Photographic Workflow Techniques: From Shooting Prep to Final Print

As a professional photographer, effective workflow is crucial in capturing, editing, and presenting your images. This article delves into the systematic approach used by a seasoned photographer, showcasing techniques ranging from initial shooting to final print preparation.

Shooting Workflow

My shooting style encompasses a wide range of genres such as nature, sports, music, performance, and macro photography. For a local day’s worth of images, I begin by reviewing shots directly on the camera, swiftly deleting redundant frames. Then, I import the photos using Adobe Lightroom and tag them with appropriate metadata, often splitting this into multiple rounds to ensure extensive categorization.

Post-import, I sync all images in the Develop module to remove chromatic aberrations and lens correction issues, meticulously applying adjustments where necessary. If there are people in the shots, I run auto facial recognition to streamline the process of identifying faces.

At this stage, the laborious task begins: sorting, refining, and organizing each image. I discard irrelevant shots, adjust color and light, and save my favorites in the Quick Collection for later export as JPGs. Finds that can benefit from a global approach, such as underwater shots, are selected and processed together to maintain consistency. Occasionally, similar shots might require slightly different adjustments, making 'Previous' an indispensable tool in Lightroom.

Editing Workflow

After thorough editing, images are moved to the Quick Collection and exported to a designated folder with files named incrementally—e.g., 101, 201, 301. This structured approach ensures easy tracking and retrieval of images. With over 110,000 images in my primary catalog, maintaining organization is paramount.

I employ five backup drives for redundancy: one internal and four external. My workflow is holistic, ensuring clarity and organization from the initial shoot through to final print. For commercial work, I prepare a selection of images for the client, processing them to meet the client’s needs, and rarely ending up with blown exposures.

I prioritize exposure to minimize post-processing issues, focusing first on tonal value and luminosity before ensuring color accuracy. Processing times can range from 20 minutes to an hour per image, depending on the complexity. For commercial work, client approval is crucial, often limiting the number of images to a manageable few.

Post-Processing and Organization

After shoots, I organize my files meticulously, looking for strong compositions and dynamic structures. I revisit files looking for overlooked images that warrant further processing. A complete series might comprise several hundred showable images, but only a subset of 20-30 hang together well for exhibition. Therefore, maintaining a sizeable stock of aesthetically pleasing yet unique images is vital.

I believe that efficient workflow is key, from pre-shoot preparation to final delivery. Identifying and removing bottlenecks in the process is essential, streamlining each step for optimal output. While others might think in terms of volume, I emphasize quality over quantity, suggesting that practicing with fewer images can lead to better results in the long run.

My advice is to focus on what you do best, meticulously analyze and remove poor-quality shots, and continue refining your workflow for optimal outcome.

Conclusion

Effective photographic workflow is not just about capturing images; it’s about managing the entire process from start to finish. By meticulously tagging, sorting, and processing images, we can ensure our work aligns with our goals and showcases our artistic vision. Whether it's for personal or commercial use, maintaining a streamlined and organized workflow is essential in the competitive world of photography.