Getting the editing right on your photos is tricky. It’s easy to slip into patterns that don't give the results you want, even if you've been editing images for years.
Coming to you from Pierre T. Lambert, this practical video breaks down five common editing mistakes that might be sabotaging your photography. Lambert dives straight into the issue of unnatural-looking halo effects, which often arise from careless masking or heavy-handed vignetting. He points out that vignettes, while useful, frequently end up looking artificial if overused. Instead, he advocates subtle, gradient masking that gently guides the viewer's attention without revealing the trick. His approach emphasizes creating edits that enhance what's naturally in your image, rather than overshadowing it.
Lambert also covers how poorly handled masks can unintentionally give your subject an odd glow—what he calls a “leaky mask.” This mistake is easily overlooked until you see your photo in print, where all flaws become glaringly apparent. Lambert shares a personal anecdote about this specific issue, providing a relatable warning. He recommends tightening your masks right to the subject’s edge and feathering just enough so the mask isn’t noticeable. Good masking should never reveal itself—getting it right takes finesse, not brute force.
Another important point Lambert raises is that many editors misunderstand color adjustment, particularly when it comes to white balance versus using the hue, saturation, and luminance sliders. Adjusting white balance first gives you a strong foundation, while tweaks with color sliders refine your image. Skipping this step often leads to inconsistent results, especially across a series of images. Lambert highlights the practical benefit of working systematically, rather than guessing your way through every edit.
Lambert expands on the value of localizing your edits rather than applying blanket adjustments across the entire image. Portraits, for example, need different treatments for the background and subject. Lambert demonstrates using face-specific editing tools to carefully enhance features without affecting other image elements. This approach makes your photos look naturally appealing instead of overly processed. He emphasizes thinking of your photos in parts, each requiring its own attention to detail, ultimately leading to more sophisticated outcomes.
Lastly, Lambert addresses the temptation to overedit, a common trap when you've been staring at a photo too long. His practical solution? Step away. Let your eyes rest, then revisit the image with fresh eyes. This helps you spot excesses and correct them thoughtfully. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lambert.
