The Ultimate Guide to Developing Your Photography Workflow
In today's digital age, managing and organising your photos can be a challenging task. From shooting to editing, there are numerous steps involved in developing a workflow that ensures your photos are easy to access, easily accessible, and safe for the future. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, having a clear and effective workflow can help streamline your process and improve the quality of your final photos. In this article, we'll take a closer look at 10 suggestions for developing a workflow to organise and manage your photos from shooting to editing.
Establish a naming convention
When it comes to naming your photos, the key is to be consistent. You want to come up with a naming convention that makes sense to you and that you can use every time you take photos.
One common approach is to use a combination of the date, location, and subject of the photo. For example, you might use a format like "YYYYMMDD_Location_Subject" (e.g. "20230223_CentralPark_FamilyPortrait").
If you prefer, you could also use a simpler format that just includes the date and a number. For example, "YYYYMMDD_001", "YYYYMMDD_002", and so on.
Whatever naming convention you choose, make sure you stick with it. This will make it easier to find specific photos later on, especially if you have a large library of images.
One additional tip: if you're using a digital camera or smartphone that automatically assigns file names to your photos, consider renaming the files as soon as you transfer them to your computer or storage device. This will ensure that your photos have a consistent naming convention, rather than a mix of different file names that may not make sense to you.
Sort your photos
Once you have your photos, it's very imperative to sort them in a way that makes sense to you. This will make it easier to find specific photos later on, whether you're looking for photos from a specific event or photos of a certain subject.
Here are some common approaches to sorting photos:
Sort by date: If you took photos over a period of time (e.g. a vacation, a month, a year), arranging by date is a logical approach. You can either sort your photos chronologically within a single folder or create separate folders for each date or event.
Sort by event: If you took photos at a specific event (e.g. a wedding, a concert, a birthday party), you can create a folder for that event and arrange your photos within that folder. You may also want to include the date in the folder name to help with sorting later on.
Sort by subject: If you have photos of different subjects (e.g. people, landscapes, animals), you can create separate folders for each subject and sort your photos within those folders. You can also create subfolders within each subject folder to further organise your photos.
Use keywords: Another way to sort your photos is to add keywords to them. This can be especially helpful if you have a large library of photos and want to find specific photos quickly. You can add keywords like "beach," "sunset," "family," and so on.
Whichever approach you choose, it's imperative to be consistent. Make sure you use the same approach every time you sort your photos, and don't mix and match different approaches within the same folder or library. This will make it easier to find specific photos later on.
Delete unwanted photos
Deleting unwanted photos is a vital step in the photo management workflow. By getting rid of photos that are blurry, out of focus, or just don't meet your standards, you can free up space on your storage device. This will make it easier to find the photos you want to keep.
Here are some tips for deleting unwanted photos:
Be selective: Don't be afraid to be selective when deleting photos. Just because you took a lot of photos doesn't mean you need to keep them all. Focus on keeping the photos that have the most value or meaning to you.
Use a rating system: Some photo management software allows you to rate your photos on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Use this system to quickly identify the photos that are worth keeping and the ones that can be deleted.
Take a break: If you're having a hard time deciding which photos to keep and which to delete, take a break and come back to it later. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help you make better decisions.
Be ruthless: When in doubt, delete the photo. It's better to have a smaller collection of high-quality photos than a large collection of mediocre photos. On the other hand...
Don't delete too quickly: Be careful not to delete photos too quickly, especially if you're working with RAW files. RAW files contain a lot of data that can be used to create high-quality edits, so it's often better to keep them even if they don't look great initially.
The key to deleting unwanted photos is to be selective and consistent. By taking the time to review your photos and delete the ones you don't need, you can free up space and make it easier to manage your photo library.
Backup your photos
Backing up your photos is crucial to protecting them from data loss. Hard drives can fail, computers can be stolen or damaged, and files can become corrupted, so it's wise to have a backup strategy in place.
Here are some tips for backing up your photos:
Use an external hard drive: One of the easiest ways to backup your photos is to use an external hard drive. You can copy your photos to an external drive and keep them in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box.
Use cloud storage: Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud can be a convenient way to backup your photos. These services allow you to upload your photos to their servers and access them from anywhere with an internet connection.
Use a backup service: There are several backup services available that are specifically designed for backing up photos, such as Backblaze, CrashPlan, and Carbonite. These services offer automatic backups and can be set to backup your photos on a regular schedule.
Keep multiple copies: It's an excellent idea to keep multiple copies of your photos in different locations. This way, if one copy is lost or damaged, you still have other copies that are safe.
Test your backups: It's worthwhile to periodically test your backups to make sure they're working properly. You don't want to wait until you need to restore your photos to find out that your backup failed.
The key to backing up your photos is to have a plan in place and to be consistent. By regularly backing up your photos and keeping multiple copies in different locations, you can protect your photos from data loss. This will ensure that they're safe for years to come.
Import your photos into your editing software
Once you have organised your photos and made backups, the next step is to import your photos into editing software. This is where you can start to fine-tune your images and bring out their full potential.
Here are some tips for importing your photos into editing software:
Choose the right software: There are many photo editing software options available, from free programs like GIMP and Darktable to professional programs like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Choose software that truly suits your needs and budget.
Use a consistent file structure: Before importing your photos, make sure your file structure is consistent. This will make it easier to find your photos and keep them organised in your editing software.
Consider using presets: Many editing programs have preset settings that can be applied to your photos, such as contrast, brightness, and saturation. These can be an excellent starting point for editing your photos and can help you achieve a consistent look across multiple images.
Don't over-edit: While it can be tempting to go overboard with editing, it's critical to remember that less is often more. Make sure your edits enhance your photos, not detract from them.
Save your edits: Once you have finished editing your photos, make sure to save your edits in a non-destructive format, such as a PSD or XMP file. This way, you can always revert back and make changes if needed.
The key to importing your photos into your editing software is to have a consistent workflow and to be mindful of your edits. By following these tips, you can create striking, polished images that truly capture your vision.
Edit your photos
Editing your photos is where you can take your images to the next level and really make them shine. With the right tools and techniques, you can enhance your photos and bring out their full potential.
Here are some tips for editing your photos:
Start with the basics: Before diving into more advanced editing techniques, make sure you have a solid grasp of the basics, such as exposure, contrast, and white balance. These fundamental adjustments can have a big impact on the overall look of your photos.
Use layers: Many photo editing software programs allow you to work with layers, which can be a powerful tool for non-destructive editing. Layers let you make changes to specific parts of your image without affecting the rest of the photo.
Experiment with filters: Many photo editing programs come with built-in filters that can be applied to your photos with just a few clicks. These filters can help you achieve a specific look or mood in your photos.
Be mindful of colour: Colour is a powerful tool in photo editing, but it's wise to use it judiciously. Too much colour can be overwhelming and distracting, while too little can make your photos look flat and lifeless.
Keep it natural: While it can be tempting to get overboard with editing, it's critical to remember to keep your photos looking natural. Try to avoid heavy-handed edits that make your photos look obviously manipulated.
Don't forget about cropping: Cropping can be a powerful tool for improving the composition of your photos. Experiment with different cropping ratios and see how they affect the overall look of your images.
Editing your photos takes patience and a willingness to experiment. With practice and the right tools, you can create striking, polished images that truly capture your vision. I have a few guides on editing that you may find useful to read. They are:
Organise your edited photos
Once you have finished editing your photos, it's critical to organise them so that they are easy to find and use in the future. Here are some tips for organising your edited photos:
Use a consistent file naming convention: Just as with your original photos, it's imperative to use a consistent file naming convention for your edited photos. This will make it easier to find and identify your photos in the future.
Store your edited photos in a separate folder: Create a separate folder for your edited photos so that they are easy to find and distinguish from your original photos.
Use keywords and tags: Most photo editing software programs allow you to add keywords and tags to your photos, which can be a powerful tool for organising your images. Use keywords and tags to describe the content of your photos, such as location, subject, or mood.
Create collections or albums: Many photo editing software programs allow you to make collections or albums, which can be a helpful way to group related photos together. For example, you could create a collection of photos from a specific event or trip.
Backup your edited photos: Just as with your original photos, it's wise to backup your edited photos to ensure that they are not lost in the event of a computer failure or other disaster.
The key to organising your edited photos is to be consistent and thorough. By taking the time to organise your photos now, you'll save yourself time and frustration in the future.
Export your edited photos
Once you have finished editing your photos, it's time to export them in a format that is suitable for your intended use. Here are some tips for exporting your edited photos:
Choose the right file format: The file format you choose will depend on how you intend to use your photos. If you are sharing your photos online, JPEG is usually the most suitable format, as it offers an ideal balance between file size and image quality. If you need to preserve the highest possible image quality, consider exporting your photos in a lossless format such as TIFF.
Choose the right resolution: The resolution you choose will depend on how you intend to use your photos. If you are sharing your photos online, a resolution of 72 dpi (dots per inch) is usually sufficient. If you plan to print your photos, you'll need a higher resolution, typically 300 dpi or more.
Use the right colour space: The colour space you choose will depend on how you intend to use your photos. For most web-based applications, sRGB is the right choice. For print applications, Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB may be a better choice.
Adjust image quality: Most photo editing software programs allow you to adjust the image quality when exporting your photos. Be sure to balance image quality with file size to ensure that your photos are suitable for your intended use.
Choose a suitable file name and location: When exporting your photos, be sure to choose a suitable file name and location. This will make it easier to find and use your photos in the future.
Remember that when you are exporting your edited photos, you need to choose the right file format, resolution, and colour space, and to balance image quality with file size. By taking the time to export your photos correctly, you'll ensure that your photos are suitable for your intended use and will look their best.
Share your photos
Once you have edited and exported your photos, you may want to share or publish them with others. Here are some tips for sharing or publishing your photos:
Choose the right platform: There are many platforms available for sharing and publishing your photos, including social media sites, photo-sharing sites, and your own website or blog. Choose a platform that is appropriate for your audience and your intended use.
Consider copyright and privacy: Before sharing or publishing your photos, be sure to consider copyright and privacy issues. Make sure you have the right to share the photos, and that you are not infringing on the rights of others.
Optimise your photos for the platform: Different platforms may have different requirements for image size, file format, and other factors. Be sure to optimise your photos for the platform you are using to ensure that they look their best.
Add captions and descriptions: Adding captions and descriptions to your photos can help to provide context and make them more engaging for your audience.
Engage with your audience: Once you have shared or published your photos, be sure to engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages, and by sharing and promoting other relevant content.
When sharing or publishing your photos remember to choose the right platform, optimise your photos for that platform, and engage with your audience. This will help build a community around your photography. By sharing your photos in a thoughtful and engaging way, you can build your audience and expand your reach as a photographer.
Archive your photos
Once you have completed the editing and sharing process, it's time to archive your photos for safekeeping and future access. Here are some tips for archiving your photos:
Choose a storage medium: There are many storage mediums available for archiving your photos, including external hard drives, cloud storage, and archival-quality DVDs or Blu-ray discs. Choose a storage medium that is appropriate for your needs and budget.
Backup your photos: It's critical to have a backup of your photos in case of data loss or corruption. Consider using multiple backup strategies, such as cloud storage and external hard drives, to ensure that your photos are always protected.
Organise your photos: A well-organised archive will make it easier to find and access your photos in the future. Consider using a consistent naming convention and folder structure to keep your photos in order.
Use metadata: Many photo editing programs allow you to add metadata to your photos, such as keywords, tags, and descriptions. Adding metadata to your photos can make it easier to search for and retrieve them in the future.
Test your archive: It's worthwhile to periodically check your archive to ensure that your photos are still accessible and readable. This can involve checking your backup strategies, testing your storage medium for data integrity, and reviewing your organisation and metadata.
Archiving your photos is a vital step in the workflow process, as it ensures that your photos are safe and accessible for years to come. By choosing the right storage medium, backing up your photos, organising them effectively, and using metadata, you can create a robust and reliable archive for your photography.
By following these 10 suggestions, you can create a workflow that ensures your photos are organised, easily accessible, and safe for the future. From establishing a naming convention and sorting your photos to archiving them for safekeeping, each step in the workflow is essential for creating a smooth and efficient process. By taking the time to develop a workflow that works for you, you can focus more on your photography and less on the management and organisation of your photos. With practice, you'll be able to develop a workflow that's tailored to your specific needs and preferences. This will help you to create visually appealing and compelling photos that truly capture your vision.