Top 12 Photo Editing Dos & Don’ts For Beginner Photographers in 2024

Last updated on 09/10/2024

 Cover photo by Belle Verdiglione Photography

When you’ve been taking photos as long as I have, you tend to forget those early days when everything felt like a mystery. Remember trying to find the shutter speed button or figuring out which way the aperture goes? (Why is a bigger number a smaller hole for light? Seriously, who came up with that?!)

And then came editing. Not only did I have to master the Exposure Triangle, remember my composition, lighting, and, oh yeah, actually interact with my clients, but then I had to dive into editing. Fun fact: Lightroom was born in 2007. If you’ve read my previous article on coming from film photography, you know my transition to Lightroom was like stepping into a digital minefield. But wow, can we just talk about how it revolutionized editing? Total game changer!

Picture this: me, staring at the blue LrC icon, overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff to learn. As a neurospicy creative, I needed help. So, I signed up for a college course to learn all the Lightroom editing secrets. Those 8 weeks launched my editing skills into another dimension, especially when I discovered presets. It felt like I’d stumbled into the dark underbelly of the photography world.

One click to edit my photo? Is this real life? Is using a preset cheating?

These days, beginner photographers can’t imagine editing without presets, but it’s wild to think how far we’ve come.
On social media, in my DMs, and in photography communities, I constantly see beginner photographers diving into the world of editing. It’s that “oh sheesh” moment when you realize, “I just splurged 5K on camera gear, and now it’s time to kickstart my photography biz and actually learn how to edit!” We’ve all been there, and you’ve probably wondered about the same things:

• What are the basic steps to edit a photo?
  What’s the difference between RAW and JPEG files in photo editing?
  How do I find my unique editing style?

These questions got me thinking about the best tips I could offer someone just starting out on their editing journey. So here are my 12 do’s and don’ts when it comes to photo editing for beginners.

TL;DR: If you want to master photo editing (AKA make editing your b*tch), get yourself an AI photo editor program like Imagen to do the heavy lifting for you — and focus on creating your art, polishing your craft, optimizing your business workflow, and doing more of what you love.

How To Ace Photo Editing: 12 Do’s & Don’ts for Beginners

1. Do get it right in camera

Back in my family photography days, I’d sometimes think, “I’ll just edit out that kid’s snotty nose instead of asking the mom to wipe it.” 

That’s like telling yourself you only need one expensive lens and one camera body, convincing your partner that once you get the latest model, you’re all set and won’t need any more gear. Said no photographer, ever.

2. Don’t fall into the “I’ll fix it in post” trap

I know you heard me but did it really sink in? Go back and read Point 1 again for maximum impact. Retention is key here – louder for the people in the back!

3. Do start with the basics

Start with your white balance. Seriously, white balance is often overlooked by beginner photographers. Learn it. Get familiar with Kelvin when you’re shooting and understand how to adjust your white balance in post. Tweak your exposure, contrast, and color balance before diving into the high-tech wizardry. 

This is crucial, especially if you’re kickstarting a photography business on a budget and need to keep things efficient. 

4. Don’t overdo it

Less is more! Keep your edits natural and resist the urge to slap on every filter and effect you can find. Author’s note to past self: Step away from the saturation slider — it’ll only make your photos look cheap and tacky. 

For that extra oomph, try boosting the vibrance instead, but go easy on the vibrance too.

5. Do use presets

They can be a real time-saver and help streamline your workflow. And no, it’s not cheating — presets are simply a tool to get you started. Think of them as a jumping-off point to develop your editing process and your unique style. 

Presets can give your photos a consistent look and feel, but it’s important to choose ones that align with the mood and vibe you want to convey. Before investing in presets, make sure they complement the vision and aesthetic you have for your work. 

Customizing and fine-tuning presets to match your personal flair can take your editing game to the next level and make your images 🤌 Chef’s kiss! 

Just remember, presets are like your trusty sidekick — they help you out, but they’re not a magical fix for all your editing woes.

6. Don’t buy a zillion presets

I know what I said in Point 5, but hear me out. Avoid stockpiling presets like they’re going out of style. It’s so tempting to grab those presets from the photographer you adore and religiously stalk on Insta. They just launched their own preset pack, your PayPal’s ready, and you hit “buy” without a second thought. But then, surprise! Your images edited with the miracle presets look nothing like their stunning work. 

Presets are fantastic once you’ve honed your shooting and editing skills, but don’t blow hundreds chasing the mythical “perfect one-click preset.” Spoiler alert: it doesn’t exist.

7. Do You

Just like fashion, photography has its trends — remember the selective coloring phase #IYKYN, the sepia craze, or the soft-focus 80s glamor shots? Trends come and go, so the key is to find what resonates with you and stay consistent with it. Forget chasing the latest “cool” editing style because your uniqueness surpasses trends. Think about the tones, colors, and styles that naturally draw you in, much like your personal clothing style and favorite outfits. 

Play around with different editing techniques and enjoy discovering how your photos can be transformed. Be patient — developing your signature style takes time and practice. As my Grade 4 teacher, Miss Simpson, always said, “We’re after progress, not perfection.”

8. Don’t forget about composition and lighting

Remember, you can’t put lipstick on a pig and editing can’t fix everything. Make sure your shots are well-composed and well-lit from the get-go. 

Think of composition and lighting as the foundation of a great photo — no amount of editing magic can completely save a poorly framed or badly lit image. Pay attention to your framing, use the rule of thirds, and look for interesting angles. And lighting? It’s your best friend. Whether you’re working with natural light or studio setups, ensure your subject is illuminated just right. 

Nail these basics, and your editing process will be so much easier. 

9. Do experiment with different tools

Once you’ve got the hang of editing, you can outsource like a boss. Programs like the Imagen AI editing platform for photographers can turn your editing into a breeze and give you back time. 

Playing around with different editing tools not only saves you heaps of time but also helps you discover new techniques and styles. It’s like having a superpower for your editing process — why not use it to your advantage? 

For those who haven’t yet experienced the magic, when your edits are ready, Imagen’s AI batch photo editor sends you an email letting you know how much time it has saved you. Yesterday’s email said: “Imagen has saved you about 12.14 hours of manual editing.”  BOOYAHHHHH! 

Yes, you heard that right. And what did I do with all that free time? Oh, just indulged in a cheese toastie on the couch while binge-watching Schitt’s Creek on Netflix. Winning!

10. Don’t ignore feedback

Join photography communities, ask for critiques, and keep learning. It’s invaluable, especially if you’re starting a photography business with little to no experience. Find your people — it’s the best way to grow your business quickly and have fun while you’re at it. And yes, work meetings at the bar are definitely a win!

11. Do consider taking a course

Whether online or at a local college, a structured learning environment can supercharge your editing skills. Even if you’re a seasoned pro, a quick refresher course can be invaluable since tech is evolving rapidly and there are always new updates. Or, reach out to a Gen Z photographer — they’re all over the latest tech trends!

12. Don’t fear the new stuff

Don’t be that old-school photographer stuck in a rut, avoiding change like the plague. Keep your mind open to new techniques and fresh perspectives and remember to have fun — you never know what magic might happen!

Bottom Line On Owning Photo Editing For Beginners

Navigating the world of photo editing can feel like a wild ride, especially when you’re just starting out. From the early days of grappling with the basics to diving into the complexities of editing software, the journey is both challenging and rewarding. Remember, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between mastering the fundamentals and exploring your creative flair.

Don’t let that giant toolbox of editing tricks make your head spin! Embrace the learning rollercoaster, be patient with your progress, and keep that curiosity cranked up to eleven. Whether you’re nailing your shots in-camera or playing eccentric scientist with new editing styles, keep evolving and adapting.

So dive headfirst into your editing adventure and let Imagen photo editing AI assistant be your trusty sidekick. Remember, mastering AI photo editing isn’t just about making your pics pop — it’s about making editing your new BFF. 

Have a blast with it and happy editing!

_______________________

Belle Verdiglione is an award-winning published photographer and photography business coach. Speaker. Proud mama of two. Unapologetic feminist, collector of punk records, and enthusiastic Espresso Martini drinker (but not all at the same time…usually.).

Belle Verdiglione is your break-the-rules mindset and business coach, speaker, and founder of Camera Queens, a female and non-binary photography community.

You can listen to Belle chatting with rad humans on her Camera Queens podcast.