Post Processing: Running at Optimal Efficiency
Once you have been working with your photos for a while, you will be able to learn some lessons about digital photography and its strengths and weaknesses. These lessons can be used to help you avoid any issues when shooting and how to adjust your settings and shooting technique so that you make the most of this format.
Efficiency
Make sure you save the originals that have not been edited! After you are done editing, save the photos. Don’t forget to save the originals. Trends change all the time, so your edits may look unattractive and tacky in years to come. An uneditable original allows you to make future edits based on what you know about photography and current trends.
Batching photos with similar images can make it easier to post-process them. No matter what program you use to batch or sync similar photos, all programs have the ability to do so. This will allow you to save hours and take you a bit longer to organize similar photos.
From there, it’s only one step to create your presets. It will be a time-saver to create your own presets. You will be using the same styles over and over again so you can save time. You may save yourself weeks of work by using the same styles you used five years ago.
Warnings
Post-processing is not complicated. Make sure you don’t convert to an incorrect colour space. When printing, you must always use the RGB or sRGB colour spaces. This is the format your camera uses to shoot. The CMYK format is not often used in photo printing. To avoid a surcharge on your order, convert the file back to RGB.
Digital photographers are compelled to shoot in raw because it allows them the greatest flexibility and produces the best end product. Although I agree with this sentiment, it is not always the best choice. Before you begin shooting, it is important to make the right decision about RAW. JPG may not be the best option, but RAW is. There must be a balance.
Editing Software
Although everyone hates the idea of it, you should at least read the manual before starting. Although the manual, help files and tutorials are often a little dry, they contain lots of information about how the software works. You might consider YouTube tutorials for your software if you want a more general approach that doesn’t include as many details.
You can instantly get feedback by importing your photos to an editing program. EXIF data can be used to give you insight into why a photo might not have worked. It is almost like touching photos when you work with them in post. You can feel the potential of a photo by using sliders. This allows you to make changes that will greatly improve your photos for the next day.
You may have thought that processing was an extra step that you didn’t have the time to do, but you are missing out on a lot. This is an additional opportunity to learn, improve your photos and become a better photographer. Post-processing is fun and can make a photo more interesting.
