digital manipulation of photographic images

Over the course of the last five years, digital manipulation has been one of the most popular hobbies for the amateur photographer. Many people install Adobe Photoshop on their computers and start scanning pictures like crazy. However, most designers will tell you that there is an general overuse of filters in the photographic community as a result of digital technology.

The most effective way to digitally manipulate an image, in the opinion of professional photographers and designers, is to be subtle. Changing contrast, image levels, image size and curves are all elements of photo editing that are facilitated by imaging software. They are usually good choices. Color balance, the conversion of a color photograph to a black and white or monochromatic print are also effective ways of editing images. The things to stay away from are preset filters such as twirls, pixilations, choppy distortions or other gimmicks that don't communicate anything about the image. Remember, this type of technology is meant to improve imaging, not distort the message of an image.