Select and edit consistently
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The idea in everyday life
Choose images for story value and make restrained global and local corrections while preserving believable information.
Selection decides what the story says; processing decides how clearly and consistently it says it.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Back up the originals. Import them with useful file names and photo details, then make a contact sheet—a grid of small previews—before detailed editing.
- 2
Select for moment, meaning, technical adequacy, variety, and sequence while removing near-duplicates.
- 3
Correct crop, white balance, exposure, contrast, tone, and color in that order, using local adjustments only with a clear purpose.
- 4
Start with consistent editing settings across the set. Check skin tones and neutral colors, keep the originals, and make edits you can undo.
See how it works.
Ava removes four beautiful but repetitive dough close-ups and keeps one image that also shows the baker’s concentration and working environment.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a backed-up catalog, full contact sheet, 20-image selects set, edit rationale, and consistent proof exports.
- Check this common mistake: Overprocessing a weak image because emotional attachment makes it difficult to remove from the story.
- The selects add distinct information and the edit feels coherent without erasing important texture or inventing content.
What to finish
A backed-up catalog, full contact sheet, 20-image selects set, edit rationale, and consistent proof exports.
Watch for this
Overprocessing a weak image because emotional attachment makes it difficult to remove from the story.
How can I tell I understand it?
The selects add distinct information and the edit feels coherent without erasing important texture or inventing content.
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Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
Photography Basics in 10 Minutes
From David Manning. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
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