ON1 Photo RAW Review – Smarter Edits for Stunning Photos

Tips for Enhancing Photography Skills

Professional photographers know that capturing the perfect shot is just the start. The real artistry happens in post-processing, especially when using specific adjustments. Your editing skills can turn a good photo into a stunning masterpiece.

Learning advanced techniques helps you find your unique style. This way, your images will stand out from the crowd.

Understanding both the technical and artistic sides of photography is essential for increasing your skills.  It takes a keen eye and editing prowess to know what makes an image appealing.  This combination of talents will elevate your work to a professional level.

Best Practices for Editing Photos

When it comes to editing photos effectively, you should establish a routine that is consistent. Start by organizing your images and creating a systematic approach to post-processing. This will eventually save you time and ensure consistent results.

Here are the fundamental steps for professional photo editing:

• Begin with basic adjustments like exposure and white balance correction.
• Use mask tools to make selective adjustments to specific areas.
• Apply brightness corrections gradually to maintain natural-looking results.
• Work on portrait enhancements including blemish removal for clean, professional looks.
• Save your favourite settings as on1 presets for future use.

Creating custom presets helps maintain consistency in your photos. You can develop signature looks that reflect your artistic vision. These presets will save you time.

When editing portraits, focus on subtle enhancements. Gentle blemish retouching and skin smoothing to create that polished result. Remember, less is often more in portrait editing.

Utilizing Filters and Effects

Creative filters and effects can dramatically transform your images. The key is knowing when and how to apply these tools for maximum impact. Experimentation will help you find the best effects for different types of photography.

Popular filter techniques include:

1. Sky swap technology for replacing dull skies with dramatic cloudscapes.
2. Colour grading filters to establish mood and atmosphere.
3. Texture overlays for adding artistic elements.
4. Vintage effects for nostalgic styling.
5. HDR processing for high-contrast scenes.

The sky swap feature is great for landscapes. It lets you replace boring skies with spectacular ones. This technique works best when the lighting conditions match. Try to use a sky that was shot at the same time of day. 

Integration with Photoshop opens up more creative possibilities. You can start edits in ON1 Photo RAW and then move to Photoshop for advanced work. This workflow combines the strengths of both programs for professional results.

Exporting and Sharing Your Work

Having the proper export settings ensures your images look great on different platforms and in print. Understanding file formats, colour spaces, and resolution requirements is crucial. Each output destination has specific requirements you need to consider.

Essential export considerations include:

• Choose appropriate file formats (JPEG for web, TIFF for print).
• Set correct colour profiles for your intended use.
• Apply watermark protection to prevent unauthorized use.
• Optimize file sizes for web sharing without losing quality.
• Create panorama compositions for wide-format displays.

Social media sharing requires specific aspect ratios and file sizes. Prepare multiple versions of your best images optimized for different platforms. This preparation ensures your work displays correctly whether viewed on Instagram, Facebook, or professional portfolio sites.