Workflow for Editing Photos
At the beginning of the year, I always like to organize. Whether it’s organizing a drawer or a digital folder, starting out the year “fresh” feels good! It’s good to have a plan in place, a method to follow.
It’s the same way with editing our photos. Using a specific workflow every time we edit a picture will help us get the job done well every time.
There is a certain workflow that has been proven to work best for highlighting what is good in a photo and diminishing what might be not so good. Here’s the “secret” formula.
- Crop, straighten, and resize.
- Correct any lighting issues (shadows, highlights, mid-tones).
- Eliminate any possible color casts.
- Adjust saturation if necessary.
- Apply any special effects (if desired)
- Apply sharpening, if needed
I hope you find this helpful as you edit your photos!
Karen Schulz
KarenSchulz.net
Comments (37)
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Yes please
Yes, especially to get more efficient so I can work it into my organizing times!
I wouid *love* a class on items 2,3 & 4. I haven’t a clue how to use those tools effectively. I know there is a “histogram” that (allegedly!) is to help figure out the light and dark extremes … but again, I don’t know how to use it.
What I would like to see is a photo with a specific lighting problem (or multiple problems because that’s how Real Life is) and what steps are done with what tools to correct that problem.
Such a class would be worth its weight in gold!
This is a great idea!! The answer is absolutely YES!
Yes for sure! The only step I am able to do reasonably well is #1. Would love further info on the other steps 🙂
YES! This is one of the things I need help with the most! Thanks Karen!
Yes, anything dealing with processing photos would be helpful….
Yes! I’m working on photos from the 70’s & 80’s, for a slide show for a memorial. So many of those photos have faded and lost color – is there any help for them?
Ditto what Shelley just said! Cropping is my only “specialty” on your list and I really want to learn more about the other steps to correct and save special photos. Your tutorials are excellent and I really appreciate you sharing your time and expertise with us.
Yes, that would be very helpful. Thank you for the tips.
Christine
Oh my goodness, yes! Please!
That would be so appreciated!
Do you have a tutorial on using masks? I love the way they look on pictures, but since I am relatively new to digital scrap booking, I am having trouble figuring out how to use them. Maybe I am just being dense!
Would love to have a tutorial showing us how to work through this “flow”.
Thank you so much Karen.
Oh, yes, I quite agree with Shelley Rodgers on the specific lighting problems, what steps and tools to use. So a class on 2, 3 & 4 would be very helpful.
Yes
I agree with Shelley. That would be super,i am always stuck when trying to get the right lighting on my pics
Thanks for your input, Mary.
Yes please. I am always interested in seeing how others get better organized.
Alright! Thanks, Deb.
Like Shelley, I could use more instruction on that historgram tool. I pretty much use those same steps but would love to have your take on them. It’s never too late to learn new things! I think a “class” on all the steps would be great!
Thanks for your feedback, Sue. Yes, the histogram is a great tool also!
It looks like there are a couple (and more) people that want to improve these skills. I know I struggle with shadows especially on people’s faces (under hats, etc.). what can i do to minimize them?