post-processing (retouching, editing, grading) absolutely kills me and sucks the joy out of photography for me, but i think i'm doing things wrong- can i kindly get some advice?
Our take
Post-processing can often feel like an overwhelming chore, draining the joy from your photography experience. With over 15 years of shooting, it's understandable to feel frustrated when your editing process becomes a burden rather than a creative outlet. Many photographers share this struggle, as seen in discussions about the challenges of managing data and refining their images. To reignite your passion and streamline your workflow, consider exploring techniques that enhance efficiency, such as batch editing or leveraging new tools.
In the realm of photography, the creative process often extends far beyond simply capturing a moment. It encompasses the intricate dance of post-processing, an art form in its own right that can either elevate a photograph or drain the joy from the act of shooting. A poignant discussion recently surfaced in the photography community, where an experienced shooter reflected on the burdensome nature of retouching and editing. This individual, who has been immersed in photography for over 15 years, candidly described how the post-processing grind has sapped the enthusiasm that once fueled their passion. The sentiment resonates deeply, particularly in a landscape where artists juggle their craft with business demands, forcing them to confront the often overwhelming nature of editing. As highlighted in similar discussions like Thoughts about ai clean up tools and the broader exploration of community-driven photography platforms in I want to build a Flickr replacement, what do we actually need?, this struggle is not unique but rather a shared experience among creatives.
The crux of the issue lies in the artist's self-identified lack of technical knowledge and the resulting inefficiencies in their post-processing workflow. The reliance on outdated methods—such as one-layer edits and a lack of understanding of advanced tools—leads to a time-consuming cycle that ultimately detracts from the initial thrill of shooting. This is a familiar narrative for many artists; the overwhelming desire for perfection can lead to paralysis by analysis, where the pursuit of an ideal image overshadows the joy of creation. It raises an important question: how can artists reconnect with their passion while managing the commercial expectations that often accompany their work?
Moreover, the notion of "happy accidents" is a double-edged sword. While it speaks to the beauty of spontaneity in both photography and music, it can also foster a sense of inadequacy when one feels they lack the foundational skills to reliably create. This artist’s journey underscores a broader theme prevalent in creative industries: the tension between artistic intuition and technical proficiency. It invites us to reflect on how we can cultivate environments that encourage exploration and learning without the fear of failure. The artist's plea for guidance highlights a critical need within the community—resources that demystify post-processing and empower individuals to streamline their workflows while enhancing their craft.
As the discussion unfolds, it is vital for the photography community to rally around such sentiments, offering support and resources that can help bridge the gap between creative expression and technical execution. This could include workshops, mentorship programs, or even online tutorials tailored to demystify the post-processing experience. The goal should be to create an ecosystem where photographers can thrive, free from the shackles of outdated methods and the anxiety of perfectionism.
Looking ahead, we must ask ourselves: how can we foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning that revitalizes the creative spirit? As technology advances, artists have unprecedented access to tools and communities that can enhance their craft. By embracing this potential and sharing knowledge, we can transform the post-processing landscape into one that not only supports technical growth but also reignites the passion for the art of photography. The future of photography is not solely about the images we create but the journey we undertake to capture them, and it is time to reclaim that joy.
lots to unpack here...
i've been shooting for over 15 years, most of that time "professionally"- yes, people have actually (repeatedly) paid me...
but i feel like a massive hack, because in all those years, i actually don't know very much at all about photography. i'm also a musician and suffer the same thing there- 20 years playing my instrument, yet i'm a complete hack... i don't know any technique/theory, only get by via feel and pray for "happy accidents".
that's kind of an aside and more pertaining to the actual shooting process itself though rather than the reason why i'm posting here today, which is the stuff goes on after all that, and that is post-processing.
being that i'm majority self-taught (in all aspects of photography), i never learned the proper way to post-process (or manage data).
my process is as such:
-insert memory card into card reader
-open the folder on my desktop (i shoot jpeg + raw, only use the jpeg's to preview)
-make my selections using coloured tags
-open said selections in camera raw and "batch edit" as much as possible there, but usually make some individual tweaks
-open files in photoshop
-resize and start retouching, not working in layers, no idea about masks, etc., just all in one go/on one layer, using healing brush and clone stamp for 99% of my retouching work... then i use some plugin my old assistant installed years ago called "skin by sparklestock", which evens/smooths things out with the skin- i usually dial it down to 20-30% opacity depending on the image.
-once that retouch bit is done, if i really really care, i'll use selective colour to really dial it in to where i want, then play in curves and colour balance, etc.
-once i'm more or less "done", i then run the image thru camera raw again to make some additional tweaks, usually clarity and something with shadows + blacks
-then i do one more quick editing session in photoshop, usually also creating a black and white copy at this point, adding grain (ideally to cover up my mediocre retouching).
-done
i don't batch edit, but do this with every single picture i intend to edit from a session, so each photo ends up taking an hour or sometimes more, and it's just become so incredibly draining, to the point it's really sucked all the joy out of shooting for me... i no longer look forward to shoots- instead, i dread what's attached to them; what comes after... the editing... i don't know if it's a matter of caring maybe far too much, but i literally feel the life and energy get drained out of me after a retouching session... not to mention, i can slave away all those hours only to end up with inconsistent looking images, as i'm editing/grading each one individually vs. batch editing.
i've got to be doing something wrong in all of this... surely there are some steps i can be taking to even just slightly expedite this process. retouching, i get there's not a whole lot i can do to shave down, but the grading/editing part?
i know whatever it is will require some study and a learning curve, but if it can save some of my time and sanity, it'd be well worth it.
and from a business perspective, when i consider what my sessions cost on average and how much time and effort i put into them, i just don't see it as being good for me.
i do still love shooting, but shoot much less for the love/passion of it these days as the post-processing attached to paid work totally burns me out, and i don't want to pile on more of it, even if it's a passion project. it's crazy how even images that come straight out of camera looking solid can still require significant work to really get exactly where you want them, and i'm super ocd, so can't live with myself if i know i haven't squeezed every ounce out of the image to get it as close to my idea of perfect as possible for what it is.
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