DIY Network

Taking Really Candid Candids Shooting strategies that will take you well beyond those "say cheese" snapshots From "The Whole Picture" episode DTWP-210

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Digital Darkroom:
Cropping and Darkening Background

Because taking candid shots tends to be fast-paced and spontaneous, Erin understands that you don’t always get the framing you are after. In some cases, a solution is to crop the images to adjust the framing before printing them. Erin also discusses how to use photo editing software to darken portions of the background of the image to draw more focus to her subject. Erin's suggestions and tips are below.

Note: On DIY's The Whole Picture, Erin used Adobe Photoshop image-editing software, so instructions are based on the current version of that program and its interface. Other image-editing software packages typically offer similar capabilities and functions, though the interface and menu choices may be different.

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	By cropping, you can get "closer" to your subject even after the picture is taken.

Cropping to Improve Composition

Working with the cropping tool on the computer can help you get the best possible framing and before you print your image. Cropping can also help you get closer to your subject than your zoom would allow.

• First, go up to File and then Save As to create a duplicate file with a different name from the original. In this way you can archive your original and work on the copy.

• In your photo editing software, create a duplicate layer.

• Go to the tool box and click on the crop tool. Just click on the image and drag your mouse diagonally, creating a box around the part of the image you want to print.

• You will notice some bounding boxes around the edges that will allow you to adjust the frame around the image.

• When you are satisfied with the composition, just double-click inside the box to crop the image.

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Enhancing Composition by Darkening or Lightening Selected Areas

• To clean up some of the background in the image by simply making it fade away, go to the tool box and select the lasso tool, which is a selection tool.

• Hold it down and then select the polygonal lasso tool, this helps you select the areas that have straight edges.

• Using the pointer, lasso the area you want to darken. Once selected, double-click in the area.

• Next, go up to the menu bar and click on enhance, then down to adjust lighting, and over to brightness and contrast.

• Play with the slider bars until you get the result you are after.

• Darkening the background will help bring greater focus to your subject and make for a more interesting composition.

• Once you are pleased, Save your image. Now you're ready to print.

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RESOURCES :

Photo and image editing software used in DIY's The Whole Picture demonstrations:
Adobe® Photoshop Elements 3®
www.adobe.com