Photo editing is the bridge between a good shot and a great post. Even small adjustments can dramatically improve how your photos look on social media.
The Editing Workflow
Step 1: Crop and Straighten
Crop to the right aspect ratio for your platform (4:5 for Instagram feed, 9:16 for stories). Straighten any tilted horizons.
Step 2: Exposure and Contrast
Adjust brightness so the image is well-exposed. Add contrast to make the image pop.
Step 3: Color Correction
Fix white balance if the image looks too warm or too cool. Adjust individual colors if needed.
Step 4: Apply a Filter or Preset
Use a consistent filter across all your photos for a cohesive look. ArtStory offers 500+ filters to choose from.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Fine-tune sharpness, vignette, and any final touches. Compare with the original to make sure you haven't over-edited.
Common Editing Mistakes
- Over-saturating: Vibrant colors are good; neon colors are not
- Too much sharpening: Creates harsh, unnatural-looking edges
- Smoothing skin too much: Makes faces look plastic and fake
- Inconsistent editing: Your feed should look like it belongs together