Post-processing is where a good photo can become great -- or go completely wrong. If you've ever opened a raw file that seemed unremarkable and then transformed it into a keeper, you already know the power of a thoughtful edit.

Coming to you from William Patino, this practical video highlights some of the most common pitfalls in post-processing. First on the list is relying too much on the auto button in software like Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw. While tempting, this shortcut often leaves you with adjustments that lack nuance and need extensive reworking. Patino advises skipping it altogether and starting with a manual approach, beginning with a subtle profile adjustment and then working through exposure and dynamic range step by step.

Another important point is avoiding global adjustments that affect the image's overall depth and realism. Patino explains how improper highlight and shadow recovery can flatten an image, particularly in dynamic lighting situations. For example, when brightening shadows or recovering highlights, it's easy to forget that these changes apply to every part of the photo, including areas where you might want to preserve contrast. He recommends using local adjustments instead, such as a brush with a high feather setting, to maintain depth and separation between elements.

One of the most valuable techniques Patino covers is the use of tonal adjustments to emphasize key areas. By selectively increasing whites or highlights, you can draw attention to parts of the image that naturally catch the light. This creates a pleasing tonal separation without overexposing or washing out details. Similarly, he suggests carefully adjusting contrast in the foreground to enhance texture while keeping distant elements lighter and less defined for a realistic sense of depth. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino. And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "

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