Photoshop editing basics for stock photographers

Some photographers don’t edit their photos at all before uploading them for sale, some, on the contrary, consider themselves “Photoshop users with a camera”, mostly relying on post-processing to achieve good results.

Obviously, you should try to get as good an image as possible with your camera but even professionals do some post-processing to make a good image just perfect.

If an image can benefit from post-processing, do it and take advantage of modern technology.

Here is how I approach image editing. It can be different for each photographer (and can be improved with practice) but it will give you an idea of the process and basic steps which can help to make your photos better.

1. Export image from RAW to TIFF and open it in Photoshop.
2. Adjust levels and contrast (I usually try auto-levels or auto-contrast to see what it gives, and if it is not convincing, correct the levels manually).
3. Check the image at 100% for sensor spots, dust, scratches, visible trademarks and imperfections on the photo. Correct it if necessary (it is almost always necessary :)
4. If there are people on the image, do all necessary retouching for their skin.
5. Remove artifacts/noise if necessary.
6. Improve colors if necessary.
7. Save as JPEG at maximum quality.

Since two of frequent rejection reason is “artifacting” or “overfiltered”, I always save a copy of my work before removing noise and correcting colors, to be able to redo this part of work in case of rejection.