PHOTOSHOP WORKFLOW



PHOTOSHOP TEN STEP WORKFLOW

1. Review images with a browser (Bridge, Lightroom, etc.).

2. Convert Raw File

Open Raw file with Raw Converter and set Workflow Options -

Depth: 16 Bits/Channel (this opens a file with trillions of colors)

Size: Choose largest file size

Space: Adobe RGB (1998) – use for color printing and as default color space

sRGB – use for small web JPG files - has fewer colors

Prophoto – largest color space, but outside monitor capability

Adjust image to preference using sliders - keep histogram “unclipped”.

Sharpen to compensate for the slight blurring effect of the low pass filter found in front of most camera’s imaging sensors. Apply sharpening while viewing image at 100% magnification. Hold the alt/option tab while using the sliders to best see the effect. (Use a Radius of .6 and Sharpening Amount of 40 for most images. Apply Detail and Mask to taste)

Open in Photoshop

In the Window dropdown menu, check the Tools, Options and History to show on desktop workspace. Crop and or rotate image if needed. Use the Ruler Tool to straighten horizon lines and use the Crop tool to remove extraneous detail and perspective distortion.

Adjust the picture's tone

Make both overall image adjustments to a photo's brightness and contrast using Curves (command M). Use the Lasso Tool to select specific areas that need additional lightening or darkening (Use command H to hide the “marching ants” and use command D to deselect the lasso selection). The Shadow/Highlight adjustment is used to open up dark areas and adding detail to washed out areas.

Adjust the picture's color

Overall corrections are best handled using Curves, with adjustments made to individual color channels as needed to remove or modify a colorcast. Make image color adjustments using Hue/Saturation (command U) to individual color channels in the Master dropdown menu. The Photo Filter adjustment can also help to remove or create colorcasts.

Reduce digital camera noise

If you shoot at your camera's higher ISO settings, you may notice noise patterns appearing in the photo’s shadow areas. Use the Magic Wand Tool to select the affected areas and correct using the Reduce Noise Filter. Apply while viewing Actual Pixels.

3. “Save As” TIFF File

Always save the master file just created as a TIFF File. Give the file a name and place it in a folder you create for all your finished images. (The original Raw file will remain for future use.) JPEG files compress data and throw away information.

Set Image Size

By checking Resample Image, you can create a larger or smaller image to print from your master file. For print making, 360 pixels per inch is the maximum resolution that can be reproduced, however you will see satisfactory results with lower resolutions for larger print sizes.

4. Sharpen for Printing

Apply the Unsharp Mask Filter before sending the file to print to compensate for detail that can be lost in the output process. Adjust sharpening while viewing at actual print size. Rule of thumb - small files require smaller amounts of sharpening. Never sharpen more than twice.

5. Print!

Follow color management practices to ensure accuracy from monitor to print.

It only takes the few adjustment tools and filters laid out in these 10 steps to produce beautiful prints and ensure a smooth, consistent workflow for every photograph you process. Each time you work with Photoshop, take time to explore the many tools available. By adding to this starting point, little by little you will master the print making process. Enjoy and have fun!

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