My Workflow for Editing Pictures with a Mindful Approach to AI
As a seasoned photographer with a decade of experience capturing the beauty of wildlife and the professionalism of corporate settings, I’ve honed my editing workflow in Adobe Lightroom to ensure each image is polished to perfection. Here’s a semi-detailed look into my process, emphasizing the careful integration of AI tools to enhance, not overshadow, my creative vision.
Step 1: Importing and Organizing
The first step in my workflow is importing the RAW files into Lightroom. I try to create a new catalog for each project to keep my work organized. During import, I apply metadata presets that include copyright information and keywords relevant to the shoot. This step is crucial for maintaining an organized library, especially when dealing with thousands of images.
Step 2: Culling the Best Shots
Culling is the process of selecting the best images from a shoot. I use the star rating system in Lightroom to quickly mark the standout photos. This helps streamline the editing process by focusing only on the images that have the most potential.
Step 3: Basic Adjustments
Once the selection is made, I start with basic adjustments in the Develop module. This includes:
Exposure: Adjusting the overall brightness of the image.
Contrast: Enhancing the difference between light and dark areas.
White Balance: Correcting any color casts to ensure natural tones.
Highlights and Shadows: Recovering details in the brightest and darkest parts of the image.
Clarity and Vibrance: Adding midtone contrast and boosting colors without oversaturation.
Step 4: Advanced Editing
After the basic adjustments, I move on to more advanced edits:
Tone Curve: Fine-tuning the contrast and brightness.
HSL/Color: Adjusting specific color ranges to achieve the desired look.
Detail: Sharpening the image and reducing noise, especially important for wildlife shots taken in low light.
Step 5: Local Adjustments
Local adjustments allow for precise control over specific areas of the image. I use tools like the Graduated Filter, Radial Filter, and Adjustment Brush to enhance or correct parts of the photo. For example, I might brighten the eyes in a portrait or add a vignette to draw attention to the subject.
For blemishes, my rule for removing them is; If it’s going to be gone in a couple weeks, it’s fair to remove. Otherwise, leave it or create a subtle softness to draw attention away. If a client asks me to make certain edits, I’ll always consider it if it maintains their natural look and is realistic.
Step 6: Mindful Use of AI
While AI tools in Lightroom, such as the Enhance Details feature, can be incredibly powerful, I use them sparingly to maintain the authenticity of my images. Here’s how I approach AI:
Enhance Details: This AI-driven tool can improve the resolution of RAW files. I use it selectively on images where fine detail is crucial, like bird feathers or intricate textures. Sometimes I will need to create a larger file when the image will be used in a large format.
AI Masking: Lightroom’s AI can automatically detect and mask subjects. I use this feature to save time but always refine the mask manually to ensure accuracy.
Noise Reduction: AI-based noise reduction is helpful for high ISO images. However, I balance it carefully to avoid losing important details.
Get it right in-camera: I always try to get it right before taking the shot. I don’t approach any shoot with “we’ll fix it in post”. However, this is much easier when it’s a planned shoot. Sometimes conditions don’t allow for this, like an event in a dark venue or a marathon scheduled before sunrise. Fast moving subjects moving in and out of different types of light can prove to be difficult. This is where experience and knowledge come into play.
Step 7: Final Touches and Exporting
The final step involves adding any finishing touches, such as cropping for composition. I then export the images in the required formats, ensuring they are optimized for their intended use, whether for web, print, or social media.
Conclusion
Editing in Lightroom is a blend of technical skill and artistic vision. By following a structured workflow and being mindful of AI tools, I ensure that each image reflects my unique style while maintaining the highest quality. Whether capturing the elegance of a corporate headshot or the vibrant life of a bird in flight, this approach helps me deliver stunning results every time.
I hope this gives you a comprehensive look into my Lightroom editing process. If you have any questions or need further details, feel free to reach out! Happy editing! 📸
