Describe the steps involved in performing basic image manipulation and retouching techniques in Photoshop.

Performing basic image manipulation and retouching techniques in Photoshop involves a series of steps that allow you to enhance, correct, and modify images to achieve the desired result. Here is a comprehensive guide outlining the typical steps involved in basic image manipulation and retouching:

1. Open the image: Launch Adobe Photoshop and open the image you want to manipulate or retouch. You can go to "File" > "Open" and browse for the image file on your computer.
2. Duplicate the background layer: To maintain the original image intact, it's good practice to create a duplicate layer. Right-click on the background layer in the Layers panel and select "Duplicate Layer." This ensures that you can always refer back to the original image if needed.
3. Adjust brightness and contrast: Use the "Brightness/Contrast" adjustment to enhance the overall tonal range of the image. Go to "Image" > "Adjustments" > "Brightness/Contrast." Drag the sliders to adjust the brightness and contrast until you achieve the desired look.
4. Correct colors with the Levels or Curves adjustment: To correct color imbalances, you can use either the "Levels" or "Curves" adjustment. Both allow you to adjust the tonal range and balance the colors. Experiment with the sliders to achieve the desired color correction.
5. Remove imperfections with the Spot Healing Brush: Use the "Spot Healing Brush" tool to remove small imperfections such as blemishes, dust spots, or scratches. Select the tool from the toolbar, adjust the brush size as needed, and simply click on the imperfections to let Photoshop intelligently replace them with surrounding pixels.
6. Smooth skin using the Healing Brush or Clone Stamp: If you want to retouch portraits or smooth out skin textures, you can use the "Healing Brush" or "Clone Stamp" tool. These tools allow you to sample a nearby area and apply it to the desired area, seamlessly blending in the retouching. Take care to avoid overdoing it and maintain a natural look.
7. Enhance details with the Sharpening tool: The "Sharpen" tool can be used to enhance the details and sharpness of specific areas in the image. Select the tool from the toolbar and adjust the brush size and strength. Carefully brush over the areas you want to sharpen, taking care not to overdo it and introduce artifacts.
8. Crop and straighten the image: If needed, use the "Crop" tool to adjust the composition or remove unwanted parts of the image. Additionally, you can straighten the image using the "Straighten" tool, aligning it with a horizontal or vertical reference line.
9. Apply filters for creative effects: Photoshop offers a wide range of filters that can be applied to images to create various creative effects. Experiment with filters such as "Gaussian Blur," "Lens Flare," or "Oil Paint" to add artistic touches to your image. Apply filters non-destructively by converting the layer to a Smart Object first.
10. Save and export the final image: Once you are satisfied with the image manipulation and retouching, save your work. Use "File" > "Save" or "File" > "Save As" to save the project file in Photoshop format (.PSD) if you want to retain the layer structure. Additionally, you can export the final image in a desired format such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF using "File" > "Export" or "File" > "Save As" and selecting the appropriate file format.

Remember, these steps provide a general framework for basic image manipulation and retouching in Photoshop. The specific techniques and tools you use may vary depending on the desired outcome and the characteristics