Originally published 2014/04/10. Reposting with updates.
In this first set of tutorials we covered the basic properties of an image, and how their manipulation affects the end results.
We explored exposure, contrast, saturation and sharpness individually, as it is generally easier to decouple properties when studying them.
But the nature of an image is very complex and all those properties are intertwined in such ways that effectively changes to one them can affect some others. This is described very clearly by [Mike Chaney] in this post at steves-digicams.com.
Always keep in mind that an image is both a technical and an artistic decision. Well exposed and sharp images are generally pleasant because that’s how our eyes see (or want to see) the world in everyday life. But you can creatively use (and abuse!) exposure, contrast, saturation and sharpness to create and transmit a mood and build a story.
I hope you enjoyed reading this set of tutorials as much as I did writing them. Thank you!
