First 3 steps for Colour Correction Workflow

[sslow]

I do not have a workflow for image processing using CS2. Read an article today and like to share the first 3 steps. Still experimenting if it is good. Maybe PS experts can give comments.

Images are converted to 16bits colours and cropped prior to correction and using adjustment layers for processing.

Step 1:
New LEVEL adjustment layer - set highlights, set shadows, adjust overall brightness and adjust colour cast.

Step 2:
New CURVES adjustment layer - increase or decrease contrast as necessary. Either 'S' ro reverse 'S' curves respectively.

Step 3:
New HUE/SATURATION adjustment layer - increase saturation of image (especially if image needs to be brighten in Step 1).

[sslow]

Took a picture of orchid using S5 with Nikon 70-200 with Canon 500D diopter.

Pre-processing:


Post-processing:


To me, there are some improvements.
Still learning.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by sslow I do not have a workflow for image processing using CS2. Read an article today and like to share the first 3 steps. Still experimenting if it is good. Maybe PS experts can give comments. Images are converted to 16bits colours and cropped prior to correction and using adjustment layers for processing. Step 1: New LEVEL adjustment layer - set highlights, set shadows, adjust overall brightness and adjust colour cast. Step 2: New CURVES adjustment layer - increase or decrease contrast as necessary. Either 'S' ro reverse 'S' curves respectively. Step 3: New HUE/SATURATION adjustment layer - increase saturation of image (especially if image needs to be brighten in Step 1).

This is not a workflow...is a method of how you enchance a image. Not all image can do the same thing. At times you may like to put other things in..

Workflow is a big word: Depending on what you normally do from the start till the end.

[espion]

colour correction is one step in a workflow, just as contrast enhancement, or saturation/desaturation, are such discreet steps.

a workflow is like a process where u link such discreet steps perhaps with some conditions for executing or not excuting some steps.

For example, my workflow for JPG processing is as follows:

1. colour correction using Curves.
2. contrast enhancement using Curves, and there are more than just S and reverse S, there can double, triple S, W curve, etc
3. local dodge/burn via many techniques, eg blending with gradient masks
4. de-posterisation using channel mixer
5. USM - global and local

or something like that

the bottom line is that what you do ought to be driven by the picture, either that in the image or that in your mind. It is not an automated process although you can make it so, but then you a human not a machine.

So you should adapt as you go along, and sometimes even to do something wild and unthinkable, and you never know what you may get