📸 The Ultimate Photo Editing Workflow Checklist

📸 The Ultimate Photo Editing Workflow Checklist

🧩 1. Pre-Editing Prep

  • Back up your photos (original RAW or JPEG files)

  • Sort images into folders by project/date/shoot

  • Rename files for clarity and consistency

  • Choose the best shots (cull duplicates, blurry, or unusable images)

  • Create a copy of selected photos for editing (work non-destructively)

🎛️ 2. Global Adjustments (in Lightroom or RAW editor)

  • Apply lens corrections (distortion, chromatic aberration)

  • Adjust white balance (temperature & tint)

  • Fine-tune exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows

  • Set black and white points

  • Adjust vibrance and saturation

  • Crop and straighten the image (apply Rule of Thirds or Golden Ratio)

  • Remove unwanted distractions (dust spots, lens flares)

✨ 3. Local Adjustments (Enhancing details)

  • Use graduated filters or radial filters for sky or subject emphasis

  • Dodge & burn to balance highlights/shadows

  • Sharpen key details (eyes, textures, fabric)

  • Apply clarity or texture selectively

  • Use HSL sliders to tweak individual colors

👩🎨 4. Creative Touches (Optional)

  • Apply your custom presets or styles

  • Add tone grading or split toning

  • Use vignetting to draw attention

  • Experiment with color grading for mood/style

  • Add overlays or effects (e.g., light leaks, grain, film look)

👁️ 5. Retouching (for portraits/products)

  • Skin retouching (remove blemishes, smooth but retain texture)

  • Eye enhancement (brightness, sharpness)

  • Teeth whitening (use adjustment brush subtly)

  • Hair cleanup (stray hairs, flyaways)

  • Remove unwanted background elements

  • Liquify/reshape only when needed (subtle adjustments)

🧪 6. Final Checks

  • Zoom in at 100% to check details

  • Ensure skin tones look natural

  • Double-check for halos, over-sharpening, or banding

  • Compare before/after and assess overall balance

  • Save as PSD or TIFF for layered work (optional)

💾 7. Export Settings

  • Choose correct file type (JPEG for web, TIFF for print)

  • Set resolution (300dpi for print, 72dpi for web)

  • Adjust compression/quality level

  • Add watermark/logo if needed

  • Resize for specific platform (Instagram, website, etc.)

  • Export with clear naming and folder structure

🗂️ 8. Backup & Delivery

  • Store edits in cloud and/or external drive

  • Deliver files via Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer

  • Send previews or watermarked versions for client review (if applicable)

  • Archive old files after delivery (keep originals safe)

✅ Bonus Tips for Efficiency

  • Use batch editing in Lightroom for similar images

  • Save reusable presets and export templates

  • Calibrate your monitor regularly for color accuracy

  • Create a “cheat sheet” with your signature color style or edit flow

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