What is Photo Editing: Types, Tips, Software, Services & Essentials – All in One Guide!

Photo editing includes improving visual appearance, color correction, and overall composition to make it professional. There are different types of photo editing, such as cropping, contrast, color balance, background removal, and so on. Free to paid image editing software is available in the marketplace, like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Pixlr, Fotor, etc. However, post-processing requires expert hands and editing techniques. 

In this article, we’ll go through a complete photo editing guide, types, tips, software, photo editing services, essential photo editing tips, and more. 

What is Photo Editing?

Photo editing is the process of manipulating, altering, and enhancing an image to achieve an e-commerce-friendly, polished, and sharp appearance. Common image editing techniques are adjusting brightness, contrast, color balance, exposure, and sharpness to improve overall image quality. Photo editing experts use digital photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or others to edit, crop, resize images, adjust saturation, overall composition, and so on. Some advanced image retouching requires expert hands to be done manually, while basic editing may be done through automated photo editing tools and software.  

In short,

• Image manipulation aims to refine and improve images, whether for personal use, professional purposes, or artistic expression.
• Some common post-processing techniques are contrast, color correction, saturation, retouching (smoothing skin, removing blemishes, etc.), crop, composition, sharpness, and so on.
• Different photo editing software is used for image enhancement. 
• Post-processing is essential to photography, allowing photographers, e-commerce managers, and individuals to fulfill different marketing channels’ goals. 

The Importance of Photo Editing

Photo editing is important to remove the unwanted image background/elements, correct exposure & color balance, improve the composition, optimize for different marketing channels, crop, create relevant shadows, and so on. In 2022, Forbes stated that a study by PR News found that content with good images got 94% more views than those without. Below, we’ve highlighted some key importance of photo editing:

• Photo retouching enhances visual narratives and artistic expression by conveying specific emotions, moods, and stories.
• Correct technical issues and improve overall image quality (reduce blur, sharpen details, improve clarity, etc.).
• Post-processing builds brand identity & increases customer trust.
• Top-notch image editing adds benefits to e-commerce businesses, social media, and other marketing platforms.  

What are the Different Types of Photo Editing?

There are mainly 4 types of photo editing: basic photo editing, retouching & enhancement, color grading & correction, and advanced editing & manipulation. Some simple photo editing can be figured out using AI photo editing tools, but more complex adjustments require hiring a professional editor. 

Basic Photo Editing

Basic photo editing technique involves making simple adjustments to enhance images, such as –

Cropping

Cropping is the process of cutting out unwanted portions of an image to improve composition, eliminate distractions, or change the aspect ratio (i.e., social media, print, etc.). The key purpose of cropping is to focus on the main subject or composition, straighten horizons, follow the rule of thirds, crop out borders, watermarks, etc. It involves selecting a specific area and trimming out a portion of the image. 

Best tools for cropping: Some common cropping tools are Snapseed, Canva, GIMP, VSCO (mobile apps), and more others. 

Tips for effective cropping:

• Don’t over-crop to avoid losing resolution.
• Check key elements before cropping (don’t cut off limbs awkwardly).
• Use non-destructive editing (must save original files).

Brightness/contrast adjustments

Brightness and contrast adjustments are basic photo editing tools used to enhance or correct the overall lightness or darkness and tonal range of an image. Post-processing experts mainly adjust brightness by fixing underexposed (too dark) or overexposed (too bright) photos. On the contrary, the contrast adjustment is done by adding depth and vibrancy to dull images or reducing harsh shadows and highlights. Both are effective in balancing colors, creating different effects, highlighting details, and correcting exposure issues. 

Best tools for adjusting brightness/contrast: Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP, etc.

Tips for best results: 

• Avoid extreme adjustments to prevent detail loss.
• Use a histogram file to guide your adjustments. 
• For more control, adjust the contrast with Curves or Levels instead of just the contrast slider. 

Sharpening

Sharpening refers to the image editing technique to enhance the clarity and detail of an image- the distinctness of edges and transitions between tones or colors. This post-processing technique is effective in correcting blur (due to camera shake, slow shutter speeds, or others), enhancing fine details and textures, and enhancing detail (i.e., hair, fabric, landscape, etc.). There are different types of sharpening methods, like basic sharpening (best for minor corrections), selective sharpening (best for specific areas, i.e., eyes in portrait), high pass sharpening (best for target edges), edge masking, and AI-powered sharpening.

Best tools for sharpening: Photoshop (Unsharp Mask, Smart Sharpen, High Pass Filter), Lightroom (Amount, Radius, Detail, Masking sliders), GIMP, Snapseed, Adobe Lightroom Mobile, etc.

Tips for best results:

• Zoom to 100% to check for artifacts.
• Use masking to avoid over-sharpening because it causes noise, halos, or an unnatural “crunchy” look.
• Aim for subtle improvements rather than drastic changes.
• If possible, use threshold and noise reduction to balance sharpening.

Retouching & Enhancements 

Retouching refers to refining and improving specific elements of an image, like blemishes or skin imperfections. On the other hand, enhancement improves the overall visual quality and style, like adjusting colors or contrast. Common retouching and enhancement techniques are –

Skin retouching

Skin retouching involves enhancing and smoothing the subject’s skin texture and tone, maintaining a natural and polished appearance. This image editing is applied in portrait photography, fashion photography, beauty photography, commercial photography, and others. The key purpose of skin retouching is to remove blemishes, acne, scars, wrinkles, soften pores, reduce redness, dark circles, uneven pigmentation, highlight contours, and so on. 

Best tools for skin retouching: Photoshop (Spot Healing Brush tool, Clone Stamp tool, Dodge & Burn, Frequency Separation, etc.), Lightroom (Texture slider, Spot Removal), mobile apps (Facetune, AirBrush, etc.), and more.

Tips for best results:

• Avoid over-blurring.
• Use layers and masks for reversible edits.
• Check realism at both 100% and full-size views.
• Don’t transform (unless stylized editing is the goal).

Object removal

Object removal refers to removing unwanted objects, people, text, dust, or imperfections from an image using photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop to create a polished and professional-looking image for an e-commerce store, social media, campaigns, etc. This post-processing technique is useful to enhance compositions, clean up distractions, or restore damaged photos. 

Best tools for object removal: Photoshop (Clone Stamp tool, Healing Brush & Spot Healing, Content Aware Fill, Patch Tool, etc.), Affinity Photo, GIMP, AI-powered tools, mobile apps (Snapseed, TouchRetouch, PicsArt, etc.), and others.

Tips for best results:

• Must work on a duplicate layer for non-destructive editing.
• Zoom in for precision.
• Use multiple tools (i.e., Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, etc.).
• Check lighting/patterns to avoid obvious edits.

Background adjustments

Background adjustments in photo editing refer to modifying the elements and characteristics of the image’s background, including color, brightness, contrast, or texture, to enhance overall visual impact or create a specific aesthetic. Without impacting the subject, these image editing tools help you to create a shallow depth of field to make the subject stand out, replace or remove background (best for product or portraits), color & tone changes,  noise & texture adjustments, and so on.

Best tools for object removal: Photoshop (Advanced masking, Content-Aware Fill), Lightroom (Selective edits with Brush/Gradient tools), Canva (Simple background removal for beginners), etc.

Tips for best results:

• Avoid harsh edges when cutting out subjects.
• Ensure new backgrounds have consistent shadows/highlights.
• Use layers to do edits flawlessly. 

Color Grading & Corrections

Color correction focuses on making colors appear natural and accurate, whereas color grading refers to the color manipulation to achieve a specific aesthetic or mood. Here are some key techniques:

HDR

In photo editing, HDR, or High Dynamic Range, is a technique for capturing and displaying a wider range of tones and details (from dark shadows to bright highlights). HDR images can retain more detail in both highlights and shadows, vibrant colors, and accurate representation. 

White Balance

White balance is a camera setting or post-processing adjustment that neutralizes color casts, ensuring realistic images for the human eye. Different lighting conditions, like sunlight, cloudy days, incandescent light, or fluorescent light, have different color temperatures that might cause whites to appear yellow, blue, green, or even orange in a photo if not corrected. White balance adjusts the color temperature of the image and makes it natural.

Exposure Correction

Exposure correction refers to adjusting the overall brightness and darkness of an image to ensure a proper balance of light and dark, correcting issues like overexposure (too bright) or underexposure (too dark). 

Advanced Editing & Manipulation 

In photo editing, advanced editing and manipulation refer to complex transformations, creative alterations, and so on. Key aspects of advanced editing and manipulation are:

Photo Composition

Photo composition refers to the arrangement of visual elements like subjects, lines, shapes, colors, and texture within a frame to create a story or convey a message. The purpose of photo composition is to guide the viewer’s eye to the main subject or focal point. Some effective techniques are the rule of thirds, leading lines, symmetry and asymmetry, negative space, and framing. 

Digital Art

Digital art is a photo editing technique where digital tools and techniques are applied to transform photographs into artistic creations, involving manipulation, enhancement, and so on. Digital Art is an artistic composition that relies heavily on the use of technology in its creation. 

Surreal Effects

Surreal effect refers to another photo editing technique to create dreamlike or otherworldly images by manipulating elements (color, composition, perspective, blurring and softening, floating subjects, and so on). For example, a portrait with a distorted or surreal background. 

AI-Powered Editing 

AI photo editing tools or software uses artificial intelligence to automate and enhance photo editing tasks, offering different features, including: 

Automated enhancements

AI can perfect skin tones, enhance colors, and remove unwanted objects or imperfections, improving overall photo quality. Background Manipulation: Using an AI background remover, you can seamlessly change, remove, or refine image backgrounds.

AI background removal

AI background removal in photo editing uses artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically identify and remove the background of an image, leaving the subject with a transparent or customizable background.

Facial recognition

Facial recognition refers to techniques used to obscure or modify faces in images, making them harder for facial recognition software to identify or match. This can involve blurring, pixelation, masking, or applying subtle noise patterns.

Essential Photo Editing Tips for Beginners & Professionals

From enhancing lighting and color to removing distractions, photo editing allows you to make polished and great photos that fulfill your business requirements. Below are some key tips to help you refine your editing skills.

Choosing the right software for your needs

Selecting the right photo editing software depends on your skill level, workflow, and project requirements. Though we’ve mentioned popular photo editing software earlier, here are the 5 top-rated post-processing software: 

• Adobe Photoshop – Ideal for advanced retouching, compositing, and detailed editing.
• Adobe Lightroom – Great for batch processing and non-destructive global adjustments.
• Capture One – Professional photographers prefer this image editing tool for its superior color grading capabilities.
• Affinity Photo – It is a cost-effective alternative to Photoshop for beginners with powerful features.
• GIMP – A free, open-source option for basic to intermediate image editing and suitable for beginners.

Understanding file formats

Each file format serves a different purpose, and understanding them ensures optimal image quality and flexibility:

• RAW – an uncompressed and unprocessed image data file, retaining maximum detail and dynamic range best for professional image editing. Raw files are lossless, meaning you can make adjustments in post-processing without losing any original image data.
• JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) – the compressed format ideal for web and general image sharing. But it uses lossy compression, which means it removes some image data to reduce file size. 
• PNG (Portable Network Graphics) – a lossless raster image format used worldwide and popular for its high image quality and support for transparency. It is suitable for web graphics and digital design projects.
• TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) – it stores images as a grid of pixels (raster graphics), unlike vector, making it popular among graphic designers, photographers, and the publishing industry. 

Mastering non-destructive editing techniques

Non-destructive editing allows you to make changes without permanently altering the original image. The 4 key techniques include using layers, adjustment layers, masks, and smart objects.

• Make adjustments, add elements, or retouch on separate layers by preserving the original image data.
• Experiment with different color corrections, exposure, and other adjustments without permanently changing the image.
• Use masks to isolate specific areas of an image for retouching or to blend different layers seamlessly.
• Resize, rotate, or distort smart objects without losing image quality, and you can apply non-destructive filters to them.

Using layers and masks effectively

Layers and masks are fundamental tools for precise adjustments and compositing, and to use those, you need to understand the basics:

• Layers help keep edits organized and allow easy adjustments.
• Layer Masks enable selective editing without erasing parts of the image.
• Clipping Masks ensure adjustments affect only specific layers.

Some common use cases are:

• Blending multiple images together by revealing different layers.
• Removing objects without permanently deleting them.
• Applying adjustments to specific areas of an image.
• Creating composites (images, text, shapes, etc.) to create visually appealing compositions. 

Best practices for color correction and tone adjustments

The best practices for color correction and tone adjustments start with white balance, exposure, saturation, contrast, specific color adjustments, and so on. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Adjust the white balance to ensure true-to-life colors.
• Use curves and levels for fine-tuning contrast and brightness.
• Apply HSL (Hue, Saturation, and Luminance) adjustments to refine colors.
• Use split toning to add creative color effects to highlights and shadows.
• If necessary, correct skin tones. 
• Use reference images to ensure color consistency and tone across different shots or scenes.

Avoiding over-editing mistakes

Over-editing in post-processing leads to unnatural or unprofessional images. So, to maintain a professional, polished, and e-commerce-friendly look, you must:

• Avoid over-saturating colors, which can distract from the image’s overall composition.
• Excessive contrast leads to a harsh or unnatural appearance.
• Over-sharpening can create jagged or halos edges.
• Avoid applying too many filters or effects. 
• Don’t ever ignore composition.
• Always work on a copy file, not the original one.
• Remove unnecessary elements from the image to make it more focused.
• Keep saturation and vibrance at realistic levels.
• Avoid excessive skin smoothing.
• Pay attention to image editing and fix issues that could have been avoided during the photoshoot.

Best Photo Editing Software & Tools

The best photo editing software and tools are Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Canva, Pixlr, Capture One, and so on. However, the software and tools selection depends on your photo editing needs, budget, and desired level of control. Considering all those factors, we’ve listed 9 best photo editing softwares and tools. 

For Beginners: 

• Canva 

Launched in 2013, Canva is a user-friendly, web-based graphic design platform that allows users to create professional-quality visuals. No prior photo editing experience is required to use this image editing software. Simply drag-and-drop, use pre-made templates, and take advantage of a wide range of design elements suitable for social media, posters, presentations, videos, and more. 

Key features:

• Templates – Thousands of customizable templates for social media posts, presentations, flyers, logos, and more.
• Drag-and-Drop Editor – Easy-to-use interface for adding text, images, and design elements.
• Stock Media Library – Access to millions of free and premium photos, videos, icons, and illustrations.
• Brand Kit – Store brand colors, fonts, and logos for consistent branding.
• Collaboration Tools – Real-time teamwork with shared folders and editing permissions.
• AI-powered tools – Features like Magic Resize (auto-adjusts designs for different formats), AI image generation (Text-to-Image), and background remover.
• Animation & Video Editing – Create animated social posts, videos, and short clips.
• Canva Docs & Whiteboards – Built-in tools for document creation and brainstorming.
• Print & Download Options – Export designs in various formats (PNG, JPG, PDF, MP4).
• Integrations – Works with Google Drive, Dropbox, Slack, and social media platforms.

• Fotor 

Fotor is a versatile and free online photo editing and graphic design tool suitable for both beginners and professionals. It offers a range of features for photo enhancement, collage creation, and graphic design. It is available for both website and mobile versions.

Key features:

• AI-Powered Editing – Features like one-tap enhancement, AI retouching, and automatic background removal.
• Photo Effects & Filters – A wide range of filters and effects to enhance images quickly.
• Collage Maker – Various collage layouts and templates for combining multiple images.
• Portrait Retouching – AI tools for skin smoothing, blemish removal, teeth whitening, and makeup application.
• Text & Stickers – Add customizable text and stickers to images.
• Batch Processing – Edit multiple photos at once for efficiency.
• Templates for Graphic Design – Ready-to-use templates for social media posts, business cards, and more.
• HDR Photography Support – Advanced HDR technology to enhance details in photos.
• Cloud Storage – Save and access your designs online.
• Mobile & Desktop App – Available on multiple platforms for editing on the go.

• Pixlr

Pixlr is a free, cloud-based photo editing tool that offers a range of features for quick and professional-level image editing. Pixlr comes in two main versions: 

• Pixlr X (A beginner-friendly editor with basic editing tools)
• Pixlr E (A more advanced editor with professional-level features)

Key features:

• AI-Powered Editing – Smart tools for quick background removal, image enhancement, and cutouts.
• Layer-Based Editing – Similar to Photoshop, allowing for non-destructive edits.
• One-Click Background Removal – Easily remove backgrounds with AI-based automation.
• Filters and Effects – A wide range of customizable filters, overlays, and effects.
• Templates – Pre-made templates for social media, marketing materials, and more.
• Collage Maker – Create collages with built-in layouts and drag-and-drop functionality.
• Brush and Drawing Tools – Supports custom brushes for detailed editing.
• File Format Support – Works with JPG, PNG, PSD (Photoshop), WebP, and SVG.
• Browser-Based – No downloads are required; it works on any device with an internet connection.
• Mobile App – Available for iOS and Android for on-the-go editing.

For Professionals

• Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is one of the best photo editing software used by photographers, designers, and digital artists worldwide. It offers advanced tools for editing photos, removing backgrounds, retouching images, and creating digital artwork. Photoshop is widely used for graphic design, web design, and professional photography.

Key features:

• Photo Editing & Retouching – Advanced tools to edit photos, enhance colors, adjust exposure, and remove imperfections.
• Background Removal – Powerful AI-powered tools like Remove Background and Select Subject to edit photo backgrounds.
• Layers & Masks – Allows precise control over different elements in a design without affecting the original image.
• Text Editing & Effects – Add, modify, and style text with custom fonts, effects, and blending options (edit text on pictures).
• Content-Aware Fill – Automatically fills removed areas of an image with intelligent AI-generated content.
• Filters & Effects – Apply artistic filters, blurs, and color adjustments to transform images.
• Pen & Brush Tools – Advanced drawing and painting tools for digital artists.
• Smart Objects – Maintain image quality while scaling or transforming elements.
• 3D Design & Compositing – Create and edit 3D models and designs.
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud – Sync projects across different Adobe apps like Illustrator, Lightroom, and After Effects

• Lightroom

Adobe Lightroom is a powerful photo editing and management software designed for photographers and content creators. It offers advanced editing tools, cloud storage, and AI-powered enhancements, making it one of the best photo editing apps for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Key features:

• Non-Destructive Editing – Adjust images without altering the original file.
• AI-powered enhancements – Features like “Auto Tone” and “Adaptive Presets” for quick edits.
• Professional Color Grading – Fine-tune exposure, contrast, and colors with precision.
• Preset Library – Apply one-click filters and save custom presets for consistent editing.
• RAW File Support – Edit high-resolution RAW photos with full control over details.
• Cloud Storage & Syncing – Access and edit photos from any device with Adobe Cloud.
• Selective Editing – Use masks and brushes for precise edits on specific areas of an image.
• HDR & Panorama Merge – Combines multiple exposures for high-quality images.
• Batch Editing – Edit multiple photos simultaneously to save time.
• Mobile & Desktop Compatibility – Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

• Capture One

Capture One is a professional photo editing and raw image processing software developed by Phase One. It is widely used by photographers and retouchers for high-end image editing, color grading, and tethered shooting. It is considered a strong alternative to Adobe Lightroom, offering advanced tools for image management, editing, and workflow optimization.

Key features:

• Superior RAW Processing – This delivers high-quality image rendering with excellent detail and color accuracy.
• Advanced Color Editing – Industry-leading color grading tools, including color wheels, skin tone adjustments, and customizable curves.
• Tethered Shooting – Seamless real-time tethering for studio photography with live view and instant previews.
• Layer-Based Editing – Supports non-destructive, layer-based adjustments similar to Photoshop.
• Customizable Interface – Highly flexible UI, allowing users to personalize their workspace.
• Masking and Local Adjustments – Precise editing with gradient masks, brush tools, and radial masks.
• Session and Catalog Workflow – Offers both session-based (ideal for shoots) and catalog-based (ideal for image libraries) workflows.
• Luma Range Adjustments – Enables selective editing based on brightness levels.
• Powerful Image Organization – Smart albums, metadata tagging, and filtering tools for managing large image collections.
• Export and Output Control – Advanced export settings, including multiple format support, resolution adjustments, and ICC profile management.

For AI Editing:

• Luminar AI

Luminar is an AI-powered photo editing software developed by Skylum. It is designed to make photo editing faster and more accessible by automating complex edits using artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Luminar AI focuses on one-click enhancements, making it a great option for photographers of all skill levels.

Key features:

• AI-Powered Enhancements – Uses artificial intelligence to improve images with minimal manual effort.
• Sky Replacement – Automatically detects and replaces skies with realistic lighting and reflections.
• Portrait Enhancements – AI-based tools for skin smoothing, face slimming, eye enhancement, and teeth whitening.
• Atmosphere AI – Adds realistic fog, mist, or haze to landscapes for a dramatic effect.
• Composition AI – Automatically suggests the best crop and composition for better framing.
• Accent AI – Enhances photos with a single slider by adjusting contrast, color, and exposure intelligently.
• Bokeh AI – Adds background blur to simulate a professional portrait effect.
• Structure AI – Enhances details and textures without making the image look unnatural.
• Templates and Presets – One-click editing styles for quick enhancements.
• Non-Destructive Editing – Allows changes without affecting the original photo.

• Topaz Labs

Topaz Labs is a software company known for its AI-powered image and video enhancement tools. Their products specialize in noise reduction, image upscaling, sharpening, and video enhancement, making them popular among photographers, videographers, and digital artists.

Key features:

• AI-Powered Enhancement – Combines sharpening, denoising, and upscaling in one tool.
• Auto AI Processing – Automatically detects and fixes common photo issues.
• Face Recovery – Improves details in low-resolution or blurry faces.
• RAW Image Support – Works with high-quality RAW files.
• Preserves Details – Maintains textures and edges while increasing resolution.
• Batch Processing – Allows users to upscale multiple images at once.
• AI-Based Noise Removal – Eliminates grain and noise while preserving details.
• Works with All Lighting Conditions – Reduces noise from low-light and high-ISO shots.
• RAW and JPEG Support – Can process both RAW and compressed image formats.
• Fixes Blurry Photos – AI-based sharpening for soft or out-of-focus images.
• Three Modes – Stabilize (motion blur), Focus (out-of-focus images), and Sharpen (soft edges).
• Selective Sharpening – Allows users to sharpen specific areas without affecting the whole image.
• Upscale Videos – Increases resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 4K or 8K).
• Frame Interpolation – Creates smooth slow-motion or increases frame rates.
• DeNoise & DeBlur – Removes noise and enhances details in old or low-quality videos.

• ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW is a professional-grade photo editing and organizing software designed for photographers who want an all-in-one solution for RAW processing, photo editing, and workflow management. It combines features from Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, offering powerful editing tools without requiring a subscription.

Key features:

• RAW Processing – Supports RAW files from most camera brands, offering high-quality image processing.
• Non-Destructive Editing – Edits without permanently altering the original image.
• AI-Powered Tools – AI-powered noise reduction, sky replacement, and subject selection.
• Layer-Based Editing – Similar to Photoshop, allowing users to work with multiple layers for advanced compositing.
• Photo Organization & Management – Features robust cataloging, metadata editing, keyword tagging, and smart albums.
• Effects & Presets – Offers a vast collection of filters, textures, LUTs, and presets for quick enhancements.
• Portrait AI – Automatically detects and enhances faces with skin-smoothing and retouching tools.
• HDR & Panorama Stitching – Merges multiple images for high dynamic range (HDR) or panoramic photos.
• Masking & Selection Tools – Advanced masking brushes, luminosity masks, and AI selection for precise adjustments.
• Integration & Plugins – Can be used as a standalone program or as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Apple Photos.
• Cloud & Mobile Sync – ON1 360° enables syncing edits across desktop, mobile, and cloud storage.
• Performance Optimization – Designed for speed with GPU acceleration and multi-threading for faster editing.

Professional Photo Editing Services – When Should You Outsource?

In 2022, the Retail Technology Review surveys revealed that up to three-quarters (73%) of all shoppers make their purchasing decisions based on product photography. Whether you’re a photographer, an e-commerce store owner, or a marketer, your business or services’ key goal is to boost sales and attract potential clients. Professional clipping path service not only enhances images but also ensures they align with a brand’s aesthetic and different marketing platforms. As you know, editing is time-consuming and requires specialized skills, so outsourcing can be a smart decision. 

For more details, let’s check out the reasons for outsourcing professional photo editing services:

Overview of professional photo editing services

Professional Photoshop pros or Adobe Photoshop Express Editors use advanced tools for image enhancements and modifications, such as –

• Color correction and enhancement (adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, and white balance)
• Retouching (remove blemishes, smooth skin, and enhance overall facial features for professional headshots and portraits)
• Background removal and replacement (isolate subjects, eliminate unwanted objects, and place them in different settings)
• Image restoration (repair old or damaged photos by removing scratches, stains, and tears)
• Clipping path and masking (use precise cutouts, ideal for product photography and e-commerce product presentation)
• HDR blending (combining multiple exposures to achieve a balanced image, ideal in real estate photography)
• Ghost mannequin and compositing (ideal for fashion photography, creating a seamless look for apparel and accessories)

Benefits of outsourcing 

When you outsource post-processing services from a renowned photo editing agency, you’ll get – 

• High-quality results: 

Professional photo editing experts provide hand-drawn top-notch product visuals. Also, they have years of working experience using advanced tools and techniques, like frequency separation, dodge & burn, color accuracy, and others, to meet industry standards. 

• Saves time:

Editing photos is a time-consuming task, especially for bulk product images. Outsourcing allows businesses and photographers like yours to focus on core activities like shooting, marketing, and client interactions.

• Scalability:

When you outsource post-processing services, it provides flexibility in handling extra workloads. Whether you need edits for a small batch or thousands of images, professional editing companies are the best solution to meet deadlines on time.

• Cost-effective solutions:

Hiring in-house image editors can be daunting and costly for businesses with limited budgets. Also, large-scale businesses nowadays invest in outsourcing to cut extra software and equipment costs. 

• Advanced technology:

Professional photo editing companies use industry-leading software such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and AI-driven tools to deliver the best results. Also, you get 24/7 customer support that eases your process. 

Industries that benefit most from photo editing services 

The 5 top-notch gigantic industries that benefit most from photo editing services include:

• E-commerce

High-quality product images are crucial for online stores. Edited photos with clean backgrounds, proper lighting, and enhanced details improve customer engagement and conversion rates. From Amazon to eBay, or other gigantic e-commerce platforms prioritize high-quality and polished product images.

• Real Estate

Property listings with professionally edited photos attract more buyers. HDR blending, virtual staging, and perspective correction enhance property appeal and give the buyer a real-life property tour.

• Fashion and Beauty

Retouched images are key to fashion photography. Models, apparel, jewelry, and accessories require high-end retouching to build buyers’ trust and give them a physical store vibe. 

• Photography Studios

Professional photographers handling weddings, portraits, or commercial shoots benefit from outsourcing to streamline their post-production workflow.

• Marketing and Advertising Agencies

Ad campaigns require high-resolution and polished images to attract potential leads. Professional editing ensures consistency in branding and maximizes the visual impact of marketing materials.

How to choose the right photo editing company

When you decide to outsource photo editing services, it’s crucial to select a reputable photo editing company, ensuring quality, reliability, and security. Here are key factors to consider:

• Portfolio and Experience (review the company’s recent projects to assess quality and expertise in different editing styles).
• Turnaround Time (take advantage of a free trial (if available) to ensure the company meets your deadlines without compromising quality).
• Pricing and Packages (compare pricing structures to ensure cost-effectiveness based on your budget).
• Customer Reviews and Testimonials (check clients’ testimonials from their websites to gauge reliability and service quality).
• Data Security and Confidentiality (contact the company and assure they prioritize data security and ensure client images are handled with confidentiality).
• Customer Support (reliable customer support is essential for addressing concerns and making revisions promptly).

Must-Have Photo Editing Essentials

High-quality, polished, and pixel-perfect images are a digital billboard to promote your brand and business to potential clients. From e-commerce store owners to professional photographers, all desire professional-grade results to boost sales. For this, you need essential photo editing hardware and software, such as –

High-quality monitor & color calibration tools

A monitor with accurate color reproduction and proper calibration ensures your on-screen edits match the real-life display or print. So, pay attention to monitor key features, including:

• Color accuracy (i.e., 100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3, or Adobe RGB coverage) and a low Delta E value (ideally <2).
• Higher resolution (4K) for more detail and clarity.
• Check out panel technology for wider view angles and consistent color reproduction. 
• Calibration for better out-of-the-box accuracy (use a colormeter or spectrophotometer to measure & adjust your monitor’s color settings).
• Consider other features like HDR support, adjustable stands, and connectivity options.

The 7 Best-rated monitor recommendations from industry-expert photo editors are: 

• Asus ProArt Display PA279CRV: A 27″ 4K monitor known for its color accuracy and professional features. 
• Dell UltraSharp U2723QE (27″ 4K monitor, good color accuracy, and a focus on productivity)
• BenQ SW321C (32″ monitor best for photographers and video makers) 
• EIZO ColorEdge LCD Monitor (popular for its high-end, professional-grade monitors & excellent color accuracy)
• Apple Studio Display (high-quality display with excellent color accuracy & performance)
• Asus ProArt PA248QV (24.1″ WUXGA LCD monitor & good color accuracy)
• LG 27″ UHD UltraFine IPS Monitor (27″ 4K UHD IPS LCD monitor & good color accuracy)

Graphics tablet for precision editing

A graphics tablet, also known as a pen tablet or drawing tablet, allows users to create digital artwork and edit photos with precision. There are 2 types of graphics tablets: pen tablets and pen displays. Some key features of a graphics tablet are:

• Great accuracy and precision (different line thickness and shading).
• Mimic traditional drawing tools (intuitive and comfortable experience).
• Compatible with a wide range of software and suitable for art, design, and advanced editing.
• Customizable keys and multi-touch capabilities save time and improve workflow.
• Lightweight and easy to work with. 

The 3 best graphics tablets are:

• Wacom Intuos Pro Medium (best choice for photographers, providing 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, creative works, paper-like experience, and more)
• Wacom Cintiq (built-in screens for direct drawing and editing).
• Huion (it is popular for its drawing tablets and pen displays).

Storage solutions (cloud vs. external hard drives)

Cloud storage and external hard drives are both popular data storage solutions, but the distinct difference lies in accessibility, cost, security, and convenience. Reliable storage solutions are essential for data security, easy access, and efficient workflow management. Whether you’re a photo editing expert working with RAW photos or a beginner photographer, cloud and external hard drives are effective. 

Cloud Storage

You can store data on remote servers and access it through the internet. Below, we’ve highlighted the key pros and cons of cloud storage:

External Hard Drives

This stores data on a physical, portable drive that connects to a computer. Key benefits and drawbacks are shown below:

Both have their own drawbacks, so try to use both hard drives for long-term storage or offline access. 

Fast computer with a powerful GPU for smooth editing

The best photo editing PC ensures a smooth and responsive workflow (from uploading images to final export). So, before buying one, consider these 5 key components: 

• Processor (CPU):

A fast CPU ensures fast tasks: exporting images, applying filters, and running complex software. For example, AMD Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel Core i9-13900K are best for a high clock speed and multiple cores.

• Graphics Card (GPU):

A powerful GPU or Graphics Card is useful for 3D rendering, image manipulation, and video editing. For example, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX is popular for top-notch performance.

• RAM:

Image editing software, like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or others, can be resource-intensive, so having plenty of RAM ensures smooth performance. So, it’s ideal to aim for at least 64GB of RAM or 128 GB.

• Storage:

Buy a larger capacity SSD or HDD for storing large image files, such as an NVMe SSD or others for the operating system and frequently used software.

• Monitor:

A high-resolution monitor with good color accuracy is effective for pixel-perfect image editing. 

Conclusion

Now, at the conclusion of this article, what is photo editing? We hope you’ve a bunch of effective resources that ease your way of image editing. Also, if you want to outsource photo editing services, you can follow our essential tips before selecting the best photo editing agency. Don’t forget to share your opinion!