Creating an Image and Your Style Roadmap
I have always been fascinated by workflow—the art of organizing and optimizing the creative process. When it comes to editing photographs with Adobe Lightroom Classic, I find myself pondering the best sequence for applying various adjustments and enhancements. How can I ensure that I thoroughly explore all the available steps before transferring an image to Photoshop? And what additional measures should be taken once I transition from Lightroom Classic to Photoshop? These questions led me to develop a method for systematically documenting my editing process—a way to record every action, addition, save, and share. The culmination of these efforts is a concise, yet comprehensive, Little~Book.
By using this Little~Book, I am able to identify specific areas of focus and determine the optimal tools within each software. Moreover, it serves as a record of my artistic choices for individual images or entire series. I imagine users who appreciate a linear approach will embrace this methodology, engaging in a creative journey that involves checking off each decision on the path to a polished image—a true style roadmap that reflects their personal touch. It is through the repetition of similar steps that a unique artistic style emerges.
Wishing you a fantastic day ahead! 📸
The steps are the layers, bottom's up!
One Photoshop Layer
With Photoshop, I've been trying to develop a style, something repeatable. But it seems that when I go on a tear and build a cool look, I always have to figure out what I did so I could do it again on another image. I thought this graphic would remind me about all the things I like to do on a layer. I can check off what I did and what values I entered. Kind of like a recipe card; I did a three-up for simple images and a twelve-up for some of my more extensive work.
A lighter grey version to write settings over top of the icons.
Can you see the subtle differences between the draft image and the final version. I recognised the tool wouldn't be complete without layer types; image, gradient, solid colour, and pattern.
The next image is a book. Printed onto an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper and folded into a book. It is a pocket reference that starts with identifying all of your processes and current methodology for producing an image. Carry this pocket reference for the next time you want to ask a question about how your workflow could be streamlined. The back page will tear off if you want to write in your contact information. Better yet, hand them the book and print another one, you just made a new post processing friend.
Let me know if this was a benefit to you, I'd love to talk workflow. Have a great day, Rick.
