editing tools

Cropping : Cropping allows you to edit a photo by selecting only the portion that you like. You can also use cropping to resize the photo so that it fits better on your desktop or in a book (see constrain). Note - Cropping a photo changes that photo in every photo album that it appears. If you don't want to change it everywhere, make a duplicate and edit duplicate.

Instructions for Using the Crop Tool:

1. Position the crosshair pointer at one corner of the area that you want to select.
2. Click and drag to the other corner to select the entire area desired. In the image below I have selected the area that I want to crop. You will notice that the part to be 'cropped out' is much lighter.
3. Click the crop icon in the edit pane to complete the crop. (note - if you are not happy with the crop, click outside of the cropped area or click undo - in the edit menu - if you have already completed the crop)
4. Click here to see a video demonstration on how to crop.

Constrain : The constrain tool is used in conjunction with the crop tool and allows you to keep the image at a certain ratio (4x3, 4x7, 5x6, 8x10 - see image right). This is especially important if you plan on using the picture in a printed book, as your desktop or on a DVD. To constrain your image to a specific ratio, or dimension, chose a size from the constrain menu and then follow the steps above for cropping. Click here to watch a video demonstration on how to use the constrain menu (after you have already selected an area to be cropped).

Brightness / Contrast : One of the main problems that you will encounter when taking pictures is that they will be either too dark or too light. Version 1.1.1 of iPhoto added the ability to adjust the brightness and contrast of your photos. This is done using a set of sliders (top slider - brightness, bottom slider - contrast). These two tools are usually used in combination with each other (i.e. if you adjust the brightness, you are usually going to have to adjust the contrast for the picture to look right). In the example below, you can see how using the brightness / contrast adjustment can enhance your photos. Click here to see the video of the adjustments made to the images below.

Before adjusting the Brightness / Contrast	After adjusting the Brightness / Contrast

Red Eye : We've all seen it. Those pictures that make you look like the devil with red eyes! Many cameras now have settings that will help reduce red-eye but they are not full proof. iPhoto will help you get rid of the remaining red-eye with its red-eye removal tool.

Once you have selected a picture that needs red-eye removed, I recommend zooming in on that picture so that the eye is very large. This will make your job a lot easier. Zooming is done by moving the zoom slider from left to right (below left).

After you have the eye enlarged, you then select it the same way that you would as if you were cropping it (Click-Hold and drag from one corner of the eye to the other). This will put a box around the eye, indicating that you want to work with this area only. Finally, click on the Red-Eye button and the red eye will be removed. Once you have completed one eye you can do the same for the next.

when removing red eye, enlarge the image so that the redness is easily selected and removed

Black & White : Want that classic look? Use, the black and white button to change images from color, to black and white. I have found that can make portions of your images Black and White by selecting an area (as you would if you were cropping) and then hitting the Black & White button. This will make only the selected area black and white (see image below).

Previous & Next : The previous and next buttons are, of course, used to move back and forth through your photo library.

Mastering the use of these editing tools can help eliminate wasted photos. In the next lesson you will learn to share all of the photos that you have taken. After all, that is what it's all about right!