Depending upon the version you use, some of the tools might be in different locations.
Take a copy of the original and work on this in case of mistakes OR click save as once image changed and call the altered version a different name. Perhaps have a folder named PDI comp entries.
1. If the horizon is not STRAIGHT
Make a duplicate layer then use the gridlines (View/show/grid)
And straighten by rotating the image (edit/transform path/rotate
OR on CS3 use the Ruler tool (hidden within the Eyedropper tool)
Crop the edges of the image if any defects around the sides where content has been added.
2. CROP tool
To any size/shape you require, you might wish to only use part of the image so use the crop tool to see how the images looks you can always undo if you don’t like it.
3. LEVELS (Image/levels)
To see where the data starts click on the diamond symbol under the graph and hold down the ALT key at the same time then drag the slider along until data appears in the levels box.
4. 100% view ZOOM tool
Always blow up the size of the image and view it at 100% to look for imperfections that need to be CLONED out. Work up and down the image in a logical manner so covering the whole image.
5. CLONE tool
Vary the size of the brush and the opacity and flow to suit your requirements. Aim to get a perfect match on the clone. Press down the alt key and left click on the mouse at the same time to pick the colour onto the brush head. Then leave go of the alt key and move the cursor and position the circle over the blemish then left click to cover the blemish with the replacement colour.
PRACTICE once you get the hang of it, it’s easy and you will get plenty of practice.
6. COLOR PICKER
Use this to select parts of the image that you think might be blow out/overexposed. Open the Info palette (view/info)
0 = pure black 255= pure white
E.g. if a lot of the sky is reading 255 when you pull the colour picker across the area then the sky is blown out.
7. DODGE and BURN tools
Use these to lighten or darken areas as required, keep the exposure value down so that the effect is not too harsh.
8. BLACK and WHITE (Image/Adjust/channel mixer)
Use this rather than desaturate or b+W option.
Click the Monochrome box to change to b+w then move the sliders until you get the intensity of the tones to suit you BUT make sure the total is 100%, if not move the sliders until you get back to 100%.
9. COLOR POP (pull thru a bit of colour from the image)
You need a duplicate layer
Then turn image to b+w then use the Eraser and rub out parts of the image you want to revert back to colour.
Take care using this.(Using a layer mask if available, in case of mistakes)
10. USM Unsharp Mask= sharpening.
Always use USM as the preferred way to sharpen. Sharpen with care NOT too much !!!!
Your subject should still look real not Botoxed to death !!!!
11. FLATTEN any layers
Layers/flatten
12. Cropping an imagefor competitions or web
72 dpi/1024pixels on the longest side for Landscape orientation and 768pixels on the longest side for Portrait orientation
Type in the name of the image and retain the file jpeg extension
i.e. sunset.jpg also for competition number images from 1 to 3 in case there’s a large entry and we need to drop the 3rd image
E mail to davidord at live.co.uk the full titles. numbers of the images and attach the images
Good Luck in the Competitions.