So, what makes a good color print, and how do we use the basics of Photoshop to achieve it?  Obviously (and this is what makes photography fun!) the answer can get into all sorts of subjective answers, but there are a few things to consider.

Let's start with a definition of "Photofinishing": It is the Art & Science of making photographic prints.  Subjectivity can account for a lot of the "Art" portion of that definition, but for this newsletter, let's concentrate on the "Science" or objective end of things.

The process always starts with a well exposed and composed image. Remember the adage, "GIGO" - Garbage In, Garbage Out. Learn how to properly use your camera or scanner. While Photoshop is a great tool for enhancement, it is not a "miracle program" for correcting poor photography.  Have you ever heard someone look at a print and say, "Oh, that's digital"? Usually, that is not a compliment.

Here, in my opinion, are the basic elements of a good color print. If you get these elements right, you'll end up with a good print. By the way, the recommended corresponding tool(s) to use in Photoshop are shown in parentheses:

1)  Contrast     (Levels, Curves)

2)   Color Saturation     (Hue/Saturation)

3)   Color Balance/Hue     (Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation, Photo Filter, Selective Color)

4)   Sharpness     (Unsharp Mask)

5)  Crop/Composition     (Crop Tool)

6)   Touch-Up     (Cloning Tool/Healing Brush)

7)   Impact/Feel/Creativity/"Wow" Factor     (No tools for this one!  This is part of the "Art")