For those that want an excellent workflow....

[coffee]

As some of you know, it was my winter project to sort, organize, rename, and edit all of my images which number almost 6 digits. Also I want to study Photoshop, and come up with a work flow that works. I've accomplished everything, but the work flow has eluded me for almost 4 months now. But, I finally have something in place and want to share it with you.

I came across a series of work flow videos about 3 months ago that I posted on here. I posted it as a possible work flow that when a member was asking about it. I was too hard for me to follow at the time so I never really tried it out. But knowing more about PS now, and being frustrated about not developing a work flow, not from lack of trying, I came back to this series and gave it another look. It seemed to all make sense now, and I finally put it into practice with very good results I think.

Here is a before and after of an image I took last weekend when me and Deb went out. The first one was edited the day after with my haphazard way, the second with this new method. I think you will agree that there is a huge improvement over just about everything in this image. The nice thing about this work flow is it takes you from start to finish, import to print, on an image. In the last two days I've processed about 10 images, and I can't believe the differance in all of them.

There is one huge improvement to the output sharpening that he fails to mention though that I will pass along to you if you are interested. Just PM me.

So if you are looking for a work flow that seems to work, give this one a try. It's a 17 video series and might take a day or two to get through, but it may be worth it to you to stick with it if you are still in search of that consistent work flow. Let me know how you get along.

http://www.metavophoto.com/blog/professional-post-processing-workflow/

[jonrayner]

Wow, there is quite a difference! I'll have a look at this link, thank you.

[coffee]

Most welcome.

I've had the chance today to really work this method, and it's very solid. While the wife and Daughter is away for the week, this is my week to take shots, and more importantly, work on the one's I have.

I've gotten PM's asking for more info on the sharpening improvement to this method. I will post something later to talk more about how this work flow rocks, and the changes I see that improves it. I've only found one so far.

But know that if you want to really improve the presentation of your images, and have a good editing program, and have the patience and time to put into it, this work flow is amazing. I've worked about a dozen images in the last 68 hours off and one, and only two I had to back off on and go on to a different one. That is a great average in my mind.

Here are a few of my images I re-worked. Please let me know what you think. This isn't;t the critique area, but feel free.

[ladyups]

Hey, Joseph. Thanks for the reminder about those videos...I had completely forgot about them and this would have been a super good time for me to view them. I'd like to know about the sharpening. I've always used the high pass way...but I'm always open to anything newer or better.

Mary

[coffee]

And yet a few more images edited with the new work flow. These are images that I already processed once before, but redone them with the new work flow and the differences are big. I didn't post a before and after on each, but I may if there is intrest.

As always, feel free to leave CC or changes you may see in my photo's no matter what threat they are in. Thanks for any comments or constructive criticism, that's how we learn right.

[dkippen]

I'm going to have to take the time to go through those videos. I have a ton of pictures to go through. These are very nice bug captures.

[ladyups]

These are great, Joseph...I'm slowly working my way through the videos and still waiting on that sharpening technique...:rolleyes:

I love the bird!

[coffee]

Thanks for the comments.

The one suggestion I have that comes at the end of this work flow with the output sharpening. When you get to the output sharpening, your image is basically done. What didn't make sense to me was that the video tells to output sharpen the image, which adds back in some noise to the entire image where you might not want it. It's usually the background where you notice the sharpening noise. So after the output sharpening, create a mask and invert it to hide the sharpening, and brush back in where you want this sharpening to occur. Unless of course you want the entire image sharpened.

[RushNP774]

So if you are looking for a work flow that seems to work, give this one a try. It's a 17 video series and might take a day or two to get through, but it may be worth it to you to stick with it if you are still in search of that consistent work flow. Let me know how you get along.

Thanks for linking to my post Coffee! I registered on these forums to tell you that I'm honored :D It's the first time anyone has linked to it in any forum. Glad it helped someone.

Your photos look fantastic, especially the "after" version of the bird you did after following the tutorials. It's amazing what a nice workflow can help you accomplish.

I just finished a post called Skin Smoothing in Photoshop (http://www.metavophoto.com/blog/skin-smoothing-in-photoshop/) that may be of interest to some as well.

If you, or anyone else have questions, and especially suggestions about topics you'd like me to write about, I'd LOVE to hear them. It's always fun to write about what my readers want to learn, so send em my way.

Thanks again!

[canasta]

Joseph - had to say BIG THANKS for posting this link.

I know its an oldish post but I'm finding tons of info on PP by trawling through all the sections.

The tips in these vids are going to save me tons of time and produce better results for me.

Of course, MASSIVE thanks for RushNP774 for doing it all in the first place.
:D

Oh...what convinced me to look at the link were the original examples you provided....such a difference!
Great work.

Edit...
You said "..and might take a day or two to get through"
Phew...you're not kidding!
I've watched them all twice now. There's SO MUCH info in there I'm going to have to watch them again but this time take notes. This has to be the best tutorial I have seen...and what makes it really nice is I could listen to his voice all day long. :)