Tip of the week: Remember to edit photos to present them in the best way possible. Many people are disappointed when they download their first photos from a DSLR. It is easy to be disappointed when you are used to the vivid photos that are created by many point and shoot cameras. Those smaller cameras are typically set up to create a pleasing image directly from the camera with saturation, contrast, and sharpening set to high levels. DSLRs are typically set to record a more subtle image, they are often required to capture as much data as possible. This can make photos appear dull and flat when they are first seen. To get the most from your digital images, prepare to spend some time in front of the computer to make the appropriate adjustments for the best possible image.

When editing, I usually like to first focus on setting the correct tonality for the entire image. I will adjust my white and black point on the histogram to insure maximum tonality and contrast in the image. After setting the tonality, I will usually tackle any color alterations and work on the clarity and saturation of the image. I will then clean up any spots that are distracting in the image and adjust the cropping if needed. My last step is usually adding a vignette to draw the viewers eye towards the center of the photo.