Tips for Using Photoshop
For my class we have been learning some basic principles for using Photoshop. While I don't know a lot about the program, here a just a couple quick tips:
1. Save a new version of your photo as a Photoshop file= you always want a backup copy of the original in case things go wrong while editing
2. If you can't find a tool you're looking for, try holding down the arrows over the visible tools since some of them are hidden
3. Utilize layers and layer masks if you want to add things without risking other layers
4. Unless you only want to view your beautifully edited photo in Photoshop, make sure to save a *new* file as a Jpeg, or another smaller file- an easy way to do this is "save for the web"
5. When all else fails, use handy dandy Google to troubleshoot problems and how-to's
1. Save a new version of your photo as a Photoshop file= you always want a backup copy of the original in case things go wrong while editing
2. If you can't find a tool you're looking for, try holding down the arrows over the visible tools since some of them are hidden
3. Utilize layers and layer masks if you want to add things without risking other layers
4. Unless you only want to view your beautifully edited photo in Photoshop, make sure to save a *new* file as a Jpeg, or another smaller file- an easy way to do this is "save for the web"
5. When all else fails, use handy dandy Google to troubleshoot problems and how-to's
Ethics of Photoshop
For those who don't know, Photoshop is a photo editing program that can do almost anything using raster images. It is a powerful tool if you want to remove blemishes, combine photos, crop, etc. The problem that companies run into is the ethics of such editing tools used for marketing purposes. I think one of the most commonly brought up topics is the airbrushing of models for magazines. This is most commonly talked about in reference to unhealthy body imaging, but in other businesses it would be considered false advertising. What happens when a hotel posts pictures online that have been altered? Depending on the level of alteration, this can cause serious problems when the guest arrives and expects something entirely different. The ethics of Photoshop is something each company needs to be aware of and must decide where the line should be drawn. Photoshop is not a bad program, it just has to be used responsibly. Small adjustments are fine, but if you can't recognize the subject in person without some drastic changes, then you're probably on the unethical side of things.
This is an image I pulled from http://www.ymca.co.uk/bodyimage/media/airbrushing that shows just how crazy some airbrushing and other editing can be- I wouldn't even recognize this woman if I saw her photo!