What basic post-processing concepts should a beginner learn for landscape RAW photos?
Asked 3/6/2013
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I have many landscape images shot in Canon .cr2 RAW format and want to learn the foundational post-processing concepts before I begin editing. I’m not asking about any specific software—just the core ideas and workflow a beginner should understand for landscape photography. The images were not taken with a tilt-shift lens.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
3
There is a lot to post-processing, from making backups, file/library management, tagging, then the editing of images (non-destructive raw, then possibly Photoshop or applying plugin filters and actions), then output sharpening. There is also colour management and a number of other topics. So it's a big question, which has probably been covered in other topics. I'd suggest (if you haven't already), you read up on all the existing answers and then perhaps ask more targeted questions.
As a novice, you could start with these two:
There are many discussions of workflow, order of steps, rough rules of thumb, like these:
For landscape photography in particular, some techniques come to mind for a start:
- Dodging and burning
- HDR
- Fixing overexposed and blown-out skies
Originally by user4191. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4191
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A good beginner foundation is to learn post-processing as a workflow, not just a set of edits. The key concepts mentioned are:
- backup and file management: keep originals safe and organize your library
- tagging/keywording: make images easy to find later
- non-destructive RAW editing: adjust the RAW file without permanently altering the original
- further pixel editing when needed: e.g. moving from RAW processing into a Photoshop-style editor or plugins/actions
- output sharpening: sharpen appropriately for the final use, such as web or print
- color management: understand consistent color from editing through final output
This is a broad topic, so the most useful next step is to study beginner workflow guides and then ask narrower questions about specific stages. In particular, focus on: first steps for beginners, overall workflow, and the order of processing steps. Those basics will help you build a repeatable landscape editing process regardless of software.
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