Download images
Place camera files in new “Original” Folder
Place “Original” Folder in “Descriptive” Folder
Such as, 2003.7 Family Vacation
Select Image using your Image Browser
Edit Images in Photoshop Elements
1. Crop and Straighten Image: In the Tool Bar select Crop (C)*1
2. Duplicate Background Layer Layers: Select Duplicate Layer *2
3. Adjust Tonal Range *3
Enhance: Quick Fix: Brightness: Levels
Layers: Adjustment Layer: Levels
4. Color Corrections *4
Quick Fix: Color Correction: Auto Color
Enhance: Color: Adjust Color: Color Variations
5. Retouch Image
Tool Bar: Rubber Stamp Tool (S) *5
Tool Bar: Dodge Tool (O) *6
Tool Bar: Burn Tool (J) *6
Tool Bar: Sponge Tool (Q) *7
Tool Bar: Red-Eye Brush Tool (Y) *8
6. Selection
Tool Bar: Magnetic Lasso (L) *9
Tool Bar: Magic Wand (W) *10
Tool Bar: Selection Brush (A) *11
7. Replace Background *12
Layers: Adjustment Layer: Gradient Layer Map
8. Sharpen Image *13
Quick Fix: Focus: Auto Focus
Layers: Filters: Sharpen: Unsharp Mask
9. Save Image *14
File: Save As: (to descriptive folder)
.jpeg (for net or e-mail)
.tiff (most universal format)
.psd (Photoshop format)
Not all Images will require each step. My camera is very good at getting the exposure and color correct. Quite often all I need is a little bit of Sharpening and I am finished.
The above Tools are the ones I find myself using most often. They represent only a small part of what Photoshop Elements has to offer. Taking the time to learn about other tools and layers will enhance your options many times. It is worth the effort spent.
Things to be aware of:
There is only one rule, a photograph is good when it pleases you.
There is no right way or wrong way to accomplish a task. With computers, there is almost always several different ways. We all tend to find a comfortable way of working and fall into habit patterns. The important thing to remember is that a different method might be quicker and easier with one image then with another. Never be afraid to experiment. Time invested will always be rewarded.
All of the quick Fix commands are predicated on average or normal images. As with the cameras auto focus and auto exposure, they can be confused by abnormal conditions. If the Auto feature doesn’t accomplish what you want, undo it and make the adjustment manually. For average pictures, the Auto button is always worth a try.
If you are trying to do something and it is not working. Check to see that you have a Layer selected that can be edited. Not all of the Tools work in all types of layers.