Random thoughts on art, technology, stuff, and occasionally Real Estate: Photoshop 7: 3 Basic Techniques for Real Estate

Photoshop 7: 3 Basic Techniques for Real Estate

Most Active Rain members probably are not Photoshop junkies.  They simply want to use the "digital darkroom" to improve images they have taken of available properties.

I'm using Photoshop 7 in this tour, since 1. I am rather fond of it, and 2.  Marcel Peterson asked about Photoshop 7 tutorials.

Here are the 3 basic skills that I think will put your photos a cut above most others found on your local MLS:

First technique: Adjust Levels

1.  Hit - Image -> Adjustments -> Levels

2.  The  Levels dialogue box will open.  Click and drag the center slider towards the left to lighten, toward the right to darken.  Click and drag the sliders on either end until you are satisfied with the result.  Click OK.

 

Second technique: Skew

1.  Hit Select -> All to place a selection border (marching ants) around the entire image.

2.  Hit Edit -> Transform -> Skew  

3.  Click to grab a "handle" and drag outward (or inward) until door frames, window frames, standing lamps, and other vertical lines appear straight.  Hit Enter when you are satisfied.

 

Third technique:  Sharpen

1.  Hit Filter -> Sharpen -> Sharpen (or try the other sharpening tools)

In my opinion, just these three simple basic techniques will get you off to a fast start.

The crummy, totally uninspired image was shot in one of the rooms in my office with a Kodak V570

 

10 comments • Cheryl Johnson • August 17 2007 08:26PM

Comments

Brilliant.... Can you download adobe photoshop 7?
Posted by Christina Williams. REALTOR® TN property search & local insights (First Realty Company) almost 5 years ago
I love these tutorials that you put up about photoshop....I'm trying to teach myself photoshop so these are great. Thanks!
Posted by Pamela Williamson Team Williamson almost 5 years ago

Cheryl - Those are the three that I use on every photo.  Skew is my favorite, since I have a wide angle camera lens the photos often look distorted.  The Skew feature is a great fix for that.  

I have been meaning to write a blog about it but just can't seem to get around to it.  My book meme blog is next on my list. ;) 

Posted by Maureen Maureen almost 5 years ago

Cheryl, I knew how to lighten and darken.  Actually that is about the only thing that I know how to do.  I did not know about the skew, great information.

I just ordered the Photoshop Classroom in a book from Amazon.  Thanks for sending the link; that made it so easy as I LOVE to shop Amazon!  I did their super saver shipping so won't get it right away but I have found them to be fairly quick even using that. 

I have an image I want to Crop and got the user guide but I could not even find the correct place.

I have subscribed to your Blog.  Thanks for the great information!

Posted by Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro (Results Realty) almost 5 years ago

Christina -- Photoshop 7 is no longer the current version -- It was replaced in 2003 by Photoshop CS (CS stands for "Creative Suite") -- Earlier this year, CS version 3 was released.  I still use 7 more than I use CS3 or Elements, because it runs faster on this tired old machine.  <s>

You could probably find PS7 on Ebay, and I'm pretty sure several Amazon resellers have it.  You can also buy Photoshop Elements 5 - new  - on Amazon for $69.99.

Marchel -- I'm sure you found the Crop tool by now.

 

Posted by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA almost 5 years ago
Maureen -- I've become a veritable skewing addict.  I cringe whenever I see a vertical line out of plumb.  And I see them in photos all over, sometimes even photos by sharp, experienced agents.  
Posted by Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA almost 5 years ago
I sooooo need photoshop!  Whaaaaa!
Posted by Janie Coffey, GRI - Miami Real Estate (One Sotheby's International Realty) almost 5 years ago
Your tutorials are always so detailed and good, they make great reference pieces.
Posted by Bradenton Real Estate - Linda Reynolds almost 5 years ago

Thanks so much! I actually haven't done skew much, but now I will definitely play with it to get lines straight.

cheers,

Cindy 

Posted by Cindy Lin (Staged4more Home Staging & Redesigns // EcoJoe) over 4 years ago
I still use PS Elements 2 so I guess I need an upgrade.  Of course the best thing is to take a great shot to begin with.
Posted by Gene Allen Realtor Hampton Roads Real Estate (Resh Realty Group) over 4 years ago

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