Photoshop basics every photographer should know
Photoshop handles tasks Lightroom cannot. Learn layers, masks, content-aware fill and other essentials for photographers.
Lightroom handles most edits, but Photoshop is essential for compositing, advanced retouching and object removal.
Layers and masks
Work non-destructively. Duplicate your background layer, and use layer masks to hide or reveal adjustments: white reveals, black conceals.
Adjustment layers
Curves, levels, hue/saturation and color balance as adjustment layers can be changed or removed at any time.
Removing objects
- Spot Healing Brush for small distractions
- Content-Aware Fill for larger areas
- Generative Fill for complex removals and extensions
- Clone Stamp for precise control
Combining exposures
Blend brackets manually with luminosity masks, or replace a window or sky from another frame.
Liquify with care
Liquify can adjust clothing or small distortions. Never use it to drastically change people’s bodies without consent.
Round trip with Lightroom
Right-click in Lightroom, choose Edit In Photoshop, make your edits, save, and the file returns to your catalog.
Save as layered files
Save TIFF or PSD files with layers so you can revisit edits later.
