10 Photoshop NO NO's

I will be the first to admit that I used to go hog wild when it came to editing when I learned a new technique or got a new tool or learned a new tool.
So I have put together a list of NO NO's when it comes to editing....but first.
STRIVE to get the best image out of camera to begin with.
I remember a time when I would say "oh I will just fix that in post process" or "I'll just remove that in photoshop".
WHEN you learn how to do it in camera it will save you so much time in the long run.
With that here are MY 10 Photoshop NO NO's

#1.
Excessive Retouching.
While retouching is great, and needed...less is more.
There is a way to retouch acne, and blemishes to make it look natural. Learn that.
Don't remove all the imperfections unless the client asks.
Don't remove every wrinkle in a persons face, those are fabulous time lines and many and MOST people are okay with their wrinkles.
It's okay to not have Barbie skin.

#2
SCARY EYES.
Eeek.
I will be the first to admit that I had a problem retouching eyes.  I wanted them to POP...but oh my good gravy, I look back at my early EARLY stuff and I want to cringe.
It's okay to want to make the eyes a little more crisp, but there is a pretty THICK line between the two.
Just say no!

#3.
OVER USE OF ACTIONS.
Actions are great.  I use actions all the time.  HECK I CREATE ACTIONS.
But not every photo needs an action.
Not every action is for every photo.
You do not need to use EVERY ACTION on EVERY PICTURE.
When running an action you might want to mask off a layer, or mask of the action on a part of the photo.
Also using the opacity slider can help create a more natural look when it comes to using actions.
Actions are not a blanket excuse for good in camera skill and good post process skill.

#4.
Over Saturation.
I know we all want our photos to pop and be bold, and the color to be rich.  But rich is not cartoon like.
There is no need to make the colors neon or glow in the dark.
My best advice is to use a light hand.
(You'll thank me later.)

#5
Selective Coloring
Nothing says "I am new at Photoshop" more then Selective Color....and selective coloring outside the lines at that.
Just don't do it.  I know it's hard, but it will first date your work and second scream to everyone..."look I learn a new trick."
It's okay to step away from the selective coloring and just say no...Say it with me..JUST SAY NO.

#6.
Heavy Vignette
Need I say more?

#7.
Blown Out Skin Tone.
I don't know why people do this one.
A person is supposed to have a bridge on their nose.....keep it.

 #8.
Over use of textures.
While I love textures, there is a right way and a wrong way to use textures.
THIS IS THE WRONG WAY.
Learn how to mask off textures, learn how to use the opacity slider, learn how to NOT USE THEM ON EVERY PICTURE.
You can do it...I know you can.

#9.
Sunflares where sunflares don't go or obviously wouldn't be.
I love a good sunflare.
I love adding additional light to my photo.
But if the sun is NOT really there, or there is NO WAY ON THIS GREEN EARTH that you would naturally capture it...it's best to stay away from it.

#10.
Too Dark.
Yes moody edits are fabulous, but stay away from making your photograph look like you just completely underexposed your image.

I know these are extreme examples, but sometimes we have to show the extreme to really understand it.

You can retouch skin, pop eyes, use an action an add a texture to the same photo...but the key is to use a LIGHT HAND when doing so.

{oh and please..no hate mail}