I am running some photoshop workshops next month and thought I would give a little insight into some of my workflow when editing images.

At the bottom of the page are some before and after images.

For information on upcoming PHOTOSHOP workshops click here

The RAW image…

I will often process my RAW file (in the RAW converter) so that the image is flatter than originally shot. This will make the image appear flat. I only do this if I am taking the image into photoshop for further editing. This condenses the information towards the centre of the histogram and allows me to have greater control over the tones within photoshop. I always break down the image into ‘images within the image’. What does this mean? Well, it is important to understand that each element within your image has different tonal information. Working globally with adjustment layers may work well in one area of your image but make others too dark or light. You need to break your image down into separate elements and work with localised adjustments on the tonal information within EACH element. That means using masks for local, non destructive editing! With photoshop processing, the power of CURVES is unrivalled in giving you the most control over your tones. You can use the ‘on image targeted adjustment tool’ (this is the little hand symbol located on the curve properties box below) to locate the specific tonal information that you want to adjust. The curve can be used to lighten, darken or separate tones to create contrast. This can be a simple adjustment or an extremely complex one using a variety of selection and masking techniques.

Below – The layers palette with a series of named groups/folders to manage the multitude of adjustment layers used when editing/processing the various elements within an image. A good workflow is essential when processing your images in Photoshop.

Before and after images…

For information on upcoming PHOTOSHOP workshops click here

(Thanks to Sue from the Tea Set for allowing me to use the above images. See the tea set blog post here)