The Shop is the final step to great photography and requires experience and skilled judgment. The photographer must decide the degree of post-processing that is done in the digital darkroom and balance the desire for enhancement and corrections against the integrity of the photograph. Three major components make up the working in the shop:
Fixing the defects – The photographer needs use the digital darkroom to repair any imperfections in the photograph. This includes fixing rotational issues and distortions, cropping the photo, reducing white balance and exposure issues, sharpening the photo, etc.
Enhancing the photograph – The photographer may or may not enhance the photograph depending on the need for photographic integrity. This includes reducing color issues, removing unwanted components from the photograph, dodging and burning sections of the photograph, and using filters. Flexible use of masks and layers combined with exposure and color modifications using tools like the curves tool can significantly change the photograph.
Preparing for output – The photographer needs to consider the output mechanism for the photograph. This is not only the actual size of the photograph from a physical and digital standpoint, but also the type of output. Using a proper color management system is necessary to ensure that the colors in the photograph will be displayed properly, given the specific output medium.
Lessons from the Shop
High Dynamic Range Photography by Gavin Phillips
Seven Elements to Great HDR Images by Gavin Phillips
The Integrated Photographer by Stanley Leary
Simple Tips for Fall by Jim Austin
Backing Up for a Disaster by Stanley Leary
Actions - A Way to Enhanced Productivity
How to Spot and Remove Dust, Part 1
How to Take Great B&W Photographs, Part 1
How to Take Great B&W Photographs, Part 2
How to Take Great B&W Photographs, Part 3
Solving the Mystery of the Headless Photograph by Stanley Leary
Building Depth with Use of Extreme Contrast
How to Use Lab Color Mode to Make Your Colors Pop!
Still Images Plus Audio Can Be More Effective Than Online Video by Stanley Leary
How to Use the Crop Tool to Make a Photo Frame
Now Where is That Photo by Stanley Leary
Planning For A Disaster by Stanley Leary
Effective Visual Presentations by Stanley Leary
Publishing Your Own Book by Stanley Leary
The Integrated Photographer by Stanley Leary
Digital Workstation for Photography by Stanley Leary