Digital Canon

Going to a Wedding

We are off to my niece's wedding in North Carolina.  A great opportunity to take some travel photos and candid shots of a lot of really fun people!

 

 

 

Photography Workflow for amatuers (Iphoto, Photoshop elements)

After my last post I realized I really need to define what my workflow will be before taking copious amounts of pictures.  Otherwise, I would just multiply the mess I currently have.  

By having a consistent workflow you will speed up your editing process and ensure that your photos are properly organized and saved.  There is not a universal workflow that applies to all photographers. There are so many configurations of Cameras > Card Readers > Raw Converters (like photoshop, apperture or lightroom) > managment > printing  > output and storage.  

The pro's have detailed workflows which I found difficult to apply to my situation.  I am starting with a boatload of photos that are already in my Iphoto Library.  I just downloaded Photoshop Elements 9)  

This is Louie Armstrong.  This is also my first shot that I used uploaded from Iphoto to Photoshop Elements.  Once in photoshop I used the quick edit option and manually adjusted the temperature and sharpness.  

This was a shot taken before reading anything about taking shots.  So I took it in jpeg format.  Now, with my workflow take all my shots in RAW.

So, here is an outline of my workflow.  I will make adjustments to it as I learn more or find ways to be more efficient.

1. Shoot all photos in RAW format.  RAW contain all the information in the photograph allowing more effective editing.  
2. Copy images to the computer immediately after shooting   Using a card reader is best and I will look into this.  My current card reader doesn't seem to work.  In my set up, the images are automatically loaded into IPHOTO library.
3. Upload images to Photoshop Elements Organizer and backup images at Photoshop.com.  This step is a bit sloppy.  But, deleting bad photos, I want to make a back up of all photos.  In the future, I will try to change this order hear to have the step 2 go directly into photoshop and then to IPHOTO (after editing is complete) I don't know how to do that yet...
4. Delete the bad shots in Photoshop.  It is best to rate the shots.  Delete the really bad ones and give 5 stars to the ones you want take further along in the workflow...
5. Append Metadata information  this step is good for applying copyright information.  I am not worried about my shots at this time but its a good habit to get into.  In photo shop, you create a metadata template.  Then you select "append" to the original metadata information .  
6. Add keyword Search information.  Keywords are really important so that you can efficiently store and find your shots.  Try to use a logical naming convention when assigning key words
7. Edit in Photoshop Elements  I am using the quick edit function to adjust color temperature, tint, exposure, shadows and brightness.   I have a lot to learn here.  But, for my purposes at this point...this will work.    Having a working knowledge of photoshop is a must to really take digital photography to the next level.   Something to strive for...

 

 

Workflow and Photography Software: Iphoto, Photoshop, Apperture, Lightroom

News Flash: You have to learn about Photography Software to take decent digital pictures.  

Where's my kodachrome with the plastic flash: those were fun.

Okay, I just purchased Photoshop Element 9.  As the money was leaving my wallet; I thought wait I have Iphoto on my mac.  Can't I do most everything I need with that software.  

Well, luckily, I think I did make a good choice.  But, this software purchase fits into a larger concept: Photography Workflow  

Steve Paxton has written an excellent blog on developing an efficient photography workflow.  I like having an efficient process for staying organized. I looks like the pro's do to.  

Photoshop Elements 9

Okay!  Photoshop Elements 9 is officially downloaded.  $79 bucks before the pesky mail in rebate.  Now, I have Mac's Iphoto, Picasa, and some other software I can't remember with tons of old pictures taken with various cameras.  I think I'd like to start fresh and not import all of that into photoshop (like it wants me too).  

The journey of a thousand Pics

I have a busy day job, kids in college and a million other things that are more important than improving my digital photography skills, much less blogging about learning digital photography skills.  

That said, I am stunned at the beauty of the shots on the web.  I know, these guys and gals are pros, and I have a busy day job.  But, who knows,  I hope to slow down at some point, and this seems like a hobby that is full of adventure, travel, creativity, cool people and something that an adventurous old guy can do for awhile.  

So, this is the beginning of a new hobby.  I hope to learn from the pros, meet people like me, maybe do some adventurous photo shoots with my daughter (she's into photography and way better than me).  

So, I have the following equipment:

• Canon EOS Rebel XSi SLR Digital Camera Kit (Black) with 18-55mm IS Lens email print
• Canon Zoom Lens EF-S 55-250mm
• SlIK Insta-Lok 960 G-QL Tripod

I suspect I will be upgrading the Tripod.   My Camera has been discontinued.  But, It did get good reviews...so its' good enough for me.  

I have some cool books by Scott Kelby.  He is a stud in the world of digital photography.  So, he is now one of my mentors...congrats Scott.  Additionally, I picked up Digital Rebel XSi/450D for Dummies book.  

My Computer is a Mac Book Pro.  I plan to download Photoshop Elements 9 this week. Based on what I have read this is a less expensive version of the professional grad Photoshop software, but will fit the bill.  

Time is  up for me today...Happy Holidays!