Editing can make or break your photos, and if you're not getting the results you want, there might be a few key mistakes holding you back. Understanding where things go wrong can be the first step toward improving your work.
Coming to you from Ryan Breitkreutz of Signature Edits, this practical video highlights nine common editing mistakes and how to avoid them. Breitkreutz starts by stressing the importance of getting it right in-camera. Just like you can’t make a great meal with bad ingredients, you can’t salvage a poorly shot photo with editing alone. The closer your initial shot is to your intended style, the less you’ll need to tweak in post. This advice might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked, especially when relying on editing to correct exposure, composition, or other foundational issues.
Another key mistake Breitkreutz points out is neglecting the basics, particularly white balance. Many users skip over this step, but it’s crucial for getting natural, accurate colors. White balance adjustments can drastically change how colors are perceived, affecting saturation and tone in subtle yet significant ways. Breitkreutz also discusses the pitfalls of using presets without adjustments. Buying presets isn’t a shortcut to professional-looking photos; they need to be adapted to fit the specific conditions of each shot. Just as a chef adjusts a recipe to taste, you need to tweak presets based on lighting, lens, and subject. They’re great as a starting point but won’t magically make your photos look like someone else’s without proper adaptation. This is where understanding the core elements of editing, like contrast and tone, becomes essential.
He also tackles the issue of over-editing. Sliders in editing software can be tempting, and it's easy to go overboard. But the best edits are those that feel natural, where the enhancements blend seamlessly without drawing attention. Breitkreutz draws a parallel to movies—good color grading doesn’t distract from the film but supports the story. The same principle applies to your photos. Excessive saturation, sharpness, or contrast can make an image look artificial and disrupt the mood you’re trying to create. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Breitkreutz.
