Curves are a fundamental component of Photoshop’s editing toolbox, and one pro says, “if you’re not using them you are seriously missing out.” These tools have the ability to significantly enhance dull photos, accentuate mood and drama, and fine-tune color balance with precision.

In this tutorial from The School of Photography YouTube channel, a leading source of education in the UK, you’ll gain a sold understanding of how Curves work in Photoshop to manipulate tonal values and breathe new life into your digital images.

Instructor Marc Newton says that once you understand Curves, and know how to use to use them, they’re really easy to employ. And by doing that, “your images will really sing.” While Newton uses Photoshop for this demonstration, Curves are also available in Lightroom and other popular post-processing software.

Newton demonstrates the power of Curves on both a landscape photo and a portrait image, and we think you’ll be impressed with the quick results he achieves. By the time you’re done watching this 18-minute lesson, you’ll be able to make equally significant enhancements yourself.

He begins with the landscape shot and explains why it’s best to use adjustment layers when working with Curves in Photoshop. That’s primarily because this approach is a “non-destructive” one that permits do-overs if necessary. Newton says the primary use for Curves is to give images more contrast. But by watching him work you’ll see that there’s a lot more this powerful method can do if you understand a bit about color.

Newton first demonstrates how the standard S-Curve works to easily adjust contrast, and then moves on to other important adjustments for enhancing the photo and giving it more punch. He also explains how to break Curves down into color channels and color-grade an image.

Newton then pulls up his portrait and walks you through the rehabilitation process, while explaining some of the finer points of using Curves. The “problem” with this shot is that the lovely model looks quite nice, but the light is rather boring. Or a Newton puts it, “the photo lacks a feeling.”

Once again, Curves adjustments come to the rescue. This time it’s the color grading, not contrast modifications, that make the biggest difference. And Newton walks you through every step of the straightforward process.

After watching the video head over to The School of Photography’s comprehensive YouTube channel where there is much more to learn.

Then be sure to check out the helpful tutorial we posted earlier, explaining how to install and use Photoshop Actions for a faster, more efficient photo-editing workflow.

There’s no denying that landscape photography can be really difficult, with ever-changing light, complicated scenes, and unpredictable weather. As a result, we all make mistakes—and this holds true for amateurs and pros alike.

In fact, one of our favorite nature shooters admits to failing more than once or twice, and in the quick video below he discusses seven common landscape photography errors and how to fix them to turn how-hum images into great ones. Rather than feeling discouraged when you screw things up, think of it as a learning experience and try not to make the same mistake twice.

Nigel Danson is an accomplished British landscape photographer who regularly shares his adventures in the UK and U.S., with the goal of helping others improve their work. The topics he covers in today’s episode include everything from inappropriate gear, and composition errors, to technical mistakes and more.

At the top of his list is the importance of thoroughly understanding your equipment and trusting it to perform as intended. This involves more than just reading a manual, but actually studying, testing, and experimenting with all the settings and features your camera offers—even those you don’t use on a regular basis. Otherwise you’re likely to miss a fleeting shot while fumbling around to find what you want.

Danson also urges you to check your images in the field, looking for errors in focus, exposure and the like, “whilst there’s still time to do something about it.” Otherwise you’ll have to spend a lot of time correcting mistakes during the editing process when you return home. In other words, take time to review images on your camera’s LCD while zooming in to thoroughly evaluate your shots.

Failures also result from choosing a lens with the wrong focal length for the task at hand. One example is the temptation to always reach for a wide-angle lens when photographing landscapes. Here Danson demonstrates how you will often capture more compelling photos by shooting with a longer focal length—even if you have to position yourself a bit further back from the scene.

Other mistakes covered in the lesson include “wasting the foreground,” and always shooting at low ISO settings. Danson also discusses how over-editing your photos can be very counterproductive.

All serious landscape photographers should spend some time on Danson’s YouTube channel, which is full of great shooting and editing advice.

And don’t miss the tutorial we posted from another skilled pro, explaining how to use back-button focus for sharper images when shooting outdoors.