50 People Who Asked For Photo Edits And Received Hilarious Results

As we can clearly see from these photos, photo editing is a great way to express one’s creativity. It allows people to transform seemingly ordinary photos into something special (and funny!) by manipulating their colors, lighting, compositions, and other various elements. 

“Using tools like Photoshop can enhance skills and creativity when creating images,” agrees Sandra, a digital artist and educator from SandraD Imagery.

“Photoshop is a powerful tool that allows us to manipulate images in a variety of ways. It can be used to edit photos, create digital art, and enhance images,” she adds.

“For example, a person who enjoys digital art may use Photoshop to create a surreal landscape or composite images that blends different elements together. They may use layers, brushes, and filters to create a unique and visually appealing image that tells a story or evokes a certain mood.”

There’s no doubt that photo editors hone their skills and put a lot of creativity while manipulating images. However, Brian Matiash, Lightroom software quality engineer at Adobe and photo editing educator, notes that it’s easy to get trapped in the routine of the same editing techniques, which can cause the creativity to stagnate.

Luckily, he has a solution to this. “By actively seeking new and alternative editing techniques, we can break free from the limitations of conventional approaches and discover fresh perspectives.”

“Experimenting with different tools, filters, and adjustment settings allows us to create unique visual narratives. By deviating from the norm, we can expand our imagination and add a personal touch to our work,” he suggested.

“Whether trying unconventional color grading, experimenting with new filters, or pushing the boundaries of tone, alternative editing techniques open up avenues for self-expression and creative exploration.”

He encourages photo editors to try new image manipulation techniques like composite imaging, double exposure, and even abstract manipulations, which can broaden their horizons and help them find new sources of inspiration, hidden talents, artistic preferences, and styles.

“Remember that we can find the joy of photo editing in the final result AND the process itself. Engaging in playful experimentation brings a sense of excitement and curiosity to the editing workflow,” he said.

He also proposes that having fun with photo editing can combat creative blocks and avoid burnout. “When photographers feel stuck or uninspired, stepping away from the usual routine and trying something new can reignite their passion and enthusiasm. I've practiced this many times in my career, especially when I would experience creative fatigue. The process of experimentation not only refreshes the mind but also encourages a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to our craft.”

Nowadays, we don’t even have to be professional photo editors or even skilled at photo manipulation tools to be able to express ourselves through photo editing, as thanks to smartphones and editing apps, user-friendly editing tools are readily available to us. Not to mention, popular apps like Instagram, Snapchat offer a myriad of editing options, making it super easy for their users to manipulate their photos.

Interestingly, approximately 72% of internet users worldwide between the ages of 16 and 64 edit their photos before sharing them online. The main factor driving them to enhance their images is self-expression and creativity. By personalizing their photos, they feel like they can express their artistic vision. Readily available filters, effects, and other editing tools offer many opportunities for experimentation, allowing users to employ their creativity to make their own unique images.

However, it’s important to note that photo editing also comes with certain downsides, with some affecting our self-image and mental health, like seeking self-validation and conforming to unhealthy beauty standards. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware when this happens and try to limit the use of photo editing tools and filters, reduce exposure to social media, focus on self-acceptance, and seek support if necessary.