Photography Post-Processing Workflow Optimizer for RAW Files

Optimize a RAW post-processing workflow in Lightroom/Photoshop based on photo type, editing goal, and software to achieve professional results efficiently.

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Helps photographers handling large volumes of landscape, portrait, or event RAW files.

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We ask for photo type, editing goal, software preference, batch processing, computer specs, current workflow issue, and experience level because these streamline editing (e.g., global → local adjustments). These inputs speed up professional results. Limitation: the tool uses general workflows; personal style and monitor calibration heavily influence results.

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RAW Post-Processing Workflow for Action/Sports Photography

Brought to you by TheToolCollective.com

Advantages of RAW

1. Higher Dynamic Range: RAW files capture more detail in highlights and shadows, allowing for better adjustments in post-processing.
2. Non-Destructive Editing: Changes made in RAW editors do not alter the original file, preserving the integrity of the image.
3. Improved Color Depth: RAW files provide more color information, essential for dramatic and high-contrast images.
4. Enhanced Exposure Control: Adjusting exposure in RAW files yields better results than with JPEGs.

Workflow Steps

1. Importing RAW Files

• Use Adobe Bridge or Adobe Lightroom to import your images.
• Organize by date or event for easy access.

2. Initial Review

• Use star ratings or color labels to mark your best shots.
• Focus on sharpness and composition for action shots.

3. Basic Adjustments in Adobe Camera RAW (ACR)

• Exposure: Start with exposure adjustments to bring back any lost highlights or shadows.
• Contrast: Increase contrast for dramatic effect. Use the Clarity slider to add depth.
• Highlights/Shadows: Fine-tune to recover details in bright and dark areas.
• Whites and Blacks: Set points for a high-contrast look.

4. Color Adjustments

• White Balance: Correct for any color casts, especially under artificial lighting.
• Vibrance/Saturation: Enhance colors while avoiding over-saturation, crucial for sports action.
• HSL Adjustments: Fine-tune specific color channels to achieve a dramatic look.

5. Sharpening and Noise Reduction

• Use the Detail panel in ACR to sharpen your image. Focus on the Amount and Radius sliders.
• Apply Noise Reduction if necessary, particularly in high ISO images.

6. Lens Corrections

• Enable profile corrections to fix distortion and vignetting from the lens used during shooting.

7. Crop and Straighten

• Crop for better composition and to focus on the action. Use the Rule of Thirds for guidance.

8. Batch Processing

• After adjusting one image, select similar images and use Sync Settings to apply your adjustments across the batch.
• Export settings can also be set to export in high-quality JPEG or TIFF for sharing and archiving.

9. Final Touches in Adobe Photoshop

• Open images in Photoshop for advanced editing if necessary.
• Use tools like Dodge and Burn to enhance highlights and shadows.
• Create layers for non-destructive adjustments.

10. Export and Backup

• Export with high-resolution settings for final output.
• Back up your files in multiple locations (external drives/cloud).

Presets and Tools

• Presets: Create your own ACR presets for quick application of your preferred settings.
• Action Sets: In Photoshop, create action sets for repetitive tasks, such as sharpening or applying filters.

Tips for Efficiency

• Use a Fast External Drive: When working on a basic laptop, store your files on an external SSD for quicker access.
• Limit Open Programs: Close unnecessary applications to maximize processing speed.
• Regularly Update Software: Ensure Adobe Creative Cloud is up to date for optimal performance.

By following this workflow, you can efficiently process large batches of action/sports RAW images while achieving a dramatic, high-contrast look. Happy editing!

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The Tool Collective are a group of diverse and talented hobbyists on a mission to create thousands of ultra specific, and helpful decision making tools that help others who share our passions and interests. Whether they help with buying decisions, or give you expert level advice for techniques or methods, we will make it. When it comes to photography, most of us are amateur to enthusiast level photographers. We fell in love with capturing our adventures and travels, whether we are capturing scenic views and wedding photos, or filming our outdoor sports like mountain biking or skiing, we always have some form of camera with us. Here is a batch of highly useful and intelligent decision tools to help you pick the perfect lens or level-up your camera setup so it's perfect for your exact use case. Enjoy!

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Made with The Tool Collective's signature model. We combine an AI engine which process the user's input choices and runs it through our specifically designed logic and reasoning parameters for that tool to curate a precise and organized output. An enthusiast knowledgeable in the tool category designs the tools inputs and input choices, writes custom logic parameters, and defines the output format and requirements. The AI engine powers the system and creates a lightning fast, highly intelligent decision tool, which is always up-to-date with current pricing and publicly available information on whatever the tool is designed for. Combines all of the internets resources into one.

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