BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

What are the basic Post-Production Steps For Raw ?

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June 30, 2008

http://photoshopnews.com/stories/downloads/whatsnewinPSCS3.pdf

I am using Photoshop CS3 and the newer ACR on CS3 is really good. It also follows in a logical layout from top to bottom where you can start with White Balance, Temp & Tint, then you have several sliders below for Exposure, fill light, recovery, brightness & contrast. I use any combination of these settings to get pretty close to what I want. You also have the "Auto" button to see what PS thinks the exposure should be but I rarely agree with its prefernces but sometimes click it just to see what it thinks. After making my adjustments in the first tab, I will usually click on the next tab with curves and sometimes make a slight adjustment there and then you can keep clicking through the tabs for things like vignetting and selective coloration controls. But most of my initial adjustments are done on that 1st page as it is usually enough to make the image the way I want it.
Actions would be the fastest way to convert a batch of raw images but you will also get the same result for all of the images doing it this way.
"Actions" is an automated system of tweaking a single or batch of raw images at one time. I cannot remember off the top of my head (I am at my work computer) the details of how to create an action and there are a lot of variables that you can throw in with any you create such as a stop action on a specific adjustment (like curves) that you would rather hand tweak each image as it processes rather than use a preset adjustment.
There's so much to learn about Photoshop, layers & Raw processing and I have taken 4 courses from Better Photo over the last couple of years just to help with my learning curve.

Try Jon Canfields 4 week "Camera RAW Processing" class -
http://www.betterphoto.com/courseOverview.php?cspID=62

I took it when I 1st started shooting raw and it helped tremendously.

Good Luck Stephanie,
Carlton

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June 30, 2008

There are so many reasons to use RAW editors and no doubt an equal number of reasons why you should not. LOL

"I feel as though I am spending too much time in post-production (some due to improper photos) but mostly because I am unsure how much is too much."

You should hopefully be spending more time shooting and less time tweaking.

The goal of shooting it right the first time can not be over stressed.

Tons of info has already been written on what RAW is and what it is not..How it's used and mis-used. I suggest you read up on all you can.

That being said; I primarily will work within the RAW editor for a few reasons only.

1) 12-14 bit processing
2) Non destructive
3) Greater exposure latitude in critical images.

The last reason I use it is to rescue a bad shot. RAW processing should never be a crutch for poor shooting fundamentals.

Depending on the editor YOU use, terminology will vary somewhat.

I too use CS3 and Elements; both have a ACR concerter. It has it's own editor, yet can be opened in the main editor with some functions still available. (Unsharp mask)..(Levels) etc.

At times I love the capabilities of "Capture NX" It all depends what I need.

I tend to use "Recovery"..."Black Point"..."Fill Light".."Saturation" and "White Balance" and "Curves" the most; with a constant and close eye on the histogram.

Adobe easily handles batch files; although I am not a fan of it. Batch processing assumes ALL your images are the same..They rarely are unless you are shooting the same subject over & over with consistant lighting like a studio portrait shoot.

RAW "tweaking" is still somewhat of a black art that relies on the photographers skills and; the interpretation of the final image.

Ask yourself this question:

Why am I shooting RAW?

Believe it or not, there is a right and wrong answer.

all the best,

Pete

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June 30, 2008

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July 02, 2008

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July 02, 2008

The ability to "sharpen" RAW images with Adobe does indeed provide the same basic effect as "unsharp mask" within the main editor; but with FAR greater "local" control.

The sliders you will need to learn are as follows.
1) Sharpening
2) Clarity
3) Amount
4) Radiius
5) Masking

RAW sharpening techniques are well beyond my willingness to type a entire article on the subject. Sorry. There is much information already written on the net. Just google it (Adobe RAW +sharpening) will net you plenty of info.

The "numbers" you refer too are the tip of the iceberg with RAW sharpening, as all the controls I mentioned are highly interactive.

Pete

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July 02, 2008