Editing is where your creative vision comes to life. It’s the step that polishes your work, giving each photo a unique signature. But getting carried away with edits can sometimes harm the final image.
Coming to you from Sean Dalton, this insightful video explores common editing mistakes that can diminish the impact of your photos. One major mistake Dalton highlights is over-stylizing edits. While bold color choices and stylized adjustments can look great, pushing things too far makes photos feel forced and unnatural. Dalton advises against applying one editing style across all your images, especially if you're working in different environments. What works in Bali, for example, may not translate to the cooler tones of a scene in Norway. This mismatch results in edits that look awkward and out of place, which weakens the final image.
Dalton also warns against over-sharpening and overusing the clarity slider. Many beginners, he explains, are drawn to the clarity slider because it gives their images a punchy, high-contrast look. But too much clarity can make photos feel harsh and chaotic, pulling attention away from the subject. A better approach, according to Dalton, is to reduce global clarity slightly and use masks to selectively apply it only where it enhances the composition. This subtle control creates balance, helping the viewer focus on the important parts of the image without unnecessary distractions.
Selective adjustments are another powerful tool that Dalton emphasizes. He suggests experimenting with tools like luminosity and color range masks to fine-tune specific parts of the photo. These masks allow for precise control, such as brightening highlights or softening textures in particular areas. Using selective adjustments instead of only global edits ensures that each photo has depth and complexity, enhancing the overall impact. Dalton recommends practicing with these tools to understand how they can elevate your editing workflow.
One final mistake Dalton addresses is awkward cropping. Cropping photos too tightly can suffocate the subject, leaving no room for negative space. Negative space plays an important role in composition by giving the subject breathing room and making the image feel more intentional. Dalton encourages shooting with the final composition in mind rather than relying on heavy cropping during editing. Keeping the frame loose while shooting allows for more natural compositions and reduces the need for extensive cropping later. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Dalton.
