My 8-Step Photo Workflow Process

Simple, repeatable steps to the photographic process.
I’ve come to learn that whenever you can implement repeatable, successful processes there are great deals of efficiencies, security and professionalism to gain. You’d be silly not to follow a process. There’s no particular ‘catch-all’ process that guarantees to work for everyone, but below is the workflow process that I’ve been using for the past seven years.

1. Capture (Canon 5D Mark II)
   Shoot RAW files in manual mode. 40% percent of my shots utilize auto-focus, the other 60% are shot with fine tuning the manual focus. Use camera’s LCD for an occasional peek at histogram information (for trickier exposures), otherwise the display stays off.



2. Convert (Adobe DNG Converter)
   Use CF media card reader to convert camera RAW files to Adobe Digital Negative format, placing in new file structure on a dedicated, internal 1TB primary photo HD.



3. Manage Assets (Adobe Bridge CS5)
   Apply D’Angelo Photo default metadata to all shots. Browse all shots and quickly identify poor images (bad exposure, off-focus, etc.) and place duds into ‘B-Roll’ folder. Apply star ratings to images that will be considered for client review. Apply color labels to exceptionally strong images that are worthy candidates for portfolio consideration.



4. Global RAW Edits (Adobe Bridge CS5)
   Select all (non- B-Roll) images and apply subtle camera RAW adjustments – typically color temperature, contrast and exposure.



5. Backup
   Copy RAW files to a dedicated, external 1TB backup HD. Use DSLR to reformat Compact Flash card.



6. Global RAW Edits/Crops (Adobe Bridge CS5)
   Select small groups of RAW files that have similar exposures, tonality or editing requirements and make more localized camera RAW edits.
   With a group of RAWs open in the camera RAW settings editor, inspect individual images and apply any desired cropping, leveling or dust/spot removal.



7. Individual 1:1 Editing (Adobe Photoshop CS5)
   Select images that qualify for individual, pixel-based editing. Label image layer “original” and duplicate, naming as “cleaned” and placed in a layer group called “Edited”. Conduct Photoshop editing of image: curves, dodging, burning, cloning, compositing and application of applicable third-party filters. Create final, composite color and grayscale layers. Apply D’Angelo Photo watermark and export full-resolution, HQ JPGs and place in proper folders.



8. Archive
   Burn camera RAWs, layered PSD composites and final JPGs to dual-layer archival disc(s).