Lightroom Workflow
Workflow & Import
Create a workflow process in Lightroom that allows you to quickly organize, process and export images so that you can get your work out into the world quickly and efficiently. Create an Import “preset” for importing images. Sort your photos using P (pick) U (unpick), or X (reject) to focus on the ones you will be using. You can also color labels (6-9) and star ratings (1-5) to sort your favorites, or special edits. You may also want to create Regular and Smart collections so you can view your sets of images easily. I like to create smart collections that have 4+ stars, and also 5 stars, as well as ones that have particular labels like “all red label” photos–which may be my color code for great landscapes.
Processing
Open the histogram window and use it to guide your setting adjustments. Using the Crop tool, and the Basic settings (and more if you are already comfortable with them), to alter your images to improve composition, exposure, detail, clarity and tone. You may choose to make them more realistic or more artful. Have a goal in mid when you process, as it can be tricky to simple aim for the best photo–there are many ways to get the best photo (e.g. b/w, natural, painterly, surreal, etc.)
Export & Gallery
Create an Export preset with the following settings: name your files with your full name, followed by sequence number, set resolution to 72 dpi, longest side length to 1024 px, and file type to jpg, with max file size around 500k. Pick ten of your best edits and export the before and after images as jpgs for all ten of these. Then use the Twenty20 button at the top of the post to show before/after version for these 10 images. Your aim should be producing good photos, but you may also include experiments that just taught you something you value, or something that would be fun to share with the class.
Post 5 sets of 2 images for review in class; add any extras you want to share.
Example:
Post settings:
- Post Title: Assignment 5_FirstL ( First=first name, L=last name initial)
- Post format: Standard
- Post category: Assignment 5