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Creative teams at companies like CVS Pharmacy and Complex found a straightforward solution: They outsource routine photo editing to Path. Their designers now spend time on strategy and creative problem-solving while professional editors handle the technical work. Here’s how this approach can work for your team.

Why creative teams should outsource photo editing  

When you look at how your team spends their time, routine photo editing probably takes up more hours than you’d like. Here’s what most teams discover when they start outsourcing this work:

Specialists handle it better

Professional photo editors work on thousands of images regularly. They’re faster, more consistent, and catch details that someone juggling multiple responsibilities might miss. A marketing manager doing quick background removal between meetings isn’t going to deliver the same quality as a dedicated editing specialist.

It costs less than you think

When you factor in salary, benefits, software licenses, and training time for an in-house editor, bulk photo edits through a service like Path often work out cheaper. Plus, you only pay for what you need instead of keeping someone busy during slow periods.

Helps handle seasonal changes

Holiday campaigns and product launches can create an unexpected amount of editing work for your team. On the other hand, professional editing services scale with your needs without the need to hire someone new.

You get consistent results

When different team members handle editing based on who has time that week, it’s hard to keep consistency. Professional services maintain the same quality standards across thousands of images.

Here’s a realistic cost comparison: Editing 30 product images for a campaign could cost around $12–-#$30 with Path, depending on complexity. If your team handles those same edits internally, that could be 2–3 hours of work, even for people who already know the tools well. When you consider what those hours cost in salary, outsourcing often breaks even or saves money while freeing up your team for other projects.

Ready to see what consistent, professional photo editing looks like?

Try two free edits

Which editing tasks should your team outsource?

To decide which editing tasks to outsource, think about your workflow and which tasks eat up the most time without requiring deep brand knowledge or creative decision-making. For example:

High-volume, low-creativity tasks:

• Background removal and clipping path services: Basic cutouts that follow clear specifications.
• Bulk retouching: Consistent adjustments across product catalogs and seasonal campaigns.
• Color and other general corrections: Standard photo retouching adjustments that follow brand guidelines.
• Shadow and reflection work: Technical enhancements that require precision but not creativity.

Complex but routine edits:

• Ghost mannequin: Apparel photography that needs to show fit and drape consistently.
• Sports photography cleanup: Action shot enhancement and standardization.
• Corporate headshot processing: Standardized retouching across employee photos.
• Product consistency: Ensuring thousands of products follow the same visual standards—or apparel is perfectly symmetric.

And here’s what we suggest to keep in-house:

• Creative concepting: Initial vision and artistic direction.
• Brand-critical decisions: Color choices and styling that define your brand’s visual identity.
• Photo selection: Choosing which shots best represent your brand and message.
• Campaign strategy: How visuals fit into your broader marketing goals.

The key is knowing which photo editing services you need for each type of project and delegating accordingly. You don’t necessarily need to outsource everything, just what makes sense for your team’s resources, workflows, and skills. 

Photo outsourcing benefits for your team and business

The more obvious cost savings aside, you’ll likely also notice your people have more energy for complex projects and deadlines become less stressful. Here’s what typically happens across different levels of your organization when you start outsourcing your photo editing.

For creative directors:

• Teams tackle complex creative challenges instead of spending time on technical busy work.
• Campaigns move from concept to launch without getting stuck waiting for photos to be edited.
• You know exactly what editing costs instead of guessing how much internal time projects will need.

For team members:

• Designers and marketers spend time on projects that actually use their specialized skills.
• Repetitive tasks that drain creative energy get handled by someone else.
• Time gets freed up for learning new techniques and taking on challenging projects.

For the business overall:

• Product launches and campaigns happen faster without editing delays or numerous approvals between team members.
• You can create more content without needing to hire more people to handle the extra work.
• Professional standards get maintained across all visual content, which is particularly important if you sell on marketplaces like Amazon.

Should you consider AI editing instead of outsourcing?

AI editing tools promise quick fixes but often create more problems than they solve for professional teams. You might end up spending more time and money fixing AI mistakes than if you’d used human editors from the start—and AI is notoriously ineffective for maintaining consistency and making those small, precise fixes.

When fully outsourcing photo edits to AI, teams often encounter these challenges.:

• Inconsistent results: The same edit on similar images produces different outcomes.
• Complex subject struggles: Hair, transparent objects, and intricate details confuse algorithms and they don’t deliver a high-quality edit.
• No problem-solving: Can’t always adapt when unusual scenarios come up in real projects, like when you’re retouching portrait photos and need to keep someone’s natural freckles or distinctive features while smoothing overall skin texture.
• Quality control gaps: No revision process when the AI delivers poor results.
• Communication barriers: Can’t always explain specific requirements or request adjustments.
• Security concerns: Uploading client photos or images with people in them to AI platforms raises privacy concerns, since you can’t always control how those platforms store or use the images.

Professional editing services like Path give you the speed and cost efficiency you want from AI, but with actual people handling your work. You get consistent results, direct communication when you need changes or have any questions, and the flexibility to handle complex requests that algorithms might struggle with. 

Every image gets edited to the same professional standard, whether it’s 10 photos or 1,000. When unusual requests come up or you need revisions, you can actually talk to someone who understands your specific needs. Plus, your files are handled securely with proper accountability, and anyone on your team can place orders without needing to learn prompt engineering or worry about how to phrase requests correctly.

Don’t risk your brand’s visuals on AI tools—trust Path’s human editors for consistent, enterprise-level photo editing that scales with your team.

Work with Path’s editors

How to choose the right editing partner for your project

Not every photo editing service works well for larger teams. The right partner should handle 1,000+ images monthly without delays, maintain consistent quality across big projects, and meet tight deadlines when needed. 

You also need secure file handling for brand materials, real people for support (not just chatbots), and pricing that’s transparent with bulk discounts.

Watch out for these red flags when shortlisting photo editing services:

• AI-only services claiming professional quality
• Bulk pricing that isn’t transparent 
• Chat-only support that can’t handle complex requests
• No revision options when professional work needs adjustments

Path works well for enterprise teams because we use human editors exclusively, offer volume pricing and different types of photo editing services, and provide support with 24/7 availability. We’ve built our reputation working with enterprise clients across industries, and teams processing thousands of images annually can even become affiliates to earn commission on referrals.

How to get started with outsourced editing 

Making the switch to outsourced photo editing doesn’t require overhauling your entire workflow overnight. Most teams start by testing the process with a small batch of typical work, then gradually increase volume as they see how it fits their needs and timeline.

1. Try it with real editing requests: Path offers two free edits so you can test the process with actual images from your current projects. Pick something representative of what your team usually handles.
2. Build up gradually: Once you see how it works, you can buy Path credits to handle larger batches when your workload increases. Credits don’t expire, so you can purchase them when it fits your budget cycle—and you also get bonus credits when you top up.
3. Scale to enterprise pricing: Teams regularly processing 1,000+ images monthly can access bulk rates starting from $0.25 per image, making large-scale outsourcing more economical.

Why enterprise teams enjoy working with Path for their photo edits

Professional sports photographers like those working with multiple teams each season have found that outsourcing routine editing work lets them focus on capturing the action and building client relationships instead of spending hours in post-production. But they’re not the only ones.

Creative agencies, ecommerce brands, and other companies that use visuals also share similar feedback. They can now dedicate their talent to strategy and creative problem-solving instead of routine technical work that would require proper training and systems.

Outsource editing and let your teams focus on what they do best

We’re certain your teams don’t want to spend hours editing photos, when there are more impactful and rewarding tasks and projects to tackle. With a choice between spending valuable time and energy on these routine tasks or delegating them to specialists who can candle them faster and more consistently, we believe it’s an easy decision.

Instead of letting the AI deliver work that needs double-checking or redoing, free your creative talent to focus on the work that actually differentiates your brand and drives business results.

Start with a small test batch to see how professional editing fits into your workflow. Once you experience the time savings and quality improvements, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch!

Editing thousands of images each month? Get enterprise pricing and priority support.

Contact for bulk rates

The post The Smart Way for Creative Teams to Scale: Outsource Photo Editing, Not Creativity appeared first on Path Edits.

In the following guide to photo editing, you’ll learn: 

• What photo editing means (and why it matters)
• Different types of photo editing, from simple to complex
• Real-world examples of edits for portrait, sports, and product photography

And if you’re ready to level up your own photo edits, check out our free tutorials and professional editing services.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

What is photo editing?

Photo editing is the act of image enhancement and manipulation. This process is usually done with a digital photo editing software. Photo editing can involve basic tweaks like when you crop and resize images or adjust saturation. It also includes advanced techniques like swapping faces or photo retouching to get rid of distracting elements or unwanted objects.

Some image editing techniques are done manually, while others are conducted through automated photo editing tools and software. Most edits to digital photography involve some one or a few photo editing programs. Some edits are even done offline on actual photographs, posters, or other printed collateral without any image editing software.

Other terms for photo editing include:

• Image editing
• Post-processing
• Image/photo manipulation
• Photoshopping
• Image/photo enhancement

The importance of photo editing

Editing helps you fine tune and get the best image possible, as close to what you imagined when you took the photo (or better perhaps). Niche photographers can hone and emphasize their personal style. And for businesses, editing helps cement branding and optimize for business goals.

Photo editing is particularly important for ecommerce companies. Image quality directly affects people’s opinion of the product and sales numbers. If you have ugly photos, it’s going to be tough to convince a shopper to purchase your product. 

Types of photo editing

There are many ways to edit a photo—some simple and others more complicated.

Many people can figure out simple photo editing techniques on their own—though this does require time and patience. More complex adjustments may require using dedicated programs with specific photo editing features or hiring a trained professional editor.

Simple photo editing techniques include:

• Straighten: adjust the horizon of the photo

• Crop: image cropping involves trimming out a portion (usually peripheral) of the image to help draw attention to the subject or otherwise improve the composition

• Resize: adjust the dimensions of the image

• Sharpen: enhance the definition of the edges in an image (won’t make a blurry image in-focus)
• Noise reduction: smoothing the picture out, typically accomplished by reducing the pixel size
• White balance: the color of the light in the image

• Contrast: higher contrast makes an image more punchy, while lower contrast makes it flatter in color

• Exposure: the brightness of the photo

• Lens correction: lessens the effect(s) of the camera lens
• Color adjustments: change the color of an item or element in the photo
• Background removal: delete the background from the image, isolating the subject (this is often used for white background product photography)

More complex techniques include:

• Clipping paths: vector path that differentiates the part of the image that’s visible and the part that’s transparent (extracts a subject or element from an image)
• Portrait corrections: complexion touch-ups and enhancements
• Drop and reflection shadow: create and adjust shadows
• Special effects: this can mean an array of things, from animation to adding weather conditions like fog or snow
• Adjusting text and visuals: add overlays or manipulate what’s already there
• Photo stitching: when you seamlessly put two images together to make it look as though they were shot that way
• Photo masking and Layers: the process of hiding and revealing specified portions of an image
• Mirror effect: when you create a perfectly symmetrical photo, often used for apparel product shots

Pixel editing and parametric image editing

Two methods of digital photo editing are pixel editing and parametric image editing. Let’s look at their definitions:

What is pixel editing?

Pixel editing, or pixel-level editing, is when you alter an image at the pixel level. Because you’re altering the pixels themselves, this also permanently changes the image file. That’s why pixel editing is considered a destructive form of photo editing because it’s not as easy to undo the changes and restore the original file.

Pixel editing allows you to make extremely detailed edits and accomplish certain functions that parametric image editing can’t (like CMYK color modes, for example).

What is parametric image editing?

Parametric image editing (PIE) doesn’t change the pixels of the image. Instead, these edits are recorded as a set of steps to follow to accomplish the final look. Thus, it’s a non-destructive mode of photo editing. However, PIE doesn’t always allow for all types of edits.

Many in the industry recommend starting with PIE, and then using pixel editing to refine the final details.

Examples of photo editing

There are so many ways to edit photos, and everyone has a unique approach. You might see examples of photo editing on social media or YouTube.

Here are some examples of photo edits the team at Path have done for businesses from all around the world: 

Background removal

Photo retouching

Ghost mannequin

Editing different types of photos

Product and ecommerce photography

Product images will almost always require or benefit from post-processing. Aim for consistency, especially if you’re working on multiple products for the same company or are providing several types of photos of the same product.

Visuals help market brands and sell products, but you should also think about where the image will be used. Is it for an advertisement, ecommerce page, social media, or a print catalog? A white background shot will call for much different edits than an image for a Facebook ad. Likely, you’ll be able to get more creative with advertising imagery.

Here are some of the most common types of edits for product photography:

Image source

• Brightness and exposure: If you didn’t nail the lighting, you can make substantial adjustments post-shoot.
• Background removal: This is a common edit for product photos, especially if you’re listing the item on Amazon, which has a white background requirement. Regardless, white background maintains consistency.
• Color correction: It’s important that product photos portray the item as accurately as possible so it’s a smart idea to color correct all of your product images. As many as 64% of returns happen because the product didn’t match customer expectations based on product images and descriptions.
• Color change: For products that come in several colors, it’s important to showcase the variety. Instead of photographing the product in every color, photo editors can make the changes post shoot.

Sports photography

Sports images are often captured in fast-paced, unpredictable environments—making photo editing essential for polishing the final result. Whether you’re working with action shots from the field or editorial images of athletes, editing helps enhance sharpness, fix lighting, and direct attention to the key moment.

Common edits for sports photography include:

• Cropping: Reframe the shot to highlight peak action or key players. A tighter crop can add intensity and drama.
• Sharpening: Motion blur is common in sports. Sharpening can help make images feel more crisp and in focus.
• Color correction: Natural lighting varies across stadiums and gyms. Post-shoot edits bring consistency and accuracy.
• Background cleanup: Remove distractions from the crowd or surroundings that pull attention away from the subject.
• Spot retouching: Clean up sweat, mud, or jersey wrinkles to create stronger, cleaner visuals for media or brand use.

If you’re editing for a team, school, or sponsor, keep branding consistency in mind—many sports photographers rely on editing templates to maintain uniformity across hundreds or thousands of images.

Headshot and portrait photography

Headshots and portraits are often the first impression someone gets of a person—whether it’s for a professional bio, dating profile, modeling portfolio, or graduation announcement. Editing can enhance natural features while preserving authenticity.

Here are common edits for portraits and headshots:

• Skin retouching: Reduce blemishes, smooth skin, and even out tone without losing texture.
• Whitening teeth and eyes: Brighten smiles and make eyes pop subtly and naturally.
• Color correction: Adjust tones to match a flattering, realistic look or a specific brand aesthetic.
• Flyaway removal: Clean up stray hairs or lint that distract from the subject.
• Background editing: Simplify or replace backgrounds to match the intended context—e.g., corporate headshot vs. lifestyle portrait.

The key with headshot and portrait editing is to enhance, not transform. The goal is to present someone in their best light while keeping the photo true to who they are.

Learn how to edit your photos

If you’re ready to learn how to edit your own photos, check out this handy collection of Photoshop tutorials. Here are a few to get started with:

• Fundamental Photo-Editing Checklist: 11 Steps to Perfect Product Photos
• A Beginner’s Guide to Photoshop Tools
• How to Create a Realistic Drop Shadow
• How to Blur the Background in Photoshop: A Tutorial for Your Product Photos
• 30+ Best Photo Editing Apps for Product Photographers on the Go
• Photoshop Tutorial: A Beginner’s Guide to Using Layers
• How to Create a Transparent Background in Photoshop
• How to Change the Background Color of a Picture

Photo editing history

What is a professional photo editor?

A person who edits images can either be self-employed, contracted by an outsourced company or agency, or someone who works in-house. There are many possible job titles for a photo editor, including digital photo editor, graphic designer or art director, among others.

Typically, photo editors specialize in specific industries, much like photographers. For example, real estate, editorial, and product photography all come with their own set of trends and intricacies. Editors that focus on ecommerce images know how to make products pop.

Our virtual photo editing studio is made of more than 300 trained professional photo editors who specialize in the following: 

• Ecommerce
• Product
• Sports
• Headshot
• Portrait photography

Tackle your photo editing projects with Path

Learning new photo editing techniques can be an enjoyable way to break up your day and add to your industry knowledge, but editing photos can be time-consuming, especially if photography is your specialty. If you need fast, affordable, high-quality photo-editing services, the professionals at Path are here to help.

What is photo editing? FAQs

Can I edit a photo for free?

Yes, you can edit a photo for free. You can use free photo editing tools and do it yourself. You can also use free AI photo editing tools, but these edits require careful quality checks. Or, send your first two photos to Path to get them edited for free.

How can I edit a picture image?

• Open your photo editing tool of choice
• Upload or open the photo you want to edit
• Make your desired edits
• Save your work

What is the best app to use for photo editing?

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Lightroom
• GIMP
• Pixlr
• Snapseed
• VSCO

How do I edit my photos like a pro?

Edit photos like a pro by learning basic and advanced Photoshop techniques, outsourcing the tedious edits, and optimizing for the right use and context.

What is the meaning of photo editing?

The meaning of photo editing is the process of manipulating and enhancing a photo. Photo editing can involve basic tweaks like cropping, resizing, and applying artistic filters. It also includes advanced manipulations like retouching and removing unwanted elements and distractions.

What are the 5 basics of photo editing?

• Cropping
• Resizing
• Applying simple clipping paths
• Changing colors
• Adjusting exposure

What is the purpose of a photo editor?

A photo editor can save you time and stress because they have the skills necessary to accomplish tedious, time-consuming, or complicated editing tasks for you.

Let us look after your image edits, so you can get back to the fun stuff. Try Path free.

Learn more

The post What Is Photo Editing?: A Definition appeared first on Path Edits.

It makes perfect sense to go with what feels familiar, like basic retouching or background removal. But we’ve learned from working with thousands of photographers and business owners that your photos often benefit from multiple services working together. Combining services gets you better results with less hassle, since you can handle everything in one order instead of juggling separate projects. Let’s show you how to pick the right edits for your photos.

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How to identify what your photos actually need

Before you start combining services, let’s figure out what you’re actually working with—it’ll save you time and help you get better results.

Photo diagnosis checklist

Take a look at your images and ask yourself if you spot any of these:

• Background issues: Is the background distracting, the wrong color, or inconsistent across your batch? Does it look messy or unprofessional?
• Subject problems: Are there imperfections, poor lighting, or color issues with your main subject? For apparel, does it need to show fit and drape without a model?
• Technical fixes: Is anything crooked? Are shadows missing or looking unnatural? Any dust, dirt, or glare issues?
• Brand requirements: Do you need multiple product colors? Specific formats? Transparent backgrounds for marketing materials?

Common photo problems and their solutions

Here are some scenarios we see all the time:

• “My product looks flat and boring” → clipping path + shadows
• “The background is messy and distracting” → background removal + retouching
• “I need to show this product in 5 different colors” → clipping path + color change
• “The model’s hair isn’t looking right” → image masking + retouching
• “My apparel needs to show shape without the mannequin” → ghost mannequin + retouching + symmetry

Most photo challenges need two to three services working together, not just one by itself.

How Path services work better together

Here’s why thinking in combinations instead of individual services makes more sense:

• Save admin time: Upload everything you need edited in a single order and get it all back together, ready to use. No juggling multiple orders or trying to keep track of which image versions are where.
• Speed up your workflow: Everything gets delivered together in the formats you need. Your designer handles all the edits for each image, so there’s consistency across the entire batch.
• Keep all photos consistent: When the same designer handles all your edits, you get cohesive results. Colors match, shadows look natural together, and the overall style stays consistent.
• Keep costs down: We offer discounts when you bundle multiple editing services together.

You can combine pretty much any of our services together—two, three, four, or more. What matters is understanding which combinations work best for your specific type of photography.

Service combinations by photography type

Every photography project has different needs, and you might even use the same image for different purposes. Here are some proven editing combinations that work well for different situations:

Sports photographers

When you’re dealing with high-volume shoots and tight deadlines, you need services that work fast and handle the most common issues in sports photography.

Your typical service combo:

• Image masking for complex backgrounds, hair, equipment details, etc.
• Background removal for clean, professional shots and official team photos, etc.
• Photo retouching for spot removal, color correction, skin touch-ups, etc.

There may be time-critical events such as championship coverage where you need polished images fast, or you might need to update and create consistent team roster headshots across an entire squad, just like this photographer does. You can choose different services depending on what each batch of images needs, whether that’s processing 200+ action shots or creating headshots with a uniform, professional look.

We offer turnarounds from 6 hours, so you can deliver images to your clients, magazines, or publications fast.

Product and ecommerce brands and photographers

For ecommerce, consistency is everything. Your product photos need to look professional, meet marketplace (like Amazon) standards, and convert browsers into buyers.

A standard combo:

• Clipping path for clean cutouts that meet marketplace requirements or create a clean website look.
• Shadow services add depth and dimension so products don’t look flat.
• Color change shows all available product colors without reshooting every single variant.

Advanced ecommerce stack (add these for even more polished results):

• Ghost mannequin is essential for apparel brands to show fit and drape.
• Symmetry shows perfect product alignment for a premium, professional look.
• Photo retouching removes any product imperfections (like wrinkles in fabric) and enhances details.

New ecommerce brands often start with the foundation combo (clipping path + shadows + color change) and add ghost mannequin as their apparel inventory grows. Established retailers may go with the full stack approach for complete consistency across their entire product catalog.

Portrait and headshot photographers

Professional portraits and headshots need to look polished but still natural. The goal is enhancing what’s already there, not creating something fake.

Typical professional edits for portraits and headshots include:

• Background removal/clipping path gives you versatile backgrounds for different marketing uses.
• Photo retouching helps with natural beauty enhancement, color correction, and flyaway hair fixes.

Corporate headshot scenarios may include:

• Basic combo of background removal + basic retouching.
• Premium package, adding advanced retouching and multiple background options for different brand uses.

Advanced portrait combination (for high-end clients or special projects) may include:

• Image masking for complex hair or clothing details.
• Color change for different outfit variations or brand color matching.
• Multiple background options so clients can use the same headshot across different marketing materials.

Wedding and event portrait combinations may include:

• Image masking for intricate dress details and flowing fabric.
• Retouching for flawless, natural skin and perfect lighting.
• Background removal for ceremony photos that need to work in albums and marketing.

How to choose your perfect edit combination

Use this simple framework to figure out which services make sense for any project:

1. What’s your end goal? Are these photos for marketplace listings, marketing materials, portfolio work, or client galleries?
2. What’s your biggest time constraint? Do you have a tight deadline, a high volume of images, or particularly complex edits?
3. What’s your budget priority? Are you focused on cost per image, or is premium quality and time savings more important?

Consider your photo use case

Sometimes the same photo needs different sets of edits depending on how you plan to use it. For example, a product photo might need:

• For marketplace listing: clipping path + white background + basic retouching.
• For social media: same photo but with different background + enhanced colors + shadows.
• For print: higher resolution + color matching + vector conversion.

How to mix and match your edits

Use this simple approach to figuring out which services work best for your projects:

• Start simple: Pick two to three core services that address your biggest pain points.
• Test combinations: Try different combos on smaller image batches to see what works best for your workflow.
• Scale up when it makes sense: Add more services as you see results and understand how they improve your final images.

When to add each editing service

Not sure which services you actually need? Here’s a quick reference for what each one does best.

Clipping path: When you need hand-drawn, crisp clean cutouts that you can use on any background.

Background removal: When you want clean white (or any color) backgrounds for product photos.

Image masking: For intricate shots with hair, fur, or complex borders that need precise, natural-looking cutouts.

Shadow: When products look flat or unrealistic—shadows add depth and dimension, and they actually help generate more sales.

Ghost mannequin: For apparel that needs to show natural fit and drape without models or mannequins, essential for consistent ecommerce catalogs.

Color change: When you have multiple color options and need to show true-to-life colors without reshooting every single shade.

Photo retouching: When imperfections distract from your subject—this corrects flaws and makes every element shine.

Multi-clipping path: When you need to select multiple areas within images for separate editing (like changing just the shirt color but not the pants).

Vector conversion: When you need scalable graphics and logos that maintain quality at any size.

Symmetry: When product alignment matters for brand consistency and that premium, professional look that converts better.

How to place your Path order

Ready to try combining services? Here’s exactly how to do it and how it works:

Getting started

1. Sign up for your Path account
2. Top up Path credits (optional but recommended—you get bonus credits when you top up)

The ordering process

3. Click “new order” to start your project
4. Select all the services you need for this batch—you can choose as many as you want
5. Upload your images using drag and drop
6. Get instant quote and you’ll see your total cost immediately
7. Set preferences like:
   a) File format for your edited images
   b) Additional comments or instructions
   c) Upload any supporting files if needed
8. Select turnaround time (longer turnaround means cheaper pricing, or choose rush for time-sensitive projects)
9. Review and approve your quote
10. Choose payment method and submit your order

If you need 1,000+ images edited a month, we offer bulk pricing with better rates and priority support.

Ordering edits with Path couldn’t be any easier

Now that you know which combinations work for your type of photography, placing an order is straightforward. Try Path free with 2 free edits and see how much better your photos look with the right services working together.

Let us look after your image edits, so you can get back to the fun stuff. Try Path free.

Learn more

The post How to Know Which Photo Editing Services You Need appeared first on Path Edits.

At Path, we offer several ways for you to try out our services and save money while enhancing your images, because we believe quality editing should be accessible to everyone. From free trials to bonus credits, we’ve got options tailored to your needs. 

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Let’s explore how you can make the most of your editing workflow without compromising on quality.

1. Use the Path free trial

New Path customers can try our services for free. Everyone who creates a new Path account (it’s free to do this, by the way) automatically gets two images edited for free. This is because we believe in the quality of our services and are fully prepared to prove it to you before you invest. 

You can take advantage of the Path free trial here. 

2. Purchase Path credits

Path credits are our own version of currency which you can use towards any future order. You can buy Path credits in quantities of 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, and 1,000. If you buy 25 credits, you only get 25 credits. But if you buy larger bundles, you’ll receive some bonus credits for free. If you buy 50 Path credits, for example, you’ll get 4 free credits. If you purchase 1,000 credits, you’ll get 200 free credits. 

So if you know you’ll be needing lots of photo edits, purchasing a bundle of Path credits is a great way to not only save money but also speed up the checkout process each time you place an order. 

3. Sign up for the Path newsletter

New Path newsletter subscribers also get rewarded with free Path credits. We give these credits to you as a thanks for signing up to our email list, and a way for you to try our services without a financial commitment. You don’t even need to give us your credit card information! 

You can sign up for the Path newsletter here. 

4. Refer your friends

Love using our services? Share it with your friends! With the Path referral program, both you and your friends get rewarded. When someone signs up using your referral link, they get free credits—and so do you once they place their first order. It’s a simple way to spread the love and save even more on future edits.

Learn more about the referral program here.

5. Join the Path affiliate program

If you’re a content creator, blogger, educator, or have an audience of photographers or creatives, the Path affiliate program could be a perfect fit. You’ll earn a 20% commission every time someone signs up and places an order using your unique link. 

It’s free to join, and a great way to turn your network into passive income—which you can then turn into “free” photo edits.

Apply to become a Path affiliate here.

6. Download a free photo editor

If you’re keen to learn, you can also download a free photo editing tool or app and learn how to fix your images yourself. While you don’t have to pay any money, you’ll need to make a time and energy investment to learn your chosen tool. 

You can also fork over some money and subscribe to Photoshop to take advantage of its suite of advanced photo editing tools. You can learn how to use it with these step-by-step Photoshop tutorials. 

7. Try AI photo editing

AI has come a long way when it comes to photo editing. And though it still comes nowhere close to hand-drawn clipping paths and edits, it can handle basic needs for personal or limited professional use. There are many free AI photo editing tools that you can use. If you’re ok with subpar and less-than-perfect results, this can be a great option to get free photo edits. 

8. Do a work-trade

Okay, so a work-trade may not be free per se, but you don’t need to pay any money in this arrangement. If you offer a service or product that can be of use to a professional photo editor, consider a trade. Maybe you’re a headshot photographer—you can offer a complimentary portrait session. Or if you sell reusable water bottles, offer a free water bottle in exchange for X number of edits. Get creative! And make sure it’s mutually beneficial. 

Get your photos edited by your virtual photo editing studio

Great photography deserves great editing, and Path makes it easy and affordable to bring your images to life. Whether you’re taking advantage of our free trial, earning bonus credits, or exploring other budget-friendly options, we’re here to support your creative journey. 

When you’re ready to skip the hassle and let the pros handle your edits, your virtual photo editing studio is just a click away—ready to deliver stunning results 24/7. Start saving time and money while taking your photos to the next level today!

Curious how much it’ll cost to outsource your edits to pro designers? Less than you might think.

Learn more

The post 8 Ways to Get Free Photo Edits in 2025 appeared first on Path Edits.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Find out more about all the edits you can order from Path:

1. Remove the background for versatile photos

Background removal is probably our most popular request. Whether you’re prepping for a product launch, updating a marketplace listing, or shooting team portraits, clean background removal is essential. We can isolate any subject from your image and remove the rest so you can use that image in different contexts.

Because we do every edit by hand, there are three ways we remove backgrounds from photos:

• Clipping path: Carefully hand-drawn clipping paths for crisp, clean photos—best for simpler and more straightforward edges
• Image masking: How we remove backgrounds from hair, fur, and difficult borders—common for sports photos and headshots
• Multi-clipping path: Involves complex cutouts that require lots of paths, like images with multiple subjects to cut out, bicycles, or items with lots of components.

2. Retouch imperfections for a beautiful image

Photo retouching is probably the second most common request—we see it across all types of images, including product photos, sports photography, portraits, and car photography.

We specialize in four types of retouching:

• Dust, spot and scratch removal: We can remove small dents, smudges, dust, and other imperfections from any type of photo. Our studio offers both basic and advanced dust, spot and scratch removal.
• Wrinkle on clothing: If the apparel in your shot is wrinkly enough to be distracting, we can smooth it out.
• Beauty airbrushing: Common for portraits and headshots in particular, we can touch up any distracting imperfections or blemishes while maintaining a natural-looking shot.
• Camera reflection removal: Get rid of any unwanted reflections from shoot day. Again, we offer basic or advanced reflection removal.

3. Add or fix shadows to elevate your products

We can also add, remove, or edit shadows in your images. Shadows are types of ecommerce photo edits that add dimension to boring white background shots. 

You can order one of any five different types of shadow edits at Path:

• Drop shadow: A drop shadow makes your subject look like it’s hovering above the background. It’s a common technique in white background product photography.
• Existing shadow: You can also ask us to edit an existing shadow to make it appear more natural or less distracting, depending on the look you’re going for.
• Floating shadow: A floating shadow gives the impression that your product is hovering above the ground. This is another common technique in white background product photography.
• Natural shadow: It’s not always possible to get the lighting right, so this shadow edit will help achieve a more natural shot by casting a make-believe shadow on the surface the subject is resting on.
• Reflection shadow: This type of shadow edit makes your subject appear as though it’s resting on a reflective surface.

If you want to give it a go yourself, you can follow along in this shadow editing tutorial.

4. Create a ghost mannequin

Ghost mannequins are one of the main ways to edit apparel product photos. 
Ghost mannequin photography is a style of photography that’s used to showcase clothing and apparel products. It essentially creates an invisible mannequin or model to the item of clothing, making it appear as though it’s being worn even though there’s no one featured in the image.

This photography is effective because it adds dimension to the product, rather than laying it flat on a table in an unengaging way. It allows shoppers to see how the apparel may fit and drape if they were to wear it themselves.

But capturing this photography requires a lot of editing steps. Many product photographers and brands choose to outsource this tedious, detail-oriented work to our studio—you can get them back by the end of the work day if you send them in the morning!

5. Add color variants without a reshoot

You can also order color change edits from Path. This service is especially popular for product photography—if a specific item is available in multiple colors, it’s often more cost-effective to shoot one variant and simply outsource color change edits for the rest. It also comes in handy when an athlete changes teams and needs their headshot to reflect the change.

6. Create perfectly symmetric apparel shots

Symmetry is one of the fastest ways to elevate the professionalism of your apparel product photography. Perfectly aligned sleeves, balanced hems, and centered internal details (like buttons, zippers, or logos) can make your product look more premium—without needing a reshoot. These are great edits to make to improve product photos.

Path’s new symmetry service helps you polish your images with clean, realistic edits designed for ecommerce. Whether you’re preparing for a new collection drop or updating existing product listings, symmetric edits ensure every item looks its best on your site, marketplace, or lookbook.

Here are a few of the most common symmetry fixes we provide:

• Sleeve alignment: Make sleeves even and consistent across your product images.
• Side-edge adjustments: Smooth and straighten the outer edges of garments for a neater silhouette.
• Curve reduction: Eliminate distracting bunching or warping in fabric curves.
• Detail alignment: Center and balance key details like pockets, drawstrings, zippers, or brand tags.

Wrinkle retouching is included by default with symmetry edits, so your final images don’t just look aligned—they look polished. This saves time and ensures your edits are cohesive across every SKU.

Get your edits today

With the instant pricing tool, you can submit and pay for your edits now and get them back in as little as six hours. That means you can send us your edits, go about your work day, and then receive the edits before the end of the day. It doesn’t get more convenient than that.

Ready to send your photo edits our way? Get started now—and get your edits back in as little as 6 hours.

Learn more

The post All the Photo Edits You Can Achieve With Path: No Photoshop Required appeared first on Path Edits.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to fix blurry sports photos—including methods you can use to sharpen and fix out-of-focus sports photography, as well as tips to ensure your next sports photos are crisp and clear.

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How to fix a completely blurry sports photo

A completely blurry sports photo is when nothing in the frame is in focus. This often happens in action shots. If this happens to you, there are several filters you can use in Photoshop to sharpen the entire image.

Using the Unsharp Mask Tool

Photoshop has a filter specifically designed to sharpen images, known as the Unsharp Mask tool. A blurry image can never truly be “sharpened,” but Unsharp Mask attempts to detect the edges of your photo by looking for side-by-side pixels that are different in color. Then, the tool allows you to adjust the contrast of those pixels and create the illusion of a sharpened image.

To use this tool, open your blurry sports photo in Photoshop. Make sure you have the layer containing the image you want to sharpen selected (in a JPEG, this would be the Background layer).

Next, choose Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask… from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window.

A dialog box with Unsharp Mask settings will appear. Within this window you can adjust the Unsharp Mask settings. These settings allow you to finely tune how much contrast Photoshop will apply to the pixels within your image. 

You’ll see a portion of your image displayed within the dialog box. You can use your cursor to drag until a critical portion of your sports photo appears in that image window. In the example below, we’ve positioned the cyclist’s face in the window.

Next, you’ll see three sliders: 

1. Amount: The Amount setting adjusts the increase in contrast between pixels. 
2. Radius: Radius adjusts the number of pixels along an edge that will be affected by the contrast increase. 
3. Threshold. Threshold tells Photoshop just how different those pixels must be from each other before they’re considered an “edge.”

Make sure Preview is checked so you can see how the image will change when you make adjustments within this dialog box.

Each image you adjust will have different settings for these three sliders, because no two images are identical. Play with the sliders until you figure out which combination of settings works best for your image without creating an overly contrasted result.

Once you’re happy with the final image, click OK.

So, it’s not perfect, but it is an improvement. 

Sharpen blurry sports images using High Pass Filter

Another Photoshop tool for sharpening blurry images is the High Pass Filter. In fact, you can use High Pass Filter and Unsharp Mask together to create an even sharper image.

To use the High Pass Filter, first duplicate the layer that contains the image you want to sharpen (most likely your Background layer). You can do this by clicking on the Layers panel menu (four little horizontal lines in the upper right corner of the panel) and choosing Duplicate Layer….

With the new layer selected, choose Filter > Other > High Pass… from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window.

Your image will go completely gray. You’ll only see the outlines of your edges in the image. 

In the High Pass dialog box that appears on the screen, move the Radius slider to the left to reduce detail or to the right to increase the details of the edges. Make sure “Preview” is checked so you can see the effects of moving the slider. In general, keep the radius at 7.0 Pixels or less so your end result will look natural.

Click OK.

Next, go back to your Layers Panel. Change the Blending Mode of the top layer to “Overlay.” (By default, the Blending Mode will be set to Normal.)

Your image will now appear sharper.

For an even sharper image, you could apply Unsharp Mask, and then a High Pass Filter on top of that. 

How to fix a specific area of a blurry sports photo

Sometimes, you want to capture motion blur and keep the visual effect, but you also want your subject’s face, or some other portion of the photo to be crisp. There are multiple ways to do this, including using selections, using layer masks, and using Photoshop’s Sharpen Tool.

How to use a selection and layer mask

Go back to the image you just sharpened using a High Pass Filter. Now, you’re going to remove the sharpened effects from every part of the image except the cyclist’s face—and then add additional effects to that area to create even more crispness.

Using the Marquee Tool in Photoshop’s Toolbar, draw an ellipse or a rectangle around the area of the photograph you want to remain crisp.

Next, choose Select > Modify > Feather… from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window.

In the dialog box that appears, type in a value between 100 and 250. This will give you the smoothest feather of your selection.

Now, go back into your Layers panel and choose the layer that contains your High Pass Filter. Click on the Mask icon at the bottom of the Panel. This icon looks like a black rectangle with a lighter circle inside of it.

Once you click on that icon, you’ll see a mask appear in your layer. It will look all black, except for the area of your selection, which will appear white.

You’ve now made it so the High Pass Filter will only appear on the area where you originally created your selection, or in the case of this example, on this cyclist’s face.

How to use the Sharpen Tool

You can sharpen the cyclist’s face even more by using Photoshop’s Sharpen Tool.

Select the Sharpen Tool from the Toolbar to the left of the application window. The Sharpen Tool may be sitting behind the Blur Tool or the Smudge Tool.

In your Layers panel, select your original laye—the layer that does not contain the High Pass Filter. Then, with your Sharpen Tool selected, “paint” over the areas of your image that you want to be a bit crisper. In the below example, we went over the cyclist’s eyes and mouth with the tool.

Like all tools in Photoshop, you have the option to adjust the strength and size of the Sharpen Tool in the Options Bar.

How to remove a blurry background from a sports photo

Sometimes a photographer will want a clear subject and a blurry background in a sports photo. However, there are times where a crisp background makes more sense. In these instances, it works best to remove the background altogether and replace it with a new image.

For the following examples, let’s use this image of a young woman holding a basketball.

Use AI to remove a background in Photoshop

The easiest way to remove a background is to use the “Remove Background” tool, which is part of Photoshop’s new AI tools. However, while fast, this tool isn’t always the best option, as you’ll see in a minute.

To use the tool, make sure the Contextual Task Bar is visible. By default, it is—however, if you don’t see it, make sure Contextual Task Bar is checked under the Window dropdown menu.

With the Contextual Task Bar visible beneath your image, you’ll see the option to Remove Background. Click on that option.

The result will be…okay. But not perfect. To really remove the background from an image, you’ll need to add a human touch.

Remove background using Select and Mask

Another option to quickly remove the background of your image is to use the Select and Mask feature in Photoshop. To do this, go to Select > Select and Mask… from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window.

A new window will appear. In this window, choose Select Subject. You can refine the subject by using the “Refine Hair” button and the tools on the left-hand side of the window, including the Magic Wand Tool.

Once you have your subject selected to your satisfaction, scroll to the bottom of the Properties tab at the right-hand side of the window. Change “Output to” to “Layer Mask.”

Click OK.

Back in your regular image window, you can now refine the subject more. For instance, Select and Mask didn’t do a very nice job of selecting the model’s hair, and parts of her left hand are cut off. You can fix this manually using Photoshop’s Pen Tool and Background Eraser Tool.

Refine selection using the Pen Tool

You can use the Pen Tool to refine crisp edges of your subject. 

First make sure you have the mask portion of your layer selected. Then select the Pen Tool from the Toolbar at the left-hand side of the application window and draw along the edge of your subject. Create a selection from your path, then delete or add portions of your image back in to achieve the desired edge to your subject. 

Use the Background Eraser Tool

Next, you can use the Background Eraser Tool to refine the hair of our subject. You can get to the Background Eraser Tool by clicking and holding down the Eraser Tool in the Toolbar.

It’s best to work in stages around the edge of the subject’s hair, so choose one side of the head to start on. Then, set your background color to the color of the background behind that portion of hair. Use the Background Eraser Tool to refine the edge of the hair and continue to change the background color as needed as you work around the entire head.

Once you’ve sufficiently removed the background from your subject, you can insert a new, crisp background into your image.

How to avoid taking blurry sports photos

While Photoshop offers many options to reduce motion blur, the best way to get a crisp photo is adjusting your camera and equipment settings for the scene you’re shooting. Take plenty of test shots before the event to get your setup close to perfect, based on subject speed and lighting conditions. Shooting in RAW instead of JPEG gives you more flexibility to rescue blurry or underexposed photos later. Even if you don’t have the time to spend on fixing photos, you can outsource photo editing to Path using your captured RAW images. 

Below are some simple but effective shooting tips to make sure your next sports photos are perfectly in focus.

Fast shutter speed

When you’re trying to capture a moving subject, you will need to use a fast shutter speed if you want the subject to appear clear, or “frozen.” How fast a shutter speed you need (and can use) depends on how fast the subject is moving, how much light you have to work with, and how wide or narrow the aperture of your lens is.

For subjects that are moving at high speed, such as running athletes, cyclists, or racing cars, you will need a shutter speed at least 1/1000 sec, and probably closer to 1/4000 sec. Different cameras offer different shutter speed options, and some new mirrorless options offer shutter speeds up to 1/64,000 sec.

If you want to create a blurry background with your subject still sharp, use the panning method. Reduce the shutter speed to create a blur and move the camera in the same direction as your subject when they move past you. It takes plenty of experimentation to get your settings and hand movement right, so don’t worry if you don’t get it on the first try.

Adjust light 

When you reduce your shutter speed (meaning you make it faster, such as going from 1/250 sec to 1/1000 sec), you reduce the amount of light that hits the sensor through the shutter. Therefore, in order to have a bright image, you need to compensate for the high shutter speed by raising the ISO, widening the aperture, or both. 

Taking photos with plenty of light is important to ensure that the photo comes out at the correct exposure, at the zoom level you need, without the increased film grain that can occur from high ISO values in low-light. Taking photos outdoors during the day will provide a lot of light, as will using a flash. Before you use a flash at an indoor sporting event, however, check the event’s rules for flash photography. Many sporting events don’t allow flash photography from professional photographers, unless they’re the official contracted photographer.

Reduce camera shake

Camera shake happens because even when you try to stand perfectly still, your hands naturally make tiny movements that can blur images. Using your camera’s neck strap pulled tight against your neck can add a bit of extra stability when shooting handheld. 

When you zoom in to your subject, you increase your focal length, and you need to increase your shutter speed to compensate, or else you risk your image blurring from shaking. For a still subject, your shutter speed needs to be at least the inverse of your focal length, so if you zoom in to 400mm, you will need to set your shutter speed to at least 1/400 sec to avoid camera shake. And then you will need to increase your shutter speed from there, depending on how fast your subject is moving and the available lighting conditions.

Most sports action shots are taken with hand-held cameras or with monopods. You’ll often see sports photographers with large lenses use monopods to support the weight of their kit, which still allows them to quickly move the camera around.

Many modern cameras and some lenses also have powerful shake reduction capabilities. Look for terms like ‘In-Body Image Stabilization’ (IBIS) in camera bodies or ‘Optical Stabilization’ (OS/IS/VR) in lenses. This technology can help you shoot at slower shutter speeds while still getting sharp images.

Let us fix your sports photos

While not every blurry photo can be saved, with the right tools and techniques, you can rescue many of them—and capture crisp, clear shots moving forward. 

Shooting, organizing, and editing sports photos takes a lot of time and work. Wouldn’t it be great if you could outsource the most tedious, repetitive aspects? With Path, you can! Send us all your background removal, retouching, and image masking needs—so you can get back to the creative work that really matters. 

Ready to send your photo edits our way? Get started now—and get your edits back in as little as 6 hours.

Learn more

How to fix blurry sports photos FAQs

How do you make sports pictures not blurry?

To make sports photography less blurry, use a fast shutter speed—ideally 1/1000s or faster—to freeze motion. Set your camera to continuous autofocus (AI-Servo or AF-C mode) and track your subject. Good lighting, a higher ISO if needed, and steady panning techniques also help capture sharper images.

Why are my pictures blurry in sports mode?

Sports mode usually tries to select faster shutter speeds, but it can still struggle in low light or if the autofocus isn’t keeping up with the action. Your pictures might also be blurry if the camera is focusing on the wrong spot, or if there’s not enough contrast for the autofocus to lock onto the subject properly.

How do I get my sports pictures sharp?

Use a fast shutter speed, continuous autofocus, and a wide aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) to let in more light. Track the subject carefully, and if possible, pre-focus on an area where you expect the action to happen. Shooting in burst mode can also increase your chances of getting a tack-sharp frame.

How do you take clear sports pictures?

Clear sports images start with the right camera settings: fast shutter speed, continuous autofocus, and an appropriate ISO. Also, practice good technique—like following your subject smoothly with the camera and anticipating the action. Using higher-quality lenses with image stabilization can make a big difference too.

The post How to Fix Blurry Sports Photos: Before, During, and After the Shot appeared first on Path Edits.

Luckily, resizing images without losing quality is easy once you know how. This guide walks you through how to resize an image in Photoshop without losing quality and all the other best methods—starting with what to consider before you begin.

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Preparing for image resizing

Before you resize an image, consider the following: 

• Aspect ratio: Make sure the image keeps its proportions so it doesn’t look stretched. Common ratios include 1:1 (square) for profile pics, 16:9 for banners, and 3:2 for product shots.
• Required dimensions: Every platform has its own size recommendations—Instagram Stories need 1080x1920px, while blog images usually fall between 1200px and 1600px wide.
• Resolution: Web images should be 72 DPI for fast loading, while print needs at least 300 DPI for high-quality results.
• Use case: Think about where the photo will be used. This helps avoid distortion and keeps your visuals looking sharp. Websites and online stores need smaller file sizes for speed, while social media platforms have specific size guidelines to keep images looking their best.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you start with a high-quality image. No amount of editing or resizing can make a poor-quality photo look great. 

How to reduce image size in Photoshop: shortcut

If you want a quick and easy way to resize images in Photoshop, follow these steps:

If you’re already using Photoshop, open your image by going to File > Open from the menu at the top of the application window. If you have just opened Photoshop, you can still open the image directly from the opening screen. You can also use the shortcut CTRL + O (COMMAND + O on a Mac) to open an image at any time.

Navigate through your documents until you find your image, and open it. Then, go to Image > Image Size in the top menu. You can quickly access the Image Size window by typing CTRL + ALT + I (COMMAND + ALT + I on a Mac).

In the Image Size dialog box, enter the new dimensions you want to resize your image to. Make sure the chain link icon (to keep proportions) is enabled.

If you are sizing an image for your ecommerce website, you will want the dimensions to be as small as possible without losing quality. A good rule of thumb? Keep images around 1000px wide (2000px wide if they are to fill the screen from side to side). You can keep an eye on the final file size with the “Image Size:” text at the top of the dialog box. In general, try to keep ecommerce images under 200K to ensure fast load times.

Next to Resampling, choose a method that works best for the type of image you are working with:

• Bicubic Sharper (reduction) is best for reducing the size while still showing a lot of detail
• Bicubic (smooth gradients) will produce the best images for showcasing flawless skin by smoothing edges
• Nearest Neighbor produces very harsh edges and emphasizes artifacts. Only use this if you want a grainy, pixelated look.

All other resampling options are for enlarging images, not reducing them. If you’re not sure which resampling to choose, stick with “Automatic.”

Click OK, then save your resized image (File > Export > Export As…).

For more control over file size and compression, Photoshop’s Export As… tool is a great option—covered in the next section.

How to reduce image size in Photoshop: Export As…

The Export tool in Photoshop is one of the best ways to shrink image file sizes without sacrificing too much quality. Whether you’re optimizing a product image, a thumbnail, or a homepage banner, it can balance image clarity with fast loading speeds.

Using the Export function in Photoshop is often comparable to the compression you’ll get from other tools, without the extra steps (or extra cost) of needing to access additional software.

Before using the Export function, set your ideal image aspect ratio in the top, left hand corner after selecting the Crop tool.

Once your image is cropped (if needed), resize and compress it using the Export function.

Go to: File > Export > Export As…. You can also use the Export As… keyboard shortcut CTRL + SHIFT + ALT + W (ALT + SHIFT + COMMAND + W on a Mac)

This opens the Export As… window, where you can fine-tune file size and quality.

Photoshop image resizing settings

Here are some of the image resize file size and other settings you can choose from:

• Preview section: See what your image will look like after export. Clicking on 2-Up allows you to see different options side-by-side 
• File format: On the right-hand side of the screen, you can choose what file type your exported image will be. JPEG is best for compression while keeping quality. PNG is great for transparency but results in larger files. If you have a simple vector-style graphic with no transparency, PNG-8 will give you a great-looking file at a fraction of the size of a PNG-24 (see below). If your graphic is animated, save as an animated GIF.
• Quality (for JPEG): When the JPEG file format is selected, you can use the slider to move between low quality and high quality. A compression level around 5 or 6 is usually adequate. 
• Quality (for PNG): When PNG is selected, you have the choice to choose “Transparency” and “Smaller File (8-bit)” If you want a high quality, transparent image (known as a PNG-24), check Transparency and leave Smaller File unchecked. However, if you need to compress an image heavily and transparency isn’t that important, choose Smaller File. This will allow you to export your file as a lower-quality, smaller-sized PNG-8.
• Image size: The dimensions of your image. If you know the exact dimensions you need, you can enter them here. Or, if you want to reduce the size by a percentage, you can use the Percent scaler as well. 
• Resample: This is how Photoshop “rebuilds” parts of the image’s data that are altered during compression. Any time you enlarge or reduce an image’s size, you’re going to affect the original proportion that the image had in relation to pixels per inch and dimensions. Bicubic creates smoother gradients, but does not allow for the most compression. Explore other options such as Nearest Neighbor (most basic and worst preservation of detail), Bilinear (usually better for upsampling), Bicubic Smoother (designed for upsampling) or Bicubic Sharper (better for downsampling/preserves detail).
• File size: On the lefthand side of the Export As… window, you can see the file size of the optimized image.

There’s no one-size-fits-all option here. When reducing an image in Photoshop, each image generally takes an individualized amount of tweaking to find the best image quality with the best compression.

Image resizing tools

Web tools to edit images and reduce file size

• Bulk Web Resizer: This site allows you to upload a batch of images and then resize according to your desired dimensions. You can also adjust the image quality to your needs (choose 100 if you want to preserve the original quality), as well as sharpen images.
• Canva: Canva’s free photo editor allows you to crop and resize images on its site. Additional free editing tools include flipping and rotating images, adjusting the color, and adding filters.
• ImageOptim: ImageOptim can be used in your web browser or via a Mac application. To shrink files, ImageOptim gets rid of EXIF meta­data, such as GPS position and the camera’s serial number — however, you can choose to keep specified metadata intact (which is essential to optimizing your product photos for SEO). There’s also a Lossy minification option, which ImageOptim says will result in the smallest file size possible, while preserving image quality. ImageOptim has pricing plans, starting at $9/month for 1,000 image optimizations.
• Kraken: Kraken has a web application and a developer API that can handle bulk image optimization and resizing. The simple web interface is free, and you can drag and drop photos or upload by entering the image URL. There are also different pricing options depending on how many images you work with and how frequently you need to reduce their size. Pricing is based on the total number of GB.
• Pixlr: Resize and also edit photos as needed. The image-editing site also has a free vector-editing tool, as well as free fonts and graphics you can use.
• pngquant: This tool will compress .png files to reduce the file size. 
• TinyJPG/TinyPNG: This site allows you to reduce the file size of your images. There are no editing features; instead, TinyJPG/TinyPNG focuses on compressing files to ultimately reduce the file size, stripping unnecessary data from your image.

AI resizing and compression tools

• Let’s Enhance: great for resizing photos for print and digital use.
• Squoosh: web-based, Google-backed compressor with advanced controls.
• Upscale.media: AI-powered upscaler for improving resolution.

Plugins that reduce image size within your CMS

There are tons of plugins on the market that make the image resizing process easier and more automated, all from within your CMS. Here are just a few:

WordPress

• EWWW Image Optimizer
• Imagify
• Optimole
• ShortPixel
• WP Smush PRO

Shopify

• Avada SEO & Image Optimizer
• Crush.pics – Image Compression and Optimization
• LoyaltyHarbour Image Optimizer
• SpurIT SEO Image Optimizer
• Tiny SEO Speed Image Optimizer

Tips for resizing ecommerce photos

For ecommerce product photography, maintaining high quality while optimizing file size is key. Here are some best practices:

• Recommended dimensions: Most platforms work well with 1000×1000 px for product images. If zoom functionality is needed, go for 2000×2000 px or higher.
• Aspect ratio: Stick to 1:1 (square) for product photos and 16:9 or 4:3 for banners and hero images.
• Compression: Keep file sizes under 200 KB for fast loading. JPEGs with a “High” setting in Save for Web are a good choice.
• Background: Use a clean white or transparent background to keep the focus on the product.
• Resampling: Use Bicubic Sharper for downsizing to preserve details.

Tips for resizing headshots

Headshots should look sharp and professional across platforms without being too large. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Recommended dimensions: For LinkedIn, company websites, or professional use, 400×400 px works well. For print or high-res needs, go for 1200×1200 px or more.
• Aspect ratio: Stick with 1:1 (square) for profile pictures or 4:5 / 2:3 for portraits.
• File type: Use JPEG for web (compressed but sharp) and PNG for transparent backgrounds.
• Compression: Aim for a file size under 100 KB for web use to prevent slow loading.
• Resampling: Use Bicubic Sharper when reducing size to keep facial features crisp.

Outsource your image resizing needs

Resizing images properly takes time, especially if you’re working with a large volume of product photos, headshots, or marketing assets. Instead of spending hours tweaking dimensions and compression settings, consider outsourcing to a professional image-editing service.

At Path, we specialize in high-quality image resizing, background removal, drop shadow, and more—all done by expert editors with precision and speed. Whether you need bulk resizing for an ecommerce store or perfectly optimized headshots, you’re in good hands with Path.

Need bulk image resizing done right? Try Path free—fast, flawless, and optimized for web.

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Image resizing and compression FAQs

Does resizing affect SEO?

Yes, large images slow websites, hurting rankings.

What’s the ideal file size for web images?

The ideal file size for web images is under 100KB for optimal performance.

The post How to Resize Images Without Losing Quality in Photoshop (+ Other Tools) appeared first on Path Edits.

Learn what the Magic Wand Tool is and how to select and mask in Photoshop with it. This Photoshop masking tutorial will turn you into a pro in no time.

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What is the Magic Wand Tool?

The Photoshop Magic Wand Tool is a quick and easy way to select and mask certain portions of an image, giving you the ability to alter one part of your image while leaving other parts intact. One of the most common uses of this tool is to swap out or remove the background of a product photo, leaving the subject of the image in place. 

The Magic Wand Tool works by selecting an area of solid color within an image. Once your selection is made, the Magic Wand Tool gives you multiple options for refining that selection. 

What is the Magic Wand Tool used for?

The Magic Wand Tool is a go-to tool when you want to display a product in various settings by showing it against different backgrounds, or when you want to remove a background altogether so your product stands on its own.

This is often the case for marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, which have product photo requirements of their own that outline the approved backgrounds your images can have.

How to select and mask in Photoshop with the Magic Wand Tool

For the following tutorial, we’ll be working with this photo of a soccer player. You’ll learn how to remove the background from the player using the Magic Wand Tool, so that you can later put the player into different scenes. The Magic Wand Tool is a great option for removing backgrounds on photos with a mostly solid background.

Step 1: Unlock the background and select the Magic Wand Tool

Before you can use the Magic Wand Tool, you’ll need to make sure your layers are set up correctly. Go to your Layers panel, located by default in the lower right-hand corner of Photoshop 2024’s application window. If you don’t see the Layers panel, you can bring it forward by choosing Window > Layers from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window.

Within the Layers panel, double click on the Layer entitled Background.

A pop-up window will appear, prompting you to rename the layer “Layer 0.” Click OK.

Within Adobe Photoshop 2024, choose the Magic Wand Tool from the Toolbar. By default, the Toolbar is placed to the left of the application window. The Magic Wand Tool may be hidden behind the Object Selection Tool or Quick Selection Tool.

Note: To select any tool that is hidden “behind” another tool, choose the tool that is in front, and then hold the mouse button until other tools are visible. Then, select the visible tool you need.

Step 2: Select the solid areas of the background using the Magic Wand Tool

There are several different ways to use the Magic Wand Tool to remove a background. We’ll start with the simplest method and work our way to more advanced methods as we refine our selection.

When you click on a portion of your image using the Magic Wand Tool, the tool selects the pixel you selected along with adjacent pixels of the same (or similar) colors. 

Once you have the Magic Wand Tool selected, you’ll see several different options in the Options Bar at the top of the screen. You can adjust the Tolerance of the Magic Wand Tool here. The higher the Tolerance, the more similarly colored pixels will be selected alongside the pixel you select with the tool.

For this example, we will keep the Tolerance at 10.

Click somewhere within the background of the image. The Magic Wand Tool will create a selection of all contiguous portions of your image that are roughly the same color as the background portion you selected.

The Magic Wand Tool did a relatively decent job, but there are some portions of the background (such as between the player’s legs and under his right arm” that are not selected.

To select areas of the background that did not get selected, hold down the SHIFT key and click within those areas that need to be selected. Holding SHIFT allows you to add to the existing selection without deselecting anything.

Step 3: Select other portions of the background and foreground

The ground in this photo is not a solid color like the background. It is, however, all varying shades of green. In order to select an area that is all about the same color but has a lot of detail, we need to adjust the Tolerance of the Magic Wand tool to a higher value. In this example, we’ve set the Tolerance to 50 and selected the grassy ground area of the photo.

The results are less than perfect, but if we were to make the Tolerance much higher, we might accidentally select portions of the player’s legs.

To smooth out the selection, choose Select > Modify > Smooth… from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window.

In the Dialog Box that appears, set the smooth value to something large enough to smooth out the edges of the selection but small enough to keep the integrity of the selection’s outline. For this example, we’ll set the value to 5.

Click OK.

The selection now looks almost close to perfect. Almost.

Step 4: Create a mask

Select the inverse of your current selection by choosing Select > Inverse from the dropdown menu or by typing SHIFT + CTRL + I (SHIFT + COMMAND + I on a Mac).

Now, your subject is selected (instead of your background).

Next, go to Select > Modify > Contract… to tighten the edges of the selection. This is to compensate for any artifacts that may have appeared in the selection when we smoothed it earlier.

Click OK.

In your Layers panel, look for the Mask icon at the bottom of the panel. It will look like a black rectangle with a white circle inside of it.

With Layer 0 selected, click on the Mask icon. You will now see your subject isolated against a transparent background.

We’re almost there, but there are a few things we need to fix before we’re done.

Step 5: Clean up the selection using the mask

As advanced as Photoshop 2024 is, nothing can match the human touch for perfecting a selection. In order to finalize your image, you will need to use your Brush Tool, and your judgment, to modify and perfect certain areas of your selection.

In Layer 0 of your Layers Panel, make sure you have the new layer Mask selected. When the Mask is selected, you’ll see a small, black outline around the Mask. Look closely as it’s a little hard to see.

Next, select your Brush Tool from the Toolbar to the left of the application window. In the Options Bar at the top of the application window, you can set the width and hardness of your brush.

If you have correctly selected the Mask icon in Layer 0, then the Foreground and Background colors in your Toolbar will be black and white. When white is the Foreground color, you can “paint back” portions of your masked image. When black is in the Foreground, you remove areas of your selection and they become masked.

For instance, in our example image, certain portions of the player’s sleeves disappeared when we created our initial selection. Therefore, using the Brush Tool, we can “paint back,” or add those portions of the sleeve back in.

Changing the size of the brush and switching between a white foreground and a black foreground, fix any edges of your selection that need finessing.

Other ways to select and mask in Photoshop 2024

Photoshop 2024 also offers another option for Selecting and Masking that may or may not be easier for you. Let’s start with the original image again to learn this second method.

When your Magic Wand Tool is selected, you’ll notice there are some selection options available in the Options Bar at the top of the application window. At the far right of the bar, click Select and Mask….

A new window will open showing most of the image erased. Don’t worry–the image is still there; it’s just been “masked.”

At the top of the screen, click the button that says Select Subject.

Photoshop will attempt to interpret and select the subject of your image. Though, as you can see in the image below, the results are not always perfect.

At the top of the window, you will find Add and Subtract buttons. These work to add to your selection or subtract from it using the modification tools on the left-hand side of the window. You can also control the size of the tool.

On the left side of the window are tools you can use to modify the selection. These tools are rather intuitive to use. 

The first tool, the Quick Selection Tool, allows you to grab whole blocks of color at once. This is a good tool to use to “paint back” the ball in the image.

The next tool, Refine Edge Tool, helps when defining or redefining the edge of your selection. Below that is the Brush Tool, which works just like the regular Brush Tool in Photoshop (and like the Eraser Tool when the Subtract button is activated). 

The Object Selection Tool tries to figure out where certain objects begin and end in your image, the Lasso Tools allow you to freeform select areas of the image, and the Hand Tool and Zoom Tool help you navigate around the image as you work to refine the selection.

Once you’re satisfied with the selection, click OK. You will see that nothing has changed in your original image, but there’s a “marching ants” selection around your subject.

Next, just like in the first method listed above, you’ll need to make your Background Layer into an unlocked Layer 0, and create a Layer Mask.

Whichever way you choose to create your selection, you now have your subject isolated from its background, and you can place your subject into whichever new setting works best for your branding needs.

When to use the Magic Wand Tool for your photos

Learning how to select and mask in Photoshop with the Magic Wand Tool is helpful because it’s a technique you can apply to a range of photos—sports, product, ecommerce, portraits, headshots, and more. Here are a just a few scenarios where it comes in handy:

• Show your subject in various environments. Help your audience connect with your subject emotionally by seeing it in a beautiful or familiar setting when changing the background. This can also help you prepare the image for different target segments, so you can swap out backgrounds that make more sense for your audience.
• Select your subject so you adjust its size or color without altering the setting in which it has been photographed. This means you can show different color variants for your product without having to take multiple photos.
• Remove the background from a photo so your subject stands out on its own.
• Create a white background image so you can list products on third-party marketplaces, like Amazon or eBay.

The post How to Replace or Remove an Image Background Using the Magic Wand Tool appeared first on Path Edits.

In this post, explore the ethics of photo editing, Path’s stance on the issue, and actionable tips to ensure your edits maintain a moral high ground.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Why ethical photo editing is important

Photo editing is more than just enhancing an image—it shapes how people perceive reality. When editing is done unethically, it can:

• Distort reality: Over-editing or misrepresentation can lead to misleading images, especially in advertising and journalism.
• Exploit labor: Many affordable editing services outsource work to underpaid workers in poor conditions.
• Violate rights: Improper handling of copyrighted materials or the unauthorized use of people’s likenesses can breach laws and ethical standards.

At the end of the day, ethical photo editing means treating images—and the people behind them—with respect. 

How to get ethical photo edits

Work with ethical service providers

When outsourcing photo editing, it’s important to partner with providers who treat their workers with respect and fairness. Look for companies that align with the following to ensure your edits contribute to positive change: 

• Fair labor practices: Work with companies that treat employees well, providing fair wages and humane working conditions.
• Transparent practices: Partner with providers that openly share their methods and values.
• Focus on quality over speed: Avoid services that rely heavily on automation or exploit cheap labor to deliver quick results.

At Path, we prioritize ethical practices, ensuring our team is supported and valued. We don’t just pay a liveable wage and comfortable working conditions—we proactively invest in our team and look for ways to invest in their learning and development as well as support their families and communities. 

Maintain the integrity of the image

Editing should enhance the original photo without compromising its authenticity. Edit the image so it stays true to the subject, rather than misrepresenting it. 

When it comes to photos of people, this is especially important as we become increasingly aware of image manipulation and authenticity. And in the case of product photos, authenticity can mean the difference between a returned product and a happy customer. 

When editing your photos, keep the following ethical guidelines in mind: 

• Limit adjustments: Focus on subtle changes like cropping, adjusting brightness and contrast, fixing unnatural imperfections, or correcting color.
• Avoid distortion: Refrain from altering key elements that misrepresent the subject. For example, don’t edit a product to appear different from how it looks in real life.
• Stay honest: Particularly in portraits or headshots, edits should respect the individual’s natural appearance rather than imposing unrealistic beauty standards.

Abide by all copyright and trademark laws

Ethical editing includes respecting the legal and moral rights of others—so you’ll want to omit certain things from your photos. Using copyrighted material without permission is both unethical and illegal, and editing such material without consent further compounds the issue. Always make sure the images you use are either your own or licensed appropriately. You don’t want to unintentionally steal someone else’s work. 

Remove identities

Privacy is another key consideration. If your photos include identifiable individuals, you may want to obtain their written consent before sharing or publishing the images. In some cases, this is even legally required. 

In cases where consent isn’t possible, removing or obscuring their identities is the responsible choice. Even if it’s not legally required, prioritizing privacy demonstrates respect for the people captured in your work.

Be transparent

Transparency also matters. If an image has been heavily edited, disclosing the extent of the edits is crucial, especially in contexts like journalism or advertising where the audience relies on the authenticity of the visual content.

Avoid AI edits

AI tools have made the photo editing process a lot faster and easier in many ways. But they also raise serious ethical concerns. 

AI lacks the nuance and context of a human editor, often making decisions that compromise the image’s integrity or misrepresent the subject. Plus, relying on AI can lead to the devaluation of skilled human labor and diminish opportunities for professionals in the industry.

When edits are done by hand, you know they’re executed with a certain level of care, artistry, and accountability that AI can’t replicate. While AI may be tempting for its convenience, ethical editing often requires the thoughtful touch of a skilled human editor to achieve the best results.

Work with a virtual photo editing studio you can trust

Our team of 300+ editors have edited more than 8 million images for 40,000+ businesses like yours. We do every edit by hand—no AI automation here. And with prices starting at just 25¢ per edit, it’s tough to beat. 

Not to mention, working with Path can make you feel good about the work you do. We donate 5% of our profits to our non-profit organization, the Anisa Foundation. The Anisa Foundation helps people in our local community access life-changing—and sometimes life-saving—care and support.

Ethical photo editing FAQs

Is Photoshop ethical or unethical?

Photoshop is a tool—its ethics depend on how you use it. Avoid deceptive edits that mislead viewers or misrepresent subjects.

What is the code of ethics for photo editing?

A general code includes respecting subjects, maintaining authenticity, and adhering to copyright laws.

What is ethical editing?

Ethical editing involves making truthful, respectful adjustments without misrepresenting the subject or violating laws.

The post The Ethics of Photo Editing: What You Need to Know in 2025 appeared first on Path Edits.

To help understand the impact of different headshot backgrounds, we chatted with two experts:

• Sarah Miller, Philadelphia-based commercial and headshot photographer
• Alycee Byrd, Greensboro-based professional photographer specializing in people

They’ll walk us through the best background choices for headshot photography in various industries and how each one can elevate a headshot.

30,000 sales and marketing pros get our insights, tips, and best practices delivered weekly.

Best backgrounds for headshots

White or light gray

Tried-and-true white backgrounds are common in headshot and portrait photography, as well as other photography niches. And there’s a good reason for it—it’s relatively easy to create a white background either in Photoshop or during the shoot, and it minimizes distractions, allowing the focus to be on the subject of the photo.

Depending on the lighting, your white background may actually appear off-white or gray, like in the example below.

Plus, these are easy to edit. “If you’re specifically talking about Photoshopping somebody into an artificial background, I have white and gray in my studio, so those are my starting points,” says Sarah.

Pros

• Clean with minimal distractions
• Easy to edit and manipulate for multiple uses
• Neutral and uniform
• Easy to replicate

Cons

• Can appear too stark or bright
• Offers little creativity
• Can blend in with white background websites and publications

Best for

• Real estate agents
• Investors
• People in the beauty industry
• LinkedIn photos
• Medical professionals

Black or dark gray or dark blue

For a more refined, sleek, and professional look, black, dark gray, or dark blue backgrounds are ideal. These darker tones create a striking contrast that immediately draws attention to the subject, giving the headshot a sense of authority and sophistication. These colors are commonly used in industries where professionalism and luxury are paramount.

Dark backgrounds give an instant luxury feel. It’s about making the subject appear strong and confident without overwhelming them with distractions. Plus, it adds a level of timelessness to the image.

These backgrounds work well in controlled lighting conditions, where you can sculpt the subject with light and shadow, giving the headshot a dramatic, three-dimensional quality.

Pros

• Gives an instant luxury feel
• Creates a powerful contrast between subject and background
• Timeless, classic aesthetic that suits professional industries
• Can help subjects with lighter skin tones or brighter clothing stand out
• Makes a strong impact without adding visual clutter

Cons

• Can be expensive to print
• Can feel too formal or intense for more casual industries
• May appear too dark on certain websites or platforms, especially if the subject’s clothing blends in
• Requires good lighting control to prevent the image from looking too flat

Best for

• Luxury industry professionals
• Travel and hospitality
• Finance and law professionals
• Executives and corporate leaders

Bold and colorful

Colored backgrounds can infuse personality into a headshot. It’s a trend Alycee is noticing. “I’m getting more requests for color backgrounds instead of white,” she says. “I can see more and more people are trying to express themselves in headshots.”

Source

Bright or pastel colors can offer a playful, creative touch while still maintaining a professional appearance.

Pros

• Adds personality and creativity
• Can help subjects stand out
• Eye-catching, especially for creative industries

Cons

• Risk of color clashing with the subject’s attire
• May not suit every industry, skin tone, or purpose
• Can limit versatility across different platforms

Best for

• Marketing and creative professionals
• Teachers
• University faculty
• Startups or entrepreneurs who want to express individuality
• Dating profiles
• LinkedIn photos

Brick

Using a brick wall, either indoors or outdoors, provides texture and a sense of authenticity to a headshot. This backdrop often feels urban, rugged, or grounded, making it ideal for certain professions.

Source

Pros

• Provides a warm, earthy feel
• Adds texture without being distracting
• Offers a grounded, authentic aesthetic

Cons

• Can appear too casual for formal industries
• Limited in color options (typically reds and browns)

Best for

• Coffee shops
• Vintage industry
• Musicians
• Artists
• Startup entrepreneurs

Natural outdoor setting

Outdoor headshots are often taken in parks, gardens, or urban landscapes, with greenery or natural elements in the background. These settings evoke calmness, openness, and authenticity, appealing to professionals who want to appear approachable and grounded.

Pros

• Creates a calm, open, and natural vibe
• Makes the subject appear approachable and down-to-earth
• Provides a unique, less structured backdrop

Cons

• Difficult to control lighting and weather
• Can appear too informal for certain industries

Best for

• Environmental professionals
• Outdoor or event photographers
• Scientists
• Musicians
• Artists
• Parks and recreation professionals
• Dating profiles

Contextual

Contextual or environmental backgrounds, such as an office, workspace, or other professional settings, lend credibility and relevance to a headshot by placing the subject in their real or perceived environment. These images make subjects appear more connected to their industry.

“The trend that I’m seeing in my community currently is solopreneurs, upstart businesses, and very small businesses are trying to look more established than they are or look like they have a higher volume or more trustworthiness even though they’re just starting out,” says Sarah. “So the most popular request I get right now is some sort of generic blue glass, a very current modern corporate shot.”

“They’re not stock photography so there’s no licensing issue because I own the copyright to the original background image,” says Sarah. “So even though they’re being photographed in my studio, which is very clean and very simple, they’re asking to be superimposed into a very sleek glass looking hallway that looks like great architecture behind them.”

Pros

• Creates a professional, “in the field” feel
• Gives context to the subject’s profession
• Customizable and can enhance a brand story

Cons

• Can be expensive to create or acquire custom backgrounds
• May look too staged or artificia

Best for

• Real estate agents
• Bar and restaurant professionals
• Entrepreneurs looking to establish credibility
• Service providers

Minimalistic pattern

Using minimalistic patterns, such as subtle geometric shapes or textures, can provide visual interest without overpowering the subject. This option gives a modern feel while keeping the focus on the person.

Pros

• Adds subtle texture and depth
• Modern and clean aesthetic
• Great for professionals looking for a fresh yet understated look

Cons

• Can be difficult to pair with certain outfits
• May not suit very formal professions

Best for

• Graphic designers
• Tech professionals
• Professionals in modern, creative industries

How to create backgrounds for headshots

“I have fun with it when I can, but I usually just use the seamless backdrop papers,” says Alycee.

You can rent, purchase, or make backgrounds for your headshots from other materials, too.

Poster board, fabric, etc.

Affordable and available in a wide variety of colors and textures, these materials can provide unique and creative backdrops. They’re especially useful for creating a DIY setup at home or for low-budget shoots.

Physical wall

Using an actual wall as a backdrop can be a great option, particularly if you’re looking for an industrial or modern feel. Brick, concrete, textured, or painted walls can add personality to the shot.

Digital files

Another growing trend is creating digital backgrounds, which can be superimposed in post-production. “Stock photography can become very expensive very quickly if you want to publish it on a national platform or even a global platform, or if you want to use it at a higher resolution,” says Sarah.

That’s why many photographers create their own digital backgrounds or shoot against a green screen to add in custom backdrops later. This method offers endless possibilities for customization without the hassle of physical backdrops.

Lighting

No matter which background you choose, lighting is key to making it work effectively. Whether you’re using natural light, studio lights, or a combination of both, proper lighting can ensure that the subject stands out and the background enhances the shot rather than detracting from it. For example, when using dark backgrounds like black or gray, rim lighting or backlighting can help prevent the subject from blending into the backdrop.

On the other hand, for brighter backgrounds, soft, diffused lighting works well to create a more flattering, even tone. It’s important to adjust the lighting to match the background’s tone and texture, ensuring that the subject remains the focal point of the image.

Edits

Post-production headshot edits also play a significant role in achieving the perfect shot. Whether you’re tweaking the brightness and contrast or swapping out backgrounds, editing can refine the final look.

With good editing skills, you can clean up the background, remove distractions, and make adjustments to better suit the client’s needs, ensuring a polished, professional final image.

Why backgrounds are important for professional headshots

A headshot is often the first introduction someone has to a professional. “The thing with headshots is you’re selling yourself,” says Alycee. “You want your headshot to make someone want to work with you.”

A well-chosen background directs attention to the subject, helping them stand out without overwhelming the image. The right background complements the subject’s attire, personality, and profession.

The background also sets the tone and mood. A clean white background may give a bright and approachable look, while a dark background can evoke sophistication and professionalism.

Plus, different industries may call for different backdrops. For example, a bright, colorful background works well for creatives and marketing professionals, while darker or neutral tones suit corporate executives or finance professionals. The background helps communicate what the individual represents.

Let’s get the perfect background for your headshot photography

The right background is more than just a backdrop—it’s a powerful tool that enhances your professional image and communicates your personal or brand identity. Whether you choose something classic like a white or gray backdrop, bold like a colorful background, or something more contextual and relevant to your profession, the background should work harmoniously with lighting, editing, and your overall presentation.

By carefully selecting the background that suits your profession and goals, you ensure that your headshot stands out and leaves a lasting impression. Let your background support your story, and let your headshot do the talking. 

Headshot backgrounds FAQs

What background is best for headshots?

The best background for a headshot depends on the industry and the message you want to convey. Neutral colors like white, light gray, and black are classic choices for professional headshots as they keep the focus on the subject and work well across various platforms. For more creative industries, bold and colorful backgrounds can add personality and stand out visually. Contextual or environmental backgrounds, such as office settings, also work well for professionals looking to incorporate more of their work environment.

How to make a headshot background?

You can create a headshot background using a variety of materials. Seamless paper backdrops are commonly used due to their versatility and easy setup. Other options include poster boards, fabric, or textured walls. Digital backgrounds can also be added during post-production with the use of green screens or Photoshop. The key is to ensure the background is neutral or relevant to the subject’s profession and doesn’t distract from the main focus of the shot.

What are the rules for headshot background?

• Keep it simple: The background should not compete with the subject for attention.
• Match the industry: Choose a background that reflects the subject’s profession.
• Ensure contrast: The background should contrast with the subject’s attire to prevent them from blending in.
• Proper lighting: The lighting should complement both the subject and the background to enhance the overall look.
• Maintain professionalism: Avoid overly busy or cluttered backgrounds unless it fits a creative or artistic purpose.

Do I need a backdrop for headshots?

While a backdrop isn’t always necessary, it can create a clean, professional look by eliminating distractions. If shooting outdoors or in an office, natural or environmental backgrounds can also work well, but a neutral backdrop is preferred in controlled studio settings for consistency and easy editing.

What is the best background for headshots?

For corporate and professional headshots, neutral backgrounds like white, gray, or black work best. These colors are versatile and ensure the subject remains the focus of the image. Creative professionals might opt for bold colors to showcase personality, while environmental or office settings provide context for certain professions like real estate or consulting.

What should be in the background of a headshot?

Ideally, nothing in the background should distract from the subject. The background should be simple, clean, and complementary to the subject. In some cases, minimal patterns, textures, or environmental elements like bookshelves in an office or outdoor scenery might be included to add context or character.

How to create a headshot background?

To create a headshot background, you can:

1. Use seamless backdrop paper in neutral colors like white, gray, or black.
2. Use fabrics, poster boards, or physical walls with interesting textures (e.g., brick or wood).
3. Set up a digital background by photographing against a green screen and adding the background during post-production.
4. Choose a location with a natural or environmental background, like an office or park, but ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the subject.
5. Adjust lighting to make sure the subject remains the focal point, regardless of the background.

The post How to Choose the Best Backgrounds for Headshots appeared first on Path Edits.