Photoshop® Elements 6 for Dummies®

Chapter 9. Simple Image Makeovers

In This Chapter

• Cropping and straightening your images

• Using one-step auto fixes

• Editing with Quick Edit mode

• Fixing small imperfections

Fixing images quickly without pain or hassle is probably one of the most desirable features you'll find in Elements and one that we're sure you'll embrace frequently. Whether you're an experienced photographer or an amateur shutterbug, cropping away unwanted background, tweaking the lighting or color of an image, and erasing away the minor blemishes of a loved one's face are all editing tasks you'll most likely tackle. With these simple image-makeover tools in Elements, these tasks are as easy as clicking a single button or as difficult as a few swipes with a brush.

Cropping and Straightening Images

Cropping a photo is probably one of the easiest things you can do to improve the composition of your photo. Getting rid of the unnecessary background around your subject creates a better focal point. Another dead giveaway of amateurish photography is crooked horizon lines. Not a problem. Elements gives you several ways to straighten those images after the fact. So, after your next photo shoot, launch the Elements Editor and get in there and crop and straighten your images before you show them off. No one will be the wiser that the images were digitally doctored.

Cutting away with the Crop tool

The most common way to crop a photo ...