Pixiq

FOUNDATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS IN PHOTOSHOP

In last weeks post I outlined the steps I take in Lightroom/ACR as part of my Fine Art Digital Workflow. With the “heavy lifting” done in RAW format the image is exported to Photoshop as a 16 bit, ProPhoto Smart Object. This is where the final adjustments and polish takes place. Although we have a Smart Object as a “background” I try to execute all my final adjustments in Photoshop so I don’t have to revisit my RAW processor. It is for this reason that I avoid adjustments in Lightroom/ACR that I may need to “tweak” later in the optimization process. Adjustments like: saturation, hue, cropping, alignment, clarity, etc.

 

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The Foundational Adjustments in Photoshop are those adjustments that need to be made early on so as not to create or amplify problems later in the optimization process.

 

My goal with Photoshop Foundational Adjustments is to adjust:

-    Alignment issues

-    Transform and Puppet Warp issues

-    Shadows/Highlight issues

-    Noise Reduction

-    Minor cleanup

-    Major image editing

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#1. Alignment

 

This is an issue that, far to often, is overlooked by even the most seasoned photographers. Even minor alignment issues can subconsciously create visual “discomfort” and affect how the observer perceives the image. Not all images need to be “balanced” with perfect horizontal or vertical alignment but with all images alignment should be consciously determined.

I very often point out alignment issues to clients and their general reaction is “it’s not important but fix it if you want”. Most of the time when they see the “corrected” image they are shocked at the major difference such a small adjustment makes!

If you decide late in the process to correct the alignment you may need to revisit and correct all your masking.

              

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 #2. Transform and Puppet Warp (Rotate, Scale, Skew, Distort, Perspective, Warp)

 

The Transform and Puppet Warp tools are convenient ways to globally and/or regionally manipulate pixels to alter image balance, alignment, distortion, or content. As with alignment these types of adjustments need to be completed early on to avoid creating masking issues.

                                                              

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#3. Shadows/Highlight

 

Although I strongly recommend that shadow and highlight optimization be done in your RAW processor the Shadows/Highlight command in Photoshop can enhance contour and significantly increase the sense of information in highlights and shadows.

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#4. Noise Reduction

 

Noise Reduction is also best dealt with in RAW. However, there are situations where you need control above and beyond what’s available in the RAW processor. Photoshop has several 3rd party plugins that allow much greater control over noise reduction.

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#5. Minor Cleanup

 

    Minor cleanup involves getting rid of sensor dust, scratches or other minor image artifacts that will never be needed in any final iteration. I recommend that these adjustments be made right on the Background layer.

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#6. Major Image Editing

 

    Major editing involves the removal or alteration of image elements that you might possibly want to reconsider. I learned this lesson years ago when I removed a member of the wedding party for a client only to be asked to reintroduce the individual. I unfortunately had cloned out the person right on the Background layer and as a result I had to go back to square one and start the optimization from the beginning. Since then I’ve always relegated any major image editing to a separate layer.

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The Non-Destructive Crop (A Cover Layer)

 

This step is not specifically a Foundational Adjustment but sequence-wise I introduce it at this point. It creates a flexible, non-destructive indicated crop. It serves to further define the “frame” of the image and it allows you to refine your crop as you move through the optimization process. The resulting layer should always remain at the top of your layer stack.

1.    Select->All

2.    Select->Transform Selection

3.    Click on Constrain Proportions (see diagram below) and change W: to 75%. This will cause your onscreen selection to contract. Select Confirm Transform (see diagram below) to create your final onscreen selection.

4.    Create a new Solid Color Adjustment Layer (first in list) from the Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of your Layers Palette and change the layer color to a solid black. Select OK to create the Solid Color Adjustment Layer with an attached Layer Mask.

5.    With the Layer Mask highlighted select Image>Adjustment>Invert to invert the mask.

6.    You should now see your image with a thick black border around it.

• You can reposition the mask by selecting the mask and moving it with the Move Tool.   

• If you wish to alter the shape (aspect ratio) of the crop highlight the mask and select Edit>Free Transform. Move the corners or sides by grabbing with the cursor and dragging. When you have finished altering the crop select Confirm Transform (see diagram below) to create your new crop.

7.    Label the layer “Crop” and confirm that it lies directly above any and all image layers in your layer stack,

Keep the non-destructive crop at the very top of your layer stack throughout the optimization process. When you have finished optimizing your image save the file with all layers and adjustment layers intact.

• To print with your indicated crop hold down your Command (Control – PC) and select the mask on the Non-Destructive Crop layer. This will load the mask as a selection.

• Next you need to Inverse the selection using the Inverse command in the Select menu. Now select Crop from the Image menu. Your image should now be cropped and ready to print.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT AFTER PRINTING YOU EITHER SAVE THE FILE UNDER A NEW NAME OR JUST CLOSE THE IMAGE WITHOUT SAVING. This way your original final optimized file will still retain your non-destructive crop for possible alteration in the future.

Note:

• You can reduce the opacity of the Non-Destructive Crop Layer to allow a "peek" at what you're considering cropping out.

• You can view the final indicated crop by putting your View into Full Screen Mode. Either go to View > Screen Mode . Full Screen Mode or tap your "F" key twice.

• If you need to crop to a specific aspect ratio make your original selection using the Fixed Ratio selection in the Rectangular Marquee Tool. Then when altering the aspect ratio of your mask hold down the Shift key to constrain proportions.

 

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NOTE: An action set for the Non-Destructive Crop is available for free on my website: www.RMacHolbert.com 

 

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NEXT WEEK: GLOBAL ADJUSTMENT IN PHOTOSHOP