Robert Watcher
Well-known member
I have been told that all of my photographic work contains a similar identifiable look and style. I think that is accurate to say and for me that is a good thing, whether individuals like what I do or not. It is me. It may be described as grungy or earthy, textured or colourful. Except for the colour, that can be said for my Black and White images as well.
So when asked what my workflow or processing is to get the look that I want, I have to preface by stating that just as I use the same camera and lenses as everyone else - and yet my captures are quite different than everyone else - - - for processing, I also use the same softwares as everyone else with much of the same settings - and yet my processed images are quite different than everyone elses.
And so my primary tool is Lightroom for processing 100% of my images. From within Lightroom, I sometimes open the files in Nik Color Efex (or Nik Silver Efex for B&W) for the feature set that is contained within that software. I also on occasion open a set of files in Photoshop, but not for additional image manipulation - but only for combining images through the use of Aligning multiple layers and masking out select areas, when I find that necessary.
In fact even though my images have a similar vibe - I do not have one fixed processing method. I have favourite sliders that I adjust on a case by case basis. In Nik software, I have created several - what are called Recipes - of tools that I like to use. When I use Nik, these are generally starting points to get to what feels best.
So I have taken some Screen Shots of a process of combining multiple frames - that will allow you to see some of my favourite sliders and adjustments. This is crazy image, but I find it fun on occasion to combine the same person in a frame. By using this style, I can show how I incorporate Photoshop from within Lightroom.
Here is the final processed image.
So when asked what my workflow or processing is to get the look that I want, I have to preface by stating that just as I use the same camera and lenses as everyone else - and yet my captures are quite different than everyone else - - - for processing, I also use the same softwares as everyone else with much of the same settings - and yet my processed images are quite different than everyone elses.
And so my primary tool is Lightroom for processing 100% of my images. From within Lightroom, I sometimes open the files in Nik Color Efex (or Nik Silver Efex for B&W) for the feature set that is contained within that software. I also on occasion open a set of files in Photoshop, but not for additional image manipulation - but only for combining images through the use of Aligning multiple layers and masking out select areas, when I find that necessary.
In fact even though my images have a similar vibe - I do not have one fixed processing method. I have favourite sliders that I adjust on a case by case basis. In Nik software, I have created several - what are called Recipes - of tools that I like to use. When I use Nik, these are generally starting points to get to what feels best.
So I have taken some Screen Shots of a process of combining multiple frames - that will allow you to see some of my favourite sliders and adjustments. This is crazy image, but I find it fun on occasion to combine the same person in a frame. By using this style, I can show how I incorporate Photoshop from within Lightroom.
Here is the final processed image.