Improve bad photos: 5 tricks to pimp pictures

In addition to successful snapshots, there are often sub-optimal images on the camera. We will explain how you can improve and optimize such bad photos using five important tips in this practical tip.

1. Adjust color saturation - improve bad photos

We'll introduce you to the following tips using the free Paint.Net editing program. However, you will also find similar functions in other programs.

1. For images that are not optimally exposed, it is often sufficient to adjust the saturation of the colors.
2. Open the image in Paint.Net and click on "Corrections"> "Hue / Saturation".
3. Move the middle slider to the right. The colors in the picture are thus stronger, gray tones are reduced and the picture appears fuller.

2. Improve brightness and contrast - optimize bad photos

In the case of overexposed images, such as those often created on summer holidays, you can adjust your image using the contrast options.

1. Click Corrections> Brightness / Contrast.
2. First move the contrast slider to the right by 10-20 points. Only then should you work with the brightness controller.
3. After darkening the image with a higher contrast, partially compensate for this with the brightness. This will help you highlight edges and adjust overexposure.
4. Pro tip: To fine-tune the contrast, press [F7]. In the Layer menu, click on "Double Layer". With a double click on the upper level you can reduce the opacity and then change the contrast there.

3. Remove color casts - improve bad photos

Color casts often destroy the most beautiful snapshots. However, these can also be removed without professional knowledge.

1. In Paint.Net, click Corrections> Curves.
2. Select "RGB" from the drop-down menu.
3. Now tick the color you want to reduce in the photo and remove the other ticks.
4. Move the curve with the mouse and drag the color point under the middle line. Note that you usually only have to move the curve slightly downwards to remove a color cast.

4. Provide a photo with a sharpness effect - improve bad pictures

The secret of many automatic filters is the sharpness effect. You can also use this in Paint.Net.

• Choose Effects> Photo> Sharpen.
• Move the slider to the right to sharpen the photo. If the maximum amount of 20 seems too small for you, you can repeat the effect as often as you like.
• Tip: You can highlight individual elements in the image by first cutting out these objects and then applying the effect.

5. Add modern filter - improve bad photos

The disadvantage of automatic filters is that they cannot be adapted to personal preferences. With a Paint.Net plugin you get a configurable filter that visually enhances your photos.

1. Download the free "Ed Harvey Effects". In addition to the required plug-in, these contain other useful functions for Paint.Net.
2. You then have to install this plugin in Paint.Net.
3. Then restart Paint.Net and click on "Effects"> "Photo"> "Cross Processing".
4. With the "Highlight" and "Shadow" controls you can determine the effect size. The lower sliders are used to determine the color and color strength.

In the next practical tip, we will explain how you can blur areas in Paint.Net.

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