, emotional, or humorous results. You can create double exposures in-camera or using editing software like Adobe Photoshop.

There are many ways to experiment with double exposures. Try combining a simple portrait with a detailed texture, or convert your results to black and white for added depth. You can also express emotion through self-portraiture or merge two photos of the same person.

Double-exposure photography is a fun way to unleash your creativity. There are endless possibilities for combining images. And you can transform ordinary photographs into powerful masterpieces!

Our article is a must-see if you want to learn more about creating double-exposure photography images with software. 

Photomontage

A photomontage is a series of individual photographs arranged to create a single image. The number of photos, time taken, or locations used to make a photomontage is unlimited.

To create a photomontage, plan out your subject and take more photos than you need, covering every part of the scene. Use imaging software to arrange the photos, following lines in the composition to create an attractive flow.

Experiment with the layout until you’re satisfied with the result.

Printing the photos adds another dimension to the artwork. Stick the prints to a board, using the digital version as a guide. A photomontage lets you explore time and space in ways not possible with a single image.

Get started with a photomontage by reading our full tutorial.

Day-to-Night Photography

Day-to-night photography captures a scene from day to night in a single image. To create one, find a location that works well in daylight and nighttime. Set up your camera on a tripod and use manual focus to keep the focus consistent.

For the daytime shot, shoot during golden hour to avoid harsh shadows. Use a polarizing filter to improve the sky. Increase ISO, widen the aperture, or use a slower shutter speed for the nighttime shot to account for low light.

In post-processing, layer the nighttime image over the daytime one in Photoshop. Add a layer mask to the top layer and blend the two images with the Gradient tool. Paint with a brush to clean up the transition if needed.

Day-to-night photography is a simple yet effective way to create a unique image.

Multiplicity

Multiplicity photography is fun and creative. It’s a way to combine multiple photos of the same person or object into one image using Photoshop.

The key to success is using a tripod to keep your camera in the same position for each shot. This setup ensures consistent lighting and depth of field throughout the photoshoot.

In Photoshop, you’ll layer the images and use the Polygonal Lasso tool to create a selection around the subject in each photo. Then, create a layer mask to reveal or hide parts of the image. Use the Brush tool to refine the edges of the mask for a seamless blend.

Duplicating and rearranging the layers can also create a Warhol-inspired effect. With practice, you’ll master the art of multiplicity photography in no time.

If you’d like to dive deeper into multiplicity photography, read our full tutorial.

Droste Effect

The Droste effect is a creative photography technique. It involves placing a copy of an image inside itself, creating the illusion that the photo repeats infinitely.

To achieve this effect in Photoshop, duplicate the image and scale it down using Free Transform. Place the copy over the area you want to edit and erase the parts you don’t want to show.

Another method is to use an app like PhotoSpiralysis. Import your image and adjust the settings, such as magnification, spirals, and stretch. Then, move the center point to find the perfect combination.

Play around with the settings until you achieve the desired result, then render and save your final image. The Droste effect can produce exciting and unique results, but it may take patience and experimentation to get it right.

Read our full tutorial on the Droste effect if you’d like to learn more.

Harris Shutter Effect

The Harris Shutter effect is a fun way to add movement to your photos. Robert Harris of Kodak created it by re-exposing the same piece of film three times through red, green, and blue filters.

You can recreate this effect digitally using Photoshop or a free program like GIMP. Take three photos of a scene with some movement, then adjust each photo’s red, green, and blue levels.

Merge the three images into one using the “Addition” blending mode in the layers dialogue.

This technique works well with images of smoke, bikers, pedestrians, waves, waterfalls, or rivers. The Harris Shutter effect is a great way to impress your friends and improve your photography and editing skills.

No-Phone Mirror Selfie

Taking a mirror selfie without your phone showing may seem impossible, but it’s quite simple with a little Photoshop magic. All you need is a camera and a large mirror.

First, take three separate photos: one of your left arm, one of your right arm, and one of your face without the camera blocking it. Use manual mode or lock the exposure so all the images appear the same.

In Photoshop, layer the three images on top of each other. Use layer masks to remove half of the top photo, revealing the arm underneath. Add the face photo on top and mask it to fit perfectly.

Touch up any imperfections with the Clone tool, Healing Brush, Patch tool, or Content-Aware Fill.

With some practice, you can take a mirror selfie without the phone showing and create a unique, eye-catching self-portrait.

Sepia Color Photos

Sepia is a warm brown color that can give photos an antique look. Most digital cameras have the option to shoot in sepia tone. You can also create a sepia effect post-processing using Lightroom.

First, convert your image to black and white in Lightroom to create a sepia effect. Then, go to the Split Tones panel and select a golden color for the highlights and a brown color for the shadows.

Use the Balance slider to find the right ratio between shadows and highlights. In the Effect panel, add some grain for an extra vintage touch. You can save your sepia edit as a preset and apply it to other images.

To learn more about creating sepia-colored photos, both in-camera and when editing, check out our detailed guide.

Photos into Paintings

Turning photos into paintings with Photoshop is easy. First, open your photo and a painting you like in Photoshop. Create two new layers and rename them “Pixelate” and “Oil Paint Effect.”

To match the colors from the painting to your photo, select the Pixelate layer and go to Image > Adjustments > Match Colors. Choose the painting as the source and adjust the settings.

Then, add a pixelation effect by going to Filter > Pixelate > Pointillize. Lower the opacity of the Pixelate layer to make the effect more subtle.

Next, select the Oil Paint Effect layer and match the colors again. Go to Filter > Oil Paint and adjust the settings to your liking. Finally, make some final adjustments by going to Image and clicking Auto Tone, Auto Contrast, and Auto Color.

If you want to turn photos into paintings, click the link for the full how-to guide.

Picasso Style Portraits

Creating a Picasso-style portrait in Photoshop is a fun way to add an artistic touch to your images.

The idea is to create a cross-section of yourself by combining two photos, one facing straight ahead and the other turning to the side. When merged, they create an illusion that confuses the eye, like Picasso’s iconic style.

To get started, take two photos of yourself—one facing the camera and the other turned 90 degrees to the side. For the best results, use a plain background and natural light.

Open both images in Photoshop, placing the side-facing photo on top with a 50% opacity to line up the key features.

Add layer masks to each image and paint black on the areas that don’t overlap. Use a soft brush to blend the two images seamlessly for the finer details.

Pay close attention to the nose, making it appear to face both forward and to the side. With some practice and adjustments, you’ll have a unique Picasso-style portrait that’s sure to impress.

Create a Picasso-style portrait using our step-by-step guide!

Tiny Planet

Tiny planet photography is a fun way to capture your surroundings from a new perspective. By stitching together multiple photos, you can create a “tiny planet” effect that’s sure to impress.

To create a tiny planet, look for images with strong vertical elements like trees or buildings. Photos with a clear blue sky and simple ground texture work best. Open your image in Photoshop, straighten the horizon, and prepare the edges by matching the left and right sides.

Next, create a square aspect ratio, flip the image vertically, and apply the polar coordinates filter. With a few finishing touches to clean up the seam and adjust the background, you’ll have an out-of-this-world tiny planet photo.

If you’d like to learn more about tiny planet photography, we have a detailed guide covering everything you need.

Step 1. Choose the Right Photoshop Tool for Selection

Photoshop offers a variety of tools for image selection. Depending on the image complexity and the level of precision you need, choose from the Quick Selection Tool, the Lasso Tool, or the Magic Wand Tool.

Step 1.1 Using the Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool is ideal for complex images with many different elements. It allows you to drag your cursor over the part of the image you want to select, making it a good choice for detailed work.

Step 1.2 Using the Lasso Tool

The Lasso Tool lets you draw freeform selections around the part of the image you want to make transparent. This tool is best for simple images or when precision isn’t crucial.

Step 1.3 Using the Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand Tool is useful for selecting areas of similar color. Click on the part of the image you want to select, and the tool will automatically select all adjacent areas of the same color.

Step 2. Make a Selection of the Image Part You Want to Make Transparent

After choosing your tool, make a selection on the image. Remember, the area you select is the part you want to make transparent.

Step 3. Create a Layer Mask

Once you’ve made your selection, create a layer mask. This can be done by clicking on the “Layer Mask” icon at the bottom of the layers panel.

Step 4. Apply Transparency on the Layer Mask

With the layer mask selected, apply transparency. Choose the paint bucket tool, set your foreground color to black, and click on your image. The selected area will become transparent.

Step 5. Refine the Edges of Your Selection

To ensure a clean, professional look, refine the edges of your selection. Use the “Refine Edge” tool in the options bar to smooth, feather, or shift the edge of your selection.

Step 6. Save the Image in a Format that Supports Transparency

Finally, save your image in a format that supports transparency. Both PNG and GIF formats support this feature.

Step 6.1 Saving as PNG

PNG is a good choice for saving images with transparency. It supports a full range of color and maintains high quality.

Step 6.2 Saving as GIF

GIF is another option for saving images with transparency. However, it only supports a limited color palette, making it less ideal for complex images.

Step 1. Choose the Right Tool for Line Removal

Different tools in Photoshop offer various ways to remove lines. The tool you choose depends on the complexity and location of the line you want to remove.

Step 1.1 Spot Healing Brush Tool

The Spot Healing Brush Tool is ideal for removing small lines or blemishes. It automatically samples from around the area to replace the selected line.

Step 1.2 Healing Brush Tool

The Healing Brush Tool is more manual than the Spot Healing Brush. You choose the area to sample from, making it better for more complicated line removal.

Step 1.3 Patch Tool

The Patch Tool is great for large lines or areas. You select the whole area you want to change and then select a sample area. It blends the two areas together to remove the line.

Step 2. Set the Proper Tool Settings

Setting your tool correctly is key to a smooth and natural-looking line removal.

Step 2.1 Selecting the Brush Size

Choose a brush size that matches the line thickness. This ensures you only affect the area you need to.

Step 2.2 Adjusting the Hardness

A lower hardness gives a more feathered effect, blending your changes into the original image. A higher hardness makes a more defined change.

Step 2.3 Setting the Mode

Set your mode to ‘normal’ for standard line removal. ‘Replace’ mode can be useful if you need to preserve noise, texture, or pattern.

Step 3. Apply the Selected Tool to Remove Lines

Once you’ve selected your tool and settings, it’s time to remove the line.

Step 3.1 Using Spot Healing Brush Tool

Click or click and drag over the line. Photoshop will automatically sample from around the line to replace it.

Step 3.2 Using Healing Brush Tool

Alt-click to select your sample area, then click or click and drag over the line to replace it with your sample.

Step 3.3 Using Patch Tool

Click and drag to select the line or area, then drag this selection to your sample area. Photoshop will blend the two areas together.

Step 4. Refine the Edges after Line Removal

After line removal, edges may look unnatural. Use the Smudge Tool to gently blend your changes into the original image for a more natural look.

Step 5. Use the Clone Stamp Tool for Detailed Corrections

If there are still visible imperfections after using the healing tools, use the Clone Stamp Tool for detailed corrections. This tool directly copies the pixels from one area to another.

Step 6. Final Touches and Adjustments

After removing the line, check the overall image for consistency. Use the Burn and Dodge tools to match the lightness and darkness of your changes to the rest of the image.