HOW TO EDIT YOUR PHOTOS TALK

Taking a photo is only the half way stage to creating the final image, and the final polish that you provide in the editing can make all the difference between an OK image and one that really stands out. In this talk I start at the absolute beginning to show what you can do with free software, and explain what extra benefits paid software holds, so that you can see what to do and understand how to do it in the easiest way.

I begin with the basics of editing, working with free and paid software, and what the differences are in practice between different editing programs. I then move on to practical edits which make the most difference in improving your photos and adding to your editing skills. I explain basic tools right through to those using artificial intelligence.

Although Photoshop and Lightroom are the industry standards they can be difficult to use, especially for beginners, and not everyone will get value for money from their monthly subscription model. I have found that many club photographers have learned these programs gradually over the years, but have never come to terms with the latest advances in workflow and artificial intelligence that these programs have to offer. I show my workflow and do some edits in a way that shows so many people what they are missing in these programs.

I visit camera clubs in my area during normal times, but also do Zoom talks to any camera club, for which I normally charge a fee of £50. I am based in Exeter in Devon. Contact Me for further details.

Here are some of the topics I cover in my talk.

NO COMPUTER

You don't need a computer to organise and edit your photos now. You can do it with your phone or tablet. There is online storage and apps to do all this in a very advanced way.

BASIC EDITING

Basic editing is what you need to be able to do on any image to show it at its best, yet many photographers struggle to see what needs doing and knowing how to do it.

FREE SOFTWARE

There is good software available for free to organise and edit your photos on your computer, and if you are on a tight budget or are just starting out this is a good place to begin.

ADVANCED EDITING

Advanced editing is not for everyone but you can produce amazing results if you can develop the skills to do it, or know which programs to use which have the features you need.

PAID SOFTWARE

There are now some great photo editing programs and the problem is finding which one to choose as there are good alternatives to Photoshop and Lightroom. I explain the features to look for.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Software is getting smarter and artificial intelligence (AI) is now able to easily do some editing tasks which needed a lot of time and skill before. Find out which programs give these features.

These are some of the before and after images I use in my talk.

Testimonials

March 2024 - Frances (Ballynahinch Camera Club)

"Many thanks for taking the time out to talk to our members tonight. That was an amazing presentation. You have very concisely explained the workings and differences between Lightroom and Photoshop and the best uses of each and their limitations. It all seems much clearer now. The power of such software has increased tremendously and we were all blown away by it. We can all take something away from this and explore so much more to help us be creative with our images."

November 2022 - Claire (Ards Camera Club)

'We very much enjoyed your presentation. It was particularly interesting to see where the newer applications sit in comparison to LR and PS. And the AI aspect was fascinating..'

May 2022 - Colin Mitchell (Seaford Photographic Society)

'I just wanted to email you to say thank you very much for giving us your Talk on How to Edit Your Photos. I know from our discussion afterwards that the members very much enjoyed the talk and seeing your editing process demonstrated live. It was also very interesting to see how much the AI elements of software programmes have progressed. Of course this led to the inevitable question regarding competitions and what is and is not your own work. Again it was interesting to hear your views on that and the use of third party software.'

March 2022 - Teresa Jacobs (Sidmouth Photographic Club)

'Colin came to our local Photography Club to give a talk on how to get the most out of Lightroom, Photoshop and other editing software. It was a full on, very informative evening and Colin made it enjoyable without getting bogged down in a lot of technical detail. He certainly gave us lots to think about and an incentive to try out his tips on your own images.' Teresa.

March 2022 - Martin Robinson (Cheam Camera Club)

'Thank you very much for a very informative talk – we covered a lot during the 2 hours and members, both experienced and less experienced had something to learn. Programme permitting, I may take up your offer of holding a customised talk to go into more detail, and invite you back for your Portraits talk. Thank you also for accommodating us at very short notice, and for your immediate communication. I certainly have no hesitation in recommending you to other clubs, for a very informative talk given in a very easy to understand, and friendly way. Our members enjoyed your talk and discussion during the break.' Gerald.

February 2022 - Martin Robinson (Nuneaton Photographic Society)

'On behalf of both Nuneaton & Lutterworth clubs many thanks for an excellent informative and well presented talk on editing. Feedback from members has been excellent and I know how much work goes into making such presentations.' Martin.

September 2021 - Nick Thornton (Vale Photographic Club)

'Your talk last Friday was very well received and much appreciated; I’ve had a lot of feedback from members and they join me in a big “thank you” for an educational and thoroughly enjoyable evening – even our most experienced users of Lightroom and Photoshop learned some new skills.' Nick.