In this tutorial I’ll show you a few simple and powerfull way to make you photos look different.
This tutorial is written for beginners but maybe even some advanced users can find themselves in here.

Remember: This tutorial will show you a few ways you can use when you’re retouching your pictures.
Use this tutorial only for your learning purposes.

Let’s begin with writing…

1. Our first way will be Curves, my favourite.
All right, open up your image, or you can even use mine.
(I found this pic on the internet long time ago, and this lady is perfect for this step)

Go to Image -> Adjustments -> Curves (CTRL + M)
Choose a setting what you like the most.
Here’s mine

Here’s what I got

Easy but good? Isn’t it?

Now, let’s go to step 2 of this tutorial.
2. In this step we will play with layers a little.
So again, open up your image. I’ll use the same as in first step. So that you can see the
difference between different ways of retouching pictures.

Now, copy this layer. As a Layer blending mode set Linear burn and play with the Layer opacity.
I set opacity to 80%.

Here’s what I’ve got

Almost the same result as in first step by using different way.
3. In this step we will use Levels.
Once again, open up your picture. I will use same picture again.

Now, go to Image -> Adjustments -> Levels (CTRL + L)
Play with a settings untill you get what you want.

Here’s what I got

4. This step is we’ll use Gradient Map, and also we will use black and white picture.
This is one way that I’m using a lot. It makes me feel powerfull. I can make beautiful
B&W pictures in just a few moments.

Open up your picture, I used the same. I simply converted in to B&W by going to
Image -> Mode -> Grayscale

Go to Image -> Adjustments -> Gradient Map
Choose Black and White as a gradient.

Double click on gradient track and set settings until you get what you want.
Here’s how I set them

Here’s what I got

These are four asy steps that everybody should know. Now, you’ve got whole spectre of tools and filters
you can use, so why stop here? Grab a tool a start mixing, retouching, burning….everything!

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