preferred or recommended editing order or workflow: I apologize if this has already been discussed recently but is there any one particular order one should follow when editing photos?

raden Loc: Nettleton MS

I apologize if this has already been discussed recently but is there any one particular order one should follow when editing photos? For example, should one crop first then start into the different editing tools and methods such as tone, white balance, etc.. I shoot raw for about a year now and have always started out by cropping the photo first if it needs it and then I start adjusting whatever other editing it needs but not in any one particular order. One reason, is I like some of the controls in Nikon ViewNX2 better to start with and then on to LR3. I know everyone asks why not use LR3 for everything and maybe because I used ViewNX for everything in the begining before I ever had LR3 and I just got used to some of the features?? Should I be editing in any particular or recommended order other than my preference to shoot raw, edit and save in tiff and then jpeg if wanted? Thank you.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

No need to apologise at all.
I don't mind seeing this repeated at all to remind me what I should do.
I have trouble keeping my order consistent.
I tend to go to what I want to do, instead of what I should do.

There is a bit of variation but there are common themes.
I am sure someone can detail it better as I am only grabbing a quick moment to type this and I might not get it quite right
Noise removal, spot removal, curves etc and other adjustments, white balance, crop, sharpen.

Two main things you see recommended are noise removal first and sharpen last.
Although presharpening is gaining popularity with some workflows as well.
I am still experimenting there.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Or - here is a much much more detailed and comprehensive workflow that no doubt will be better than my suggestions.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/workflow1.shtml

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

raden wrote:

I apologize if this has already been discussed rec... (show quote)

This has been discussed frequently, but I don't believe a consensus has ever been reached, so the subject can stand one more review. Based on what make and size of Mac (preferable) or Win PC I am using, I usually try to work from a RAW file opened and saved as the largest TIFF I can manage. I can then create several different working models, saving each with an alpha-numeric title to distinguish them. My first edit is usually removal of unwanted artifacts (power lines, extraneous people, etc.; doing so is much easier on a large image. Levels are next, then cropping, followed in no pre-determined order by other editing. I always save the TIFF, but will probably print in JPEG. One of the reasons I like to work on large images is that I am always looking for the "picture within a picture" that might ultimately become a work of its own. I am one of those horribly organized persons that has thousands of pictures and dozens of projects I'll probably never finish. I'm very much a Pa Kettle type of person, "Gonna have to fix that one of these days......"

raden Loc: Nettleton MS

OK, Thank you. I never really thought about it until I read a little short text about a recommended order and wondered about it. I think I have been doing it all backwards plus I recently bought the NIK software and once I learn how to use it all, I will have to get my workflow in correct order. Looks like I really have been doing it all completely backwards! Thanks

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

raden wrote:

OK, Thank you. I never really thought about it until I read a little short text about a recommended order and wondered about it. I think I have been doing it all backwards plus I recently bought the NIK software and once I learn how to use it all, I will have to get my workflow in correct order. Looks like I really have been doing it all completely backwards! Thanks

Raden, the best way is the way that works for you. Don't try to copy another persons workflow; you can take tips from here, but develop your own style.

raden Loc: Nettleton MS

Thank you. I have been cropping the photo first to get the photo like I want it and then on to other controls. I never thought about it best to crop last. I suppose I should have learned this awhile back!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

raden wrote:

Thank you. I have been cropping the photo first to get the photo like I want it and then on to other controls. I never thought about it best to crop last. I suppose I should have learned this awhile back!

This procedure is really most effective if you are inclined to look for the picture within the picture. If you want to do that, it might be a good idea to use a cropping frame or make one from two cardboard "L" shaped pieces.

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

raden wrote:

I apologize if this has already been discussed rec... (show quote)

I have no problems with PSE starting at the top.!

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Here is another workflow article.
This one by Thom Hogan
http://www.bythom.com/workflow.htm

timwarduk Loc: Kislingbury, Northants

lighthouse wrote:

Or - here is a much much more detailed and comprehensive workflow that no doubt will be better than my suggestions.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/workflow1.shtml

Thanks for that Link, Tim :)

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Mogul wrote:

Raden, the best way is the way that works for you. Don't try to copy another persons workflow; you can take tips from here, but develop your own style.

I think this is the best suggestion!

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Hi all HHs. I have found that several editing tools in several different editing progs will increase noise - so I have been in the habit of reducing noise and deciding on how much to sharpen late in the process. What I have achieved by editing a pic may also help me to decide on crop, as the pic may have a different 'feel' so that comes last for me.
Delderby

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

raden wrote:

I apologize if this has already been discussed recently but is there any one particular order one should follow when editing photos?

For most images, I use LR, and I start at the top of the right column and work my way down.

CurreyPhoto Loc: Reddick, Florida

raden wrote:

Thank you. I have been cropping the photo first to get the photo like I want it and then on to other controls. I never thought about it best to crop last. I suppose I should have learned this awhile back!

There is no best way. Like you, I crop first. The reason is speed. By cropping you make the number of pixels your computer has to manipulate during the rest of the process fewer and therefore faster. Then I try to get the overall exposure right with some fine tuning of highlights and shadows, if needed. Then on to color balance, noise removal, if needed, and sharpening for whatever use the picture is to be put to. Finally, print or convert to JPG for screen viewing.