Post-Processing Workflows for Photographers

Post-processing is an essential part of modern photography, but it can also become a time-consuming bottleneck that prevents you from sharing your work and moving on to the next creative project. After processing thousands of images for clients over the years, I've developed efficient workflows that maintain quality while dramatically reducing editing time. In this guide, I'll share practical approaches to streamline your post-processing without sacrificing creative control.

Why an Efficient Workflow Matters

Before diving into specific techniques, let's consider why a streamlined workflow is so important:

• Time management: Efficient editing means more time shooting and less time in front of a computer
• Consistency: A structured approach ensures your images maintain a cohesive look
• Client satisfaction: Faster turnaround times without sacrificing quality leads to happier clients
• Creative energy: Less time on repetitive tasks preserves your enthusiasm and creative focus

The Complete Post-Processing Workflow

An effective workflow consists of several distinct phases, each with its own purpose. Let's break down the entire process from import to delivery:

Phase 1: Import and Organization

The foundation of an efficient workflow begins before you make a single edit. Proper organization saves countless hours over time.

Step 1: Create a Consistent Folder Structure

Develop a standardized folder structure for every project. My recommended structure:

Client Name or Project Name/
├── 01_RAW/
├── 02_Selects/
├── 03_Edited/
├── 04_Final/
└── 05_Delivery/

Step 2: Import with Metadata

When importing photos into Lightroom (or your preferred software):

• Apply basic metadata (copyright information, contact details)
• Add relevant keywords that will help with searching later
• Use consistent file naming conventions

Step 3: Backup Immediately

Always create a backup of your RAW files before proceeding. I recommend following the 3-2-1 backup strategy: three copies, on two different media types, with one copy stored off-site.

Phase 2: Culling and Selection

Efficient culling is perhaps the most overlooked time-saver in post-processing. Every minute spent editing an image that won't make your final selection is wasted time.

Step 1: First Pass - The Quick Sort

• Use the Survey or Compare view in Lightroom (or similar tools in other software)
• Flag obvious rejects (out-of-focus, closed eyes, etc.) immediately
• Mark potential keepers

Step 2: Second Pass - Refine Your Selection

• Compare similar images side by side
• Look for subtle differences in expression, composition, and technical quality
• Be ruthless—only keep the absolute best versions

Step 3: Rating System

Develop a consistent rating system. My approach:

• Reject: Technical failures, unusable images
• 1 Star: Acceptable but not preferred
• 2 Stars: Good images
• 3 Stars: Primary selects for editing
• 4 Stars: Portfolio candidates
• 5 Stars: Absolute best work

Culling Tools Worth Considering

While Lightroom works well for culling, dedicated software can be faster:

• Photo Mechanic: Industry standard for fast culling
• FastRawViewer: Renders RAW files quickly for evaluation

Phase 3: Basic Adjustments and Batch Editing

Once you've selected your keepers, it's time for the initial processing. The key to efficiency is identifying what can be batched versus what needs individual attention.

Step 1: Create a Base Preset

For each shooting scenario, create a basic preset that addresses:

• Lens corrections (distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberration)
• Camera calibration/profile
• Basic white balance adjustment
• Baseline exposure and contrast

Step 2: Apply to Similar Images

Group your images by lighting conditions and apply your base preset to each group. This gives you a consistent starting point.

Step 3: Batch Edit Within Groups

For groups of similar images (same subject, lighting, composition):

• Edit one image completely
• Copy those settings to the rest of the group
• Make minor individual adjustments as needed

Phase 4: Advanced Editing and Retouching

Not every image requires the same level of detailed editing. Categorize your selects into:

Group A: Minimal Editing (Most Images)

• Basic exposure, contrast, and color corrections
• Minor cropping and straightening
• Simple local adjustments (dodging and burning)

Group B: Medium Editing (Key Images)

• Everything from Group A
• More precise local adjustments
• Basic skin smoothing for portraits
• Removal of minor distractions

Group C: Detailed Editing (Hero Images)

• Everything from Groups A and B
• Advanced retouching in Photoshop
• Complex compositing if needed
• Fine-tuned color grading

By allocating your time appropriately, you'll achieve better results for your most important images while maintaining efficiency across the entire set.

Efficient Lightroom to Photoshop Workflow

For images requiring Photoshop work:

• Complete all raw processing in Lightroom first
• Use "Edit in Photoshop" rather than exporting/importing
• Use adjustment layers in Photoshop for non-destructive editing
• Save as PSD or TIFF to preserve layers
• Let Lightroom manage the edited file alongside the original

Phase 5: Creating a Cohesive Look

Consistency is key to professional results, especially for client work. Here's how to ensure your images work together as a set:

Step 1: Develop a Target Look

Select a representative image and refine it until it achieves your vision for the overall set. This becomes your reference point.

Step 2: Create a Style Preset

Based on your reference image, create a preset that captures the essential elements of your target look:

• Color grading (tone curves, HSL adjustments)
• Contrast and clarity settings
• Grain or other textural elements

Step 3: Apply and Fine-Tune

Apply your style preset to all images, then make individual adjustments to ensure each image works within the set while addressing its unique characteristics.

Phase 6: Export and Delivery

The final phase is preparing your images for their intended use:

Step 1: Create Export Presets

Set up dedicated export presets for different purposes:

• Web display (sized appropriately, sRGB color space)
• Print (full resolution, appropriate color space)
• Social media (optimized for each platform)
• Client delivery (according to contract specifications)

Step 2: Organize Deliverables

Create clearly labeled folders for different file versions and ensure filenames are descriptive and consistent.

Step 3: Client Proofing (If Applicable)

For client work, consider using dedicated proofing platforms like:

• Pixieset
• ShootProof
• SmugMug

Time-Saving Tools and Techniques

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learning keyboard shortcuts for your editing software can dramatically reduce editing time. Some essential Lightroom shortcuts:

• P: Flag as Pick
• X: Flag as Reject
• 1-5: Apply star rating
• R: Crop tool
• Q: Spot removal
• Ctrl/Cmd+': Toggle before/after view

Presets and Templates

Beyond the presets mentioned earlier, consider developing:

• Import presets (with metadata templates)
• Develop presets for different lighting scenarios
• Export presets for various output requirements
• Watermark templates if needed

Third-Party Tools

Several plugins and tools can enhance your workflow:

• Lightroom Tools: Faster Culling plugins, preset systems
• Photoshop Plugins: Retouching panels, action sets
• Color Grading Tools: LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for consistent color treatments

Specialized Workflows for Different Photography Genres

Portrait Photography Workflow

Portraits often require more attention to skin tones and retouching:

• Focus on accurate white balance for skin tones
• Use frequency separation techniques for skin retouching
• Pay special attention to eyes and facial features
• Consider creating presets for different skin tones

Wedding Photography Workflow

Wedding photography presents unique challenges due to the volume of images:

• Create ceremony, reception, and portrait presets
• Batch edit by lighting scenario
• Prioritize key moments for detailed editing
• Use color coding to track editing progress

Landscape Photography Workflow

Landscape images often benefit from:

• Careful attention to dynamic range (HDR techniques if needed)
• Graduated filters for skies
• Targeted clarity adjustments
• Lens correction for wide-angle distortion

Building Your Own Personalized Workflow

The most efficient workflow is one tailored to your specific needs. To develop yours:

Step 1: Audit Your Current Process

• Track how long you spend on each phase of editing
• Identify bottlenecks and repetitive tasks
• Note which adjustments you make consistently

Step 2: Implement Incremental Improvements

• Start with the biggest time-wasters
• Introduce one new technique at a time
• Create templates and presets for common scenarios

Step 3: Refine Continually

• Regularly reassess your workflow
• Stay open to new tools and techniques
• Balance efficiency with creative control

Conclusion

An efficient post-processing workflow isn't about cutting corners—it's about eliminating wasted time so you can focus your energy on the creative decisions that truly matter. By organizing your approach, leveraging automation where appropriate, and allocating your attention strategically, you'll produce better results in less time.

Remember that developing an efficient workflow is an ongoing process. Start with the fundamentals outlined here, then adapt and refine based on your specific needs and working style. The goal isn't just to work faster, but to create space for your creativity to flourish while delivering consistent, professional results to your clients and audience.