Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! If you’re looking to take your parade photography to the next level, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, I’m going to share with you 10 pro editing techniques that will turn your parade photos into works of art. So let’s jump right in!

1. Straighten and Crop

The first step to editing your parade photos is to straighten and crop them. This will give your photos a more polished look and make them more visually appealing. Use the crop tool to remove any distracting elements from the photo and ensure that the subject is the main focus.

A photo of a parade, cropped and straightened to focus on a marching band.

2. Play with Contrast

The next step is to adjust the contrast of your photo. Experiment with increasing the contrast to make the colors pop and the image more vivid. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as this can result in a loss of detail.

A photo of a parade with increased contrast to make the colors more vibrant.

3. Adjust the Exposure

Exposure is a crucial element in photography, and it’s easy to get it wrong when shooting in bright sunlight or low lighting conditions. Adjusting the exposure can help bring out the details that may have been lost. Aim for a well-balanced exposure, not too bright or too dark.

A photo of a parade with adjusted exposure to bring out the details in the floats.

4. Fix the White Balance

White balance is essential in parade photography, as it can affect the overall tone of the image. If the photo appears too warm or too cool, adjust the color temperature to make it more balanced.

A photo of a parade with color temperature adjusted to balance the warm tones in the image.

5. Enhance the Colors

Parade photography is all about capturing the color and vibrancy of the event. Enhance the colors by adjusting saturation or vibrance, which can make the photo come to life.

A photo of a parade with increased saturation to make the colors pop.

6. Remove Unwanted Objects

Sometimes, elements in the photo can be distracting, such as power lines, street signs, or trash cans. Use the clone tool or content-aware fill to remove these objects and make the photo look cleaner.

A photo of a parade with a distracting power line removed using the clone tool.

7. Sharpen the Image

Sharpening the image can help bring out the details and make it appear more crisp. Use the sharpening tool to add some detail to the edges of the photo. Be careful not to over-sharpen, as this can result in a grainy image.

A photo of a parade with added sharpness to bring out the details in the costumes.

8. Apply Filters

Filters can add a unique touch to your photos and make them stand out. Experiment with different filters to find the perfect one that matches the mood and theme of your photo.

A photo of a parade with a vintage filter applied to create a nostalgic feel.

9. Use Dodge and Burn

Dodge and burn techniques involve lightening and darkening specific areas of the photo to create depth and dimension. This technique can help draw the viewer’s attention to a particular point of interest in the photo.

A photo of a parade with the brightness increased in certain areas to create depth and dimension.

10. Don’t Overdo It

The final rule of editing parade photos is not to overdo it. While it’s tempting to apply every technique in the book, doing so can result in an unnatural and over-edited look. Aim for a balanced, natural look that still captures the essence of the event.

A photo of a parade with minimal edits applied to maintain the natural feel of the event.

And there you have it, folks! Ten pro editing techniques that will take your parade photography to the next level. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make your photos uniquely yours. Happy editing! 📸 🎉

A collection of parade photos, each showcasing a different editing technique discussed in the blog.