For the purposes of this guide I'll be using Photoshop CS4, but any version of Photoshop or any adequate photo editor should have similar abilities. You can download a free 30 day trial of Photoshop, or (and I don't recommend or condone this, but am simply pointing out the possibility) you can illegally download or torrent a full, unencumbered version of Photoshop.

The first thing I should say is that playing around with Photoshop on your own is one of the best ways to learn to use it: play with new adjustment layers such as photo filters, curves, levels, gradient maps, etc.

I'll be making this as simple as I can and using screenshots to simplify it, but if you don't understand something or want some extra help then feel free to reply, send me a message, or even email me.

=====Just a little reminder about your photo-taking=====
When you take your photos you should never overexpose (they should never be too bright). You can always brighten a photo that's a little too dark, but when the photo's too bright it becomes washed out, and you can't darken details that aren't there, so remember that a photo that's a little bit too dark is better than one that's too bright.

For this guide I'll be editing this photo to show you the progression:


>>The key is subtlety, don't ever edit too much.<<

=====Step 1: Levels=====

After opening your photo, the first step is dealing with the brightness of your photo. To do this, click the 'Layers' button at the top and go to 'New Adjustment Layer' > 'Levels' as seen here:

::::::The gray arrow controls the mid-range, most usually for the general brightness and has the most noticeable effect; sliding it to the left will lighten the shadows/picture while sliding it to the right will darken the shadows/pictures.
::::::The black arrow controls the dark-range, most usually for the shadows; sliding it the right will darken the shadows/picture.
::::::The white arrow controls the light-range, most usually for the bright portion; sliding it the right will brighten the light areas/picture.

You can use the 'Auto' button, though it doesn't always have a desired affect. Try not to slide the gray arrow too much, as it can increase the visibility of noise.

=====Step 2: Curves===== (For LookBook purposes, this should mainly be used for color correction)

The curves adjustment is, basically, for color correction or alteration. Just like adjusting brightness, there are also multiple ways to adjust colors, although the 'Curves' function is one of the easiest and most versatile ways to do so. To do this, click the 'Layers' button at the top and go to 'New Adjustment Layer' > 'Curves' as seen here:

::::::Playing around with the curves and markers is the best way to use this function. After playing with it a little bit, you'll begin to get the basic functionality. If there's a major color problem, such as too much yellow, then the 'Auto' button should easily correct this.


>>Quite honestly, for most photos and especially for LookBook purposes, this could be all you need for your editing process.<<

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=====Step 3: Gradient maps=====
Gradient maps are an additional way for color adjustment, albeight for more specific color combinations and coloring adjustments that are somewhat more difficult to come by through other means. They offer fantastic moods when used correctly, especially when altering the Layer mode and opacity. To use a gradient map, click the 'Layers' button and go to 'New adjustment layer' > 'Gradient map' as seen here:

With default options like these (highlighting my personal favorites):

I personally use the following settings, but playing around with different settings and options can yield some amazing results, although the opacity should be kept relatively low, around 50% or lower:


=====Step 4: Photo filters=====
Photo filters are a further way to adjust colors. They unite the photo and give an even coloring. Adjusting the layer modes and opacities can give some shocking effects. To add a photo filter, click the 'Layers' button and go to 'New adjustment layer' > 'Gradient map' as seen here:

With an options screen like this:

And a variety of options. Sepia is one of the most useful, although they all have their purposes. I often use a Sepia photo filter with altered settings just for another touch of color, as seen here:

Compared to the photo I started with:


These are very simple steps towards much better photos. Simple, but powerful, and that's still only scratching the surface of the Photoshop possibilities.

But keep in mind that while this short tutorial covered only 4 options, all of the following are great for photo editing:


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Lastly, remember that subtlety is key, and although you want a better photo, keeping it close to the original is always good. Too much editing is obvious and obviously bad, especially for LookBook. If your editing is too extreme, then maybe you should start over.

If you need any help with your editing, don't be afraid to ask me for help!

And please give me some feedback about this tutorial; I hope I helped! :D