All About Photos – Part 4: Photo Editing

October 23rd, 2024

If you missed them, read Part 1: Getting Photos; Part 2: Photo Storage, Collaboration & Organization; and Part 3: Online Photo Specifications.

In Part 3: Online Photo Specifications, we talk at length about orientation, size, aspect ratio, cropping, and general photo aesthetics. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to picture-taking! But once you have a digital photo “in-hand,” how do you “fix” it to get exactly what you need for your website?

TIP: Avoid Photo Editing in WordPress! While WordPress allows for minor edits, it generates multiple sizes of each image, which can unnecessarily consume valuable storage space. Whenever possible, we recommend editing images before uploading them to your website.

“Simple” Programs for Editing Photos

Our general rule of thumb with any technology is: whenever possible, use what you know and what’s easily available to you.

If you regularly use a desktop computer or laptop, you likely have basic photo editing software pre-installed. Both Mac and Windows come with built-in programs/apps, now called “Photos” (different software, same generic name). With these programs, you can rotate, enhance, make detailed adjustments, crop based on aspect ratio, and apply filters.

Similarly, if you have a smartphone with a camera, it will also have a native app (probably also called “Photos”) that you can use for similar editing tasks.

Google Photos is an excellent online editing tool for your uploaded photos, offering capabilities similar to the software mentioned above. While it’s great for collaboration and sharing (see Part 2: Photo Storage, Collaboration & Organization), note that you cannot edit other people’s photos directly on Google Photos.

Canva is another popular online graphics tool that can be used for photo editing. In addition to basic editing functions, it supports multiple file types and allows you to quickly add text and graphics to any photograph. Canva Pro offers custom pixel sizes, which basic programs may lack. However, be aware that Canva prefers you include some graphical element in the images you’re editing, so you might need to find creative workarounds.

Common Photo Editing Tools

While editing capabilities can vary among programs, here are some basic features you might encounter:

Rotating & Cropping

These two functions are often grouped together.

Rotating: Look for options labeled “Rotate” or “Rotation,” or an icon featuring a circular arrow. Some programs offer a quick-click method for rotating the image 90 degrees in one direction. If rotation is its own section or combined with cropping, you might see a slider for fine-tuned control over the image’s angle. TIP: Rotation is especially useful for interior photos of your sanctuary that aren’t perfectly straight!
Cropping: Most programs will provide options for aspect ratios (see Part 3: Online Photo Specifications for details). Aspect ratios allow you one-click access to specific crops (like a square) that you can adjust before finalizing. For manual editing, you’ll see draggable corners on the photo. TIP: Cropping is not the same as resizing, although it can reduce your photo’s dimensions. If you need both a specific size and crop, you’ll likely need to do both. This is where more professional editing tools come in handy.

You may also see options to “Flip” or “Mirror” the image, which flips it along the vertical axis. In some cases, you might also be able to skew the image.

Adjustments

Adjustments are typically what people think of when considering photo editing. Common adjustments include:

Exposure/Lighting
Color/B&W
Red-eye removal
White balance
Noise reduction
Sharpening

The adjustments available can vary widely between programs. If you frequently need a specific adjustment—such as brightening dark sanctuary photos or correcting red-eye in portraits—you may want to choose a photo editing tool that addresses those specific needs. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional photographer to minimize the need for adjustments.

Filters

Filters may not be essential for your website, but they can be fun! Depending on the program, filters apply an overall effect to your photo, ranging from subtle to quite extreme. They can provide cohesiveness if you apply the same filter to every photo on your site. However, this approach can become complicated long-term, as technology and user preferences change.

Professional Programs for Editing Photos

Free photo editing software and online tools are improving every day. In just the past year, the functionality of many tools has significantly increased. Recently, AI-powered photo editing assistance has become more common, making it easier for everyday users to achieve professional-quality edits. Most likely, these tools will meet your needs. However, if you require more advanced editing, consider the following professional tools:

Adobe Products: Photoshop remains a major player in professional photo editing. Lightroom is another Adobe product preferred by some for its organizational tools and lighter editing capabilities.
GIMP: This open-source photo editing software allows for detailed and professional editing.
Affinity Photo: For iPad users, Affinity Photo offers a nearly equivalent experience to the above tools, with the added benefit of touchscreen and pencil support.

Getting Help with Editing Your Photos

These are all services we can provide! The team at Worship Times engages in minor photo editing almost daily and occasionally tackles more advanced editing tasks when specific needs arise. If you are a Worship Times partner and require direct assistance, your contract includes a billable rate for quick one-off tasks. Need our help for a longer duration? Consider hiring us as your digital ministry assistant—this service can be as small or large as you need, with flexible and adjustable options available at any time.