"My first step isn't a tool," she said. "It's duplication. I'd duplicate the background layer. That way, I can destroy the copy while preserving the original. Fear is the enemy of good Photoshop."

Maya didn't talk about channels, masks, or blend modes. She simply said:

He closed the laptop. "Last question. It's not about Photoshop. It's about the person using it. The client calls you at 5:55 PM on a Friday. They say the purple bag is actually 'aubergine,' not 'royal purple.' And the groom in the wedding photo now looks 'too happy'—they want 'a dignified nostalgia.' What do you do?"