- 1). Choose an image-manipulation program. You can download Gimp, a free program comparable to the top professional programs, or Paint.net. Each has many advanced features. Photo Editor, also downloadable, is the most beginner friendly.
If you fear downloadable programs or want only basic features, try an online program such as Photo Editor's online features or Pixlr. - 2). Get to know your program.
Hover your mouse over the toolbar buttons on your software. The name of the button will appear. Locate Save, Save As, Undo and Redo. These are crucial.
Use the pull-down menus to see which filters your program has available. In Gimp, you'll use Colors, Tools and Filters. In Paint.net, photographs can be altered in the Effects and Adjustments menus. - 3). If you have a physical photograph, scan it into your image program. If you don't have a scanner and can't access one, you can order a CD or online copies of your pictures. If the picture is loaded on a digital camera or cell phone, copy it to your computer or email it to yourself. If your cell phone has multimedia messaging (MMS), you should be able to enter the email address in the message address.
- 4). Open the picture in your image program. Select "Save As" and give it a new name. This step protects your original from changes or mistakes.
- 5). Analyze your photograph to determine what must be repaired or enhanced. Is the primary subject well-lighted and visible? Does she have red eye? Are the colors wrong? Would the photo be better as a black and white image? Does it need cropping?
- 6). Fix red eye first. This is the easiest and most automated. If it is corrected to your satisfaction, save it.
- 7). If there are issues with shadows, lighting, contrast or colors, use Brightness-Contrast and Hue-Saturation under Colors in Gimp or Paint.net. These effects have sliding buttons with a preview of the changes.
Make gradual changes. If the results are incorrect, exit back to picture or hit reset. If you accidentally apply a change, use the Undo button. Start with brightness. Adjust the picture until it is right. Contrast reduces or adds contrast that can be washed out when lightening a picture.
When those are right, switch to Hue-Saturation. Most likely you'll only need Saturation which makes colors more vivid. Hue completely alters the colors. For example, hue changes red into blue. Once you are pleased, save the results. - 8). Cropping a picture often can make the subject more prominent. Locate the tool button that has a square outline. Place the cursor on the upper left corner of the picture in the location you want to include in the final picture. Click and hold your left mouse button and drag the square towards the lower right hand corner until it completely frames the area of your picture you wish to include. Release the mouse button. Pull down "Image" and choose "Crop to Selection." Choose "Undo" to return to the point before the crop. Save it if you are satisfied.
- 9). To change a photo to black and white, choose grayscale options. Black and white filters often make the changes too drastic.
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Use a clone tool to remove a small imperfection such as a hair, scratch or blemish. In Paint.net, select the clone stamp. To clone, select a spot very close to the area to be corrected, hold control and click. Click again, hold it and move the cursor over the imperfection.
If you are using another program, select the clone tool and instructions will appear in the lower left hand corner of your screen. - 11
Other changes such as adding borders or special effects are a matter of making selections.
Anytime you want to revert to the previous version of your picture, use "Undo."
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