I am going to stick with this photo for my photo a day selection.  I can't get over how beautiful she is and how well this photo turned out.  The top two photos on the left are photos I have edited with presets from Pretty Presets.  The third photo is one that I edited on my own using Lightroom, there is not a filter on that particular photo. Editing takes time.  Using presets takes time.  Taking good pictures takes TONS of practice and learning to use your camera and find where you are confident also takes time.    I have found my editing skills improving with editing and presets in general but I am not going to lie... first you must master the photograph in camera, that way you never rely on the editing.  In my opinion, editing is like makeup.  You only use a little to enhance your natural beauty, same with a photo.  The natural beauty is in camera, editing is a way to add bits of color, contrast, shadowing, highlights, etc to enhance the natural beauty of the original photo.

My suggestion to you is start with the editing programs that come on your computer and begin to play with the contrast, exposure, highlights, clarity, shadows, etc and see how it changes the photo.  Over time you might want to upgrade to a software program like Lightroom or Photoshop.  Keep practicing with these techniques and find your style.  When your ready to add presets check out Pretty Presets!  They are really great and have truly enhanced my photographs.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun, like grown up coloring so don't take it too seriously.  Just relax, have fun and enjoy being creative.

Original photo on left, edited photo on the right.

www.prettypresets.com