The ability to present beauty through pivotal life-changing photo editing techniques

Photo editing has become a notable critical skill in the virtual world of social media. This skill can possibly be acquired with the proper training and practice. In this article, I will take you through the essential steps of photo editing to not only elevate your photos but also your life.

1. Take your photo at the right angle. Angle is everything. If it’s a selfie, you want to know what side you photograph better from. Just admit it, we all have a pretty side. Let’s say it’s your right side — you know maybe your right eyebrow grows better than the left — then angle appropriately and extend your right hand out as far as possible and slightly upwards. The right angle will eliminate the use of editing apps that will be discussed in the next step. If you are photographing food, it’s best to get an angle in which you capture your plate as well as the plate across the table from you so that it shows you aren’t eating alone. Even if you are eating with your mom, the perfect angle can give the illusion that you indeed have friends. Make sure to take the perfect picture before you start eating. It’s ok if your food gets cold because your food will taste better when you post it.

2. Take pictures of subjects that are easy to edit. Sometimes there isn’t a pretty side to a picture of food you ordered or the food you tried to cook. Let’s face it, sometimes there isn’t even a pretty side to that selfie either especially if you have been quarantined for months. Taking photos of subjects that always look good will make your editing process less complicated and continue to portray that blissful lifestyle through the photos you post. Some examples of subjects that always look good are pets and babies, well most babies. It’s best to take at least 100 versions of these subjects and flood your social media feed with them because people enjoy seeing the same thing over and over.

3. Touch up your photos using easy beauty hack apps. You don’t have to learn Adobe photoshop to call yourself an expert media editor. In fact, labeling yourself as a professional photographer or editor will make your photos look better (you can do this by adding it to your Instagram profile). Ok back to the learning beauty hack apps. The app FaceTune is used widely to portray social media influencers and general social media users as having a flawless face and of course flawless life. Use the app to smooth out wrinkles to show that you have a stress-free life. Whiten your teeth to show that you can still afford dental work during the pandemic or to demonstrate you have dental benefits from the amazing job you still maintain (probably a professional photographer).

4. Consider also using Apps that beautify during that 3 second countdown before your phone camera flashes. Yes I know; it sounds like magic. If you are too lazy to put on some makeup before taking a picture, consider using apps that enhance your eyelashes, eyebrows, lips, and cheeks because fake is the new black, and baby it sure is trending - hashtag trending #fake. A simple google search prompted an article called, “Try 9 Best Makeup Apps For iPhone To Beautify Your Face – 2021 AppList” listing apps such as Mary Kay Mobile Virtual Makeover App and YouCam Makeup App. These apps will be advertised as an app that will help “you try your creativity on your photos” which roughly translates to never be satisfied with how you look naturally because this app can reshape your face, body, and of course your life.

5. After you have smoothed out blemishes and added fake lashes. You can now add another filter in Instagram. It’s best to make your photo look less like the original as possible. Also considering brightening your photo, so it looks like you are out in the sun.

6. Lastly, add a quote to your photo that enhances the feel of the photo. If the photo is of food make sure you say it was the best food you have ever eaten; this will make your photo look nicer. If it’s a selfie of you on vacation make sure you use the word paradise. If it’s a picture of your pet, make sure you use the word angel (even if they just peed all over your carpet).