Digital Workflow
This section assumes that pictures have been taken on a digital camera and deals with the actions that should be taken to ensure that images are processed and stored to achieve the best results. There are two common formats available on digital cameras, RAW files and JPGs. The best method is to shoot RAW.
| 
 |
Downloading
Before downloading, create a folder on the computer for this job or piece of work. Inside this folder create another one and name it raw or original. Download images from the card in a card reader to the this folder, (this avoids using camera specific software). Once downloaded files can be renamed if required. These files are your 'Digital Negatives'. Create additional folders for images resized and adjusted, keeping the original files safe in the 'raw' folder. Depending on their intended use, these adjusted images may be saved as jpg or tif.
|
|
Batch processing:
When shooting large numbers of images the easiest way to deal with RAW files is to batch process them to jpg or tif . They can also be resized in this process to specific print size eg. 6"x4" at 300 dpi. Image browsers can then be used to look through and edit images. There are many programmes that can be used to 'batch' images, I use Rawtherapee, Xnconvert, and Gthumb but you can create and use actions in Photoshop, use Lightroom or other software.
| 
 |
RAW Conversion:
Whilst batch processing will quickly and easily convert large numbers of images, to get the best from a RAW file they will need to be opened and worked on individually. I use Rawtherepee and export the images to Gimp, Photoshop will also open RAW files or if you are working on Windows or Mac OS you will probably have the software provided with the camera. Profiles for your camera can be loaded for optimum compatibility. In the raw-converter I adjust the white balance and exposure to ensure that the highlights are not 'clipped' adjustments to perspective and any straightening of the images are also best done at this stage..
Images from raw files should be converted to 16 bit files and it is useful to set the resolution to 300 dpi. You may prefer to convert images to 32 bit files to reduce any loss of quality and tonal values when adjusting them, you may then need to reduce bit depth before saving the files.
|
| 
|
Adjusting the image:
Both Photoshop and Gimp open the raw image in an additional 'front end' to the programme, once converted they are transferred into the main program and you can work on them as you would any other image. My method is to first carry out any resizing and cropping. Next I make colour and contrast adjustments (usually in levels or curves) and finally sharpen the image if required. Individually adjusted images should then be saved into the appropriate folder. Saving files as .tif will maintain the quality, but for photographic lab printing you will need to save as .jpg.
Archiving and storage:
By now you should have a folder on your computer containing other folders for the original files, adjusted, and resized images. You may have a number of folders containing different sized versions of the same images. Once all the work is carried out, the main folder containing all the others can be written to CD, DVD or external hard disk for storing. ( I never clear the camera cards before writing files to a back-up, to insure that files always exist in at least two places ).
Alternatively you can back-up or store files 'in the cloud'.
CDs / DVDs should the be stored safely and you can return to these when you need to work on images, opening them again from the original files. If you want to be organised you can use database software to catalogue your collection, or simply make a list. Use single use media NOT re-writeable disks as you could over-write images by mistake. Always write images to a second media ( CD / DVD ) and never rely on having just the one copy on your hard disk, there are too many potential things to go wrong. Images take up large amounts of space on your hard disk so will need to be deleted to create space; check your back-up copies before deleting from your hard disk.
If you would like to view my own digital workflow practice: You can find a description HERE
|
