Next Page >
Digital Workflow
Joe Kegley | E-Mail | Updated 02-04-2011
I supposed most would agree that digital workflow for photography starts with the process of capturing the digital file and extends through the final presentation of the image. I must say I agree with that definition, but my use of the term "workflow" within this series mainly involves the necessary steps and processes for manipulating the file after it has been captured. With the exception of the "Raw versus JPEG" page, the term workflow within this series applies to images already captured on the camera through the step of editing for output.
For the most part, the following pages are meant to be an overview of my particular digital photography workflow. Since this is a bird's-eye view, you might find some specifics lacking. Still, I tried to include all conceivable high-level steps I might use; some are executed on a regular basis while others are implemented infrequently.
Be aware my workflow is oriented to nature photography. No doubt a wedding photographer would have a totally different perspective on managing files and output. When I fill up a compact flash card, I'm generally only concerned with a few of the best images. I am not trying to output volume.
Most of this workflow is based on Adobe software with the exception of the monitor calibration program. Although Adobe is not the only company that produces software for managing and editing images, it is the software utilized within this series.
One final note, my current workflow as of this writing involves Adobe Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, and Adobe Photoshop. Lightroom was included in the series as an alternative to Bridge and Camera Raw. Lightroom is not an alternative to Photoshop.
The following pages are important aspects of my digital photography workflow, which is specific to nature photography. The "Raw versus JPEG" and "Monitor Calibration" pages could be considered prerequisites. The "Color Space" page is provided as a foundation for the workflow sections within the Camera Raw/Lightroom and Photoshop pages.