Post-Processing

Philosophy, workflow, RAW vs JPEG, local corrections, color consistency, print preparation.

Philosophy: Enhance rather than fix

Relying on software to 'save' an underexposed or poorly framed image distracts from the essential: anticipating at the moment of capture. Optimal post-processing amplifies the impact of a solid technical base: micro-adjusting densities, guiding the eye, enhancing important textures, and harmonizing the palette. Less fixing = more creative energy.

RAW vs JPEG

RAW Strengths

Increased exposure latitude (recover highlights & shadows).
Neutral color profile, easy to style.
Bit depth → smooth transitions in skies and gradients.
Ability to revisit a file years later with new tools.

Limits / pitfalls

Does not fix a poor composition.
'I'll fix it later' delays field learning.
Aggressive processing can create halos/banding.
Longer sorting time if unfiltered accumulation.

Use RAW as a quality margin, not as an excuse for haste. A well-thought-out JPEG often beats a poorly 'saved' RAW.

Structured workflow

Ingestion & sorting: import, keywords, immediate removal of blurs and duplicates.
Basic adjustments: white balance, global exposure, soft contrast, neutral color profile.
Targeted tonal adjustments: highlights, shadows, whites, blacks → micro-balance without crushing dynamics.
Optical corrections: distortion, unwanted vignetting, chromatic aberrations.
Cleaning: sensor (spots), distracting elements.
Local adjustments: masks to guide the eye (darken edge, enhance subject).
Style/harmonization: subtle color grading, selective saturation calibration.
Final sharpening: output sharpening adapted (web/print) + correct ICC profile export.

Tip: separate 'technical' and 'style' in two distinct passes to limit drift of intent.

Common mistakes

Over-recovering shadows

Shadows turning washed-out gray → loss of volume. Leave some mystery.

Uniform saturation

All colors boosted = visual struggle. Prioritize 1–2 dominant hues.

Excessive clarity/texture

Micro-contrast everywhere → eye fatigue + increased noise.

HDR halos

Artificial bright edges around mountains/trees after aggressive blending.

Over-smoothing

Noise reduction that plasticizes surfaces and removes subtle details.

Systematic cropping

Relying on cropping instead of composing in the field reduces useful resolution.

Reasoned framing & corrections

Slightly correcting the horizon or straightening a vertical line is legitimate. Completely recomposing a scene because the initial frame was lazy dilutes visual discipline. Get used to 'finishing' 90% of your composition at capture: cropping then becomes a micro-balancing tool, not a crutch.

Intentional color

Decide early if your rendering favors documentary neutrality, warm mood, minimalist cool palette, or complementary contrast (cyan/orange, violet/gold). Stabilize the initial white balance, then modulate midtones with 'color grading' tools or channel curves. Limit overall saturation and locally reinforce key touches to guide the eye.

Visual style

Develop a coherent stylistic approach by experimenting with color palettes, textures, and compositions. Take inspiration from visual references, but avoid copying. Seek to express your unique vision through thoughtful stylistic choices.

Print/output

Color space: work in wide gamut (ProPhoto/Adobe RGB), export sRGB (web) or ICC paper profile (print).
Soft proofing: check for out-of-gamut color clipping.
Output sharpening: apply after resizing, parameter adapted (web/matte/glossy).
Noise management: treat before final sharpening to avoid halos.
Archiving: keep RAW + non-destructive master file (XMP, catalog or layered .psd/.tif).

Quick checklist

Correct exposure at capture?
White balance decided and consistent.
Basic technical correction done (distortion, CA).
Extreme densities checked (no unnecessary blown highlights).

Local masks guiding the eye.
No excess saturation/clarity.
Sharpening adapted to the final medium.
Clean filename / metadata.

In summary

The higher the initial quality (light read correctly, clear composition, controlled exposure), the lighter, faster, and more consistent the post-processing becomes. Aim for a lively yet credible rendering: breathing contrast, prioritized colors, details present only where they serve the story. Software is an extension of your vision, not a backup plan.