Photoshop is such a powerful application, with deep menus and a vast array of tools and controls, that even experienced users continually find new ways to use the program for better photography. One of the best ways to improve your skills with Photoshop is to see how other photographers use it for specific results, so we’ve compiled a few of our favorite techniques for particular subjects.

Skies
SKIES ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF MOST SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHS, from landscapes to cityscapes. They can be a challenge to photograph, however, since they can be so bright compared to the rest of the photo. more>

Portraits
SMOOTH SKIN TONES, FREE OF BLEMISHES AND HARSH LINES, are essential for a flattering portrait, but you don’t need an entire production crew to get it right. Using a few simple tools within Photoshop, you can achieve glamorous results. more>

Travel
IN MY WORKSHOPS, I USED TO TELL THE STUDENTS THAT the background was almost as important as the main subject. Today, I tell them that it’s just as important as the main subject, and that it can make or break a photograph. When we’re traveling, we don’t always have control over our subject’s surroundings, so we may have to take photos with backgrounds that distract from the subject. more>

Wildlife
WILDLIFE MAKES TERRIFIC SUBJECT MATTER, BUT those delightful critters seldom cooperate when it comes to lighting. They’ll pop up doing something great in harsh sun or in deep shade, and they rarely give you time to set the proper exposure compensation, so you’ll frequently get a less than optimally exposed image. more>

Architecture
WHEN PHOTOGRAPHING ARCHITECTURE, YOU’LL FREQUENTLY HAVE to contend with perspective distortion. You’ll see this when taking a picture of a tall building, where the building’s vertical lines appear to converge. This optical distortion becomes more pronounced the taller the structure and the closer you are to its base. more>