10 EDIT WITH PURPOSE

Aim for perfection when you print

Shooting in great light, being aware to ensure great composition, and using the best equipment possible are all key elements to creating a great landscape. However, if you are not editing correctly and with purpose, it is all for nothing. Editing is the other ‘half’ of photography that must be understood and used to the best effect to create the image you desire. Editing is not an option; it is just as important as shooting and requires just as much thought and creativity.

This idea is not new to the world of digital photography. Legendary American landscape photographer Ansel Adams had a great eye for composition, and truly understood shooting in great light, but he is the most well-known photographer in history because of his image processing skills. He would spend hours in the darkroom perfecting his prints.

The goal in editing is to render each part of the scene in a way that is most visually appealing and natural. You also want to lead the eye through the image and create movement when possible. You must be completely aware of what you are doing in editing and why. It’s well worth spending time improving your creative editing skills.