Basic Image Post Processing Workflow In Photoshop
I have written a few tutorials on different methods for optimizing images in past posts, but lately have gotten a few questions on the subject. I do not mind at all sharing my methods and ideas with others that want to learn more about optimizing their images.
So, while everyone uses different methods to acieve their goals in post processing, and the final result is always a matter of personal preference, I have outlined my basic post processing method using Photoshop CS3. I also use Nik Software's Capture NX2 for post processing, and often use both programs with the same image, but since more people have Photoshop in one form or another, I am only using Photoshop for this tutorial.
I'll begin with this Siberian Tiger from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. This is the original photograph, shot in RAW format, on an overcast day. I will show you how I would improve on this not-so-great flat looking image, and try to make it 'pop'.
Open Photoshop, and your RAW photo will open in Adobe's Camera Raw. A JPEG will also, if you've set your preferences that way.
Next, be sure the image is in 16bit, if it isn't, change it by clicking on the hyperlink under the image. (See the "Shooting In The RAW" link below for more on 16 bit images) Then make your basic adjustments. My adjustment choices for this image are shown here by the red arrows.
Then move to the Curves dialogue box, and make any other adjustments you see fit. Once you have it how you want it, open the image.
In this photo, I do not like the 'distractions' on the log, so I've used the Spot Healing Brush Tool to remove them.
Once your image is exactly how you want it to look, it's time to sharpen the photo. Sharpening should ALWAYS be your LAST step. There are various ways to do this, but in Photoshop I prefer the High Pass Sharpening method. I have saved it as an action in my Actions Palette, but you can also find it in the Filter menu under 'other'. If you intend to print the image, you will want to sharpen just a touch more than you think it needs.
My next step is to sign the photo. I have created a brush tool for this purpose, it saves alot of time. There is link to a tutorial on how to create a signature brush at the end of this post.
Before I can save the image as a JPEG, I have to convert it to 8 bits per channel.
Now, I save it.
But if I want to use this image on the web, or on a blog post, I have to resize it. If I'm working with one image, it makes sense to go ahead and resize it now, in Photoshop. If I am working with a group of photos, I will use an image resizing program, and do them all at once. I use Pixresizer, works great, and it's free!
Now I have my resized photo, but once reduced, I find it (always) needs more sharpening. So I go back to the High Pass, and sharpen just a bit more.
Original Image:
Processed Image:
Done!
As you can see, it takes time to process each photo, but the end result is worth the effort.
This is my basic workflow, depending on the image, there are other things I may choose to do, but this should help get you started. Feel free to let me know if you have questions - if I know the answer, I will be happy to answer them for you.
My heart is in nature photography, so I typically use such photos for examples, but the method applies to real estate photography as well.
As I say, there is no one way to get the job done, so if you have other methods and techniques, please feel free to share them here. I am always eager to learn something new!
Happy PhotoBlogging!
Other posts you might find helpful:
How to Create a Signature Brush in Photoshop
Photoshop Tutorial - Creating a Frame in Photoshop CS
Photoshop Tutorial - Removing Unwanted "Stuff" -The Patch Tool
Active Rain Photo Blog - Watermarking Your Photographs
Create an Action For Your Watermark
Sharpen Your Photos for Your Blog
Converting Color to Black and White - Photography - NX2
Photography - Simple Lighting Techniques - Improvize!
Photography - Metering the Shot - Sounds Complicated, But It Isn't!
Graduated Neutral Density Filters For Better Listing Photos
Shooting in the RAW - Now why would you do THAT?
Do You Format Your Camera's Memory Cards? You Should!
Photographing People In a Public Place - What is the Law?
Do You Print Your Photos? Something You Should Know About Aspect Ratio
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