10 Step RAW Photo Processing / Where to Start, What To Do Next, Where to Finish

When I first started editing RAW photos, I had no idea where to start. I learned how to use different tools and techniques, but I lacked context. What should I do first? What should I do later? To answer those questions, and to formalize my approach, I developed my own 10 step framework. These are the steps I follow every single time I sit down to edit an image, from start to finish.
10 Step RAW Photo Processing Framework
===================================
0:00 Introduction
1:35 Step 1 - Lens Corrections
2:46 Step 2 - Transform
3:38 Step 3 - Crop
4:10 Step 4 - White Balance
6:10 Step 5 - Exposure
8:10 Step 6 - Contrast
9:46 Step 7 - Color
11:50 Step 8 - Dodging and Burning
13:25 Step 9 - Cleanup
14:35 Step 10 - Sharpening
15:30 Outro
===================================
White Balance Cards (from Step 4)
geni.us/9np3
geni.us/BuEz1T
geni.us/GRnT
Free 30 Day Trial of Capture One
bit.ly/2Jyuzdg
△ Check out my gear: kit.co/todddominey
△ Subscribe to this channel: bit.ly/ToddDomineyKZread
△ Follow me on Instagram: / dominey
△ Buy a print: dominey.photo/prints
△ All music via Musicbed. Get one month free here: www.musicbed.com/invite/0EgtX
△ Favorite photo backup service: bit.ly/3dq17nz
△ Say hello: dominey@gmail.com

Пікірлер: 305

  • @ramiraouagi
    @ramiraouagi4 жыл бұрын

    KZread algorithm is actually stupid for not giving you more exposure, your videos are GREAT

  • @EdmundWang

    @EdmundWang

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agreed. Todd is awesome!

  • @themanwiththeplan9397

    @themanwiththeplan9397

    2 жыл бұрын

    Agreed.

  • @D1GItAL_CVTS

    @D1GItAL_CVTS

    Жыл бұрын

    heh exposure

  • @glshim13

    @glshim13

    Жыл бұрын

    Totally agree, not balanced 😏

  • @Hubieee

    @Hubieee

    Жыл бұрын

    Perhaps he shouldn't bring his exposure down then.

  • @ryanmcbeth3160
    @ryanmcbeth31603 жыл бұрын

    This video is clear, concise, insightful and we'll organized. Top work.

  • @Erwin_Fit
    @Erwin_Fit4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Todd, thank you very much for making this video. I'm usually satisfied with my edition but being more organized helps me to understand what part I need to change when things go wrong. I love this process. Also you are an excellent teacher and your videos are great.

  • @johnkasza4024
    @johnkasza40243 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Todd. Excellent video for us "structure people". I also find myself just moving sliders around and this work flow will help me get into more of a routine and I am sure it will help my image processing overall.

  • @andrewd3899
    @andrewd38992 жыл бұрын

    This is a really great overview, thank you so much for making it! I've been struggling with exactly something like this - staring at a dull grey RAW image and wondering what to do and in what order. Thanks for the tutorial!

  • @AlbertaBoundRailfanning
    @AlbertaBoundRailfanning2 жыл бұрын

    Editing photos has been something I've struggled with since the beginning of my photography hobby... but unfortunately it's a pretty important step haha! Recently I've started playing around with RAW images... but really had no clue what I was doing! I finally had the great idea to do some research, and this video has helped tremendously! I actually managed to create something that doesn't look terrible from a RAW image haha, thanks so much for the video!!

  • @candiesestore88
    @candiesestore882 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Todd, I have watched countless KZread videos about Photoshop and such. You are, by far, the most pragmatic illustrator, you explained things in such a way that I don't feel rushed and understood more. You did a great job, thank you.

  • @territ7011
    @territ70114 жыл бұрын

    This is fantastic! You are a fantastic teacher and I learned alot!!!😊

  • @Nosnowyet
    @Nosnowyet3 жыл бұрын

    The logic and lucidity of your videos is gratefully appreciated. Keep it up.

  • @bereantrb
    @bereantrb Жыл бұрын

    This is absolutely perfect--precisely what I was looking for. I knew there were principles for what order to do things and why but had yet to find a source that pulled it all together in a tidy way. This was so concisely presented. Thank you!

  • @tomaszbanbur942
    @tomaszbanbur942 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Todd! I'm into digital photograhy and LR for few years already and always struggled with developing RAWs, doing it in very intuitive way, always different, and frustrated with effects after I finally and accidentaly received at least satisfying effect. This tutorial is so great, I just regret I didn't find it earlier. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

  • @brokenalgorithms4741
    @brokenalgorithms4741 Жыл бұрын

    It's amazing the difference in my edits(and photos) from 10 years ago. Very valuable video for beginners and even valuable for experienced editors.

  • @popefrancis80
    @popefrancis80 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much man. I was actually really stressed about some pics I've got to edit and you've brought me back down to earth and given me a process to work with. Loved that "take a break" step, it may sound silly but it's actually so important to take a step back and come back with fresh eyes

  • @bruce-le-smith

    @bruce-le-smith

    Жыл бұрын

    yeah the framework part is great. actually reminds me of a lot of golf tutorials i've watched. you'd think swinging a stick and hitting a ball would be pretty basic caveman stuff, but you'd be surprised how much a framwork helps to create consistency and more enjoyment

  • @fredbenjamin7072
    @fredbenjamin70722 жыл бұрын

    Hello Todd, Thank you for creating this excellent Lightroom editing resource -- and helping me to create order from chaos! This was at just the right level of depth for me to be able to establish the context as well as the flow. In other words, the components together create the whole. Although I've seen many other videos that explain workflow, yours made the most sense to me. I will use your workflow going forward and also try to incorporate my new favorite editing tools Luminar AI and (soon to be released) Luminar NEO. Since this is the first of your videos that I've viewed, I will explore the rest of the library. In the way of self analysis, my current focus is on subtlety, ie not over-correcting. (The available tools are so powerful, that it is difficult to know where and when to stop!) Thanks again!

  • @karanoia-agent
    @karanoia-agent2 жыл бұрын

    Your videos have been amazing for a film school graduate that was never taught how to edit. Thank you!

  • @janeoram2460
    @janeoram246020 күн бұрын

    Excellent as always!

  • @alexono88
    @alexono883 жыл бұрын

    Genuinely presented! Looking forward for more content from you

  • @michaelathybrid3
    @michaelathybrid33 жыл бұрын

    Todd - Very good content here and well thought-out and presented. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with others. Greatly appreciated. I will share your videos.

  • @tokidokiknitter1293
    @tokidokiknitter1293 Жыл бұрын

    EXCELLENT roadmap for editing photos. Very clear and concise. Thank you for sharing your process!!😊

  • @ericpettitpga8328
    @ericpettitpga8328 Жыл бұрын

    Outstanding. Excellent teacher...Thank you Todd!

  • @sarajitsil
    @sarajitsil3 жыл бұрын

    Hi Todd, Fantastic video. Loved the way you have explained the entire latitude of post processing in such 10 simple steps. It will definitely help me to build a definite process around how I will process my images in Lightroom going forward!! Excellent video!!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!

  • @EdmundWang
    @EdmundWang3 жыл бұрын

    Learning and practicing. Thank you Todd. Keep up the great work!

  • @romeovellere2053
    @romeovellere20534 жыл бұрын

    Brilliant, thank you for your commitment. Hoping you would keep on posting contents about photo precessing

  • @andreir.222
    @andreir.222 Жыл бұрын

    Straight to the point. Best tutorial about photo editing, by far.

  • @hemlockstone
    @hemlockstone2 жыл бұрын

    I really like that you took the trouble to explain what all these sliders are actually doing to your image and where and when you would actually use them. I have viewed countless videos on this subject and mostly come away even more confused and uncertain than when I started. Your presentation had the opposite effect. Congratulations and thank you - I now feel really inspired to have another crack at photo editing. Cheers, Philip Alvy, SW Scotland.

  • @dylanfarnham5164
    @dylanfarnham51649 ай бұрын

    Fairly new hobbyist here and editing has been a nightmare for me. This video is gonna help me a ton and I'll likely even refer back to it. Thank you so much for sharing your process and explaining things in a way I could grasp. There are soooo many sliders and such in editing software that it can be overwhelming to someone new lol.

  • @glennotf
    @glennotf2 жыл бұрын

    Really great video. So clear and simple. Thank you!

  • @cowheadcow
    @cowheadcow2 жыл бұрын

    Really great video. I did a before and after of my own original edit + your recommended process, and your process wins hands down!

  • @pajamaman4832
    @pajamaman48322 жыл бұрын

    I like that you include side by side suggestions for both LR and C1.

  • @AB-fe9jd
    @AB-fe9jd Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic video, explained the thought process behind successful and productive image editing superbly, thank you so much. I now have my entire photo library to re edit!

  • @noseycomic499
    @noseycomic499 Жыл бұрын

    Wow! Great process!

  • @percanta1
    @percanta1 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Todd, very useful advices

  • @emu256
    @emu2562 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for all the photo examples you provided.

  • @michaelking6153
    @michaelking61532 жыл бұрын

    This is what you call the Art of Perfection, crystal Clear.

  • @JavierLopezPR
    @JavierLopezPR Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video!

  • @codylander
    @codylander2 жыл бұрын

    Love this step-by-step! Thank you for your work!

  • @felicitaspaglialunga1029
    @felicitaspaglialunga10299 ай бұрын

    Excelente metodo de trabajo, gracias! ❤‍🔥

  • @stuartshook3614
    @stuartshook3614 Жыл бұрын

    I consider myself fairly competent at photo editing, yet I learned so much from this structured approach. Excellent video and teaching skills. Thank you!

  • @robsonoliveira8867
    @robsonoliveira88672 жыл бұрын

    Always perfect!!! Thanks.

  • @caloy4573
    @caloy4573 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much. Hope to be confident using editing tools.

  • @vinodken
    @vinodken11 ай бұрын

    You are amazing Todd, thanks for sharing this for many photographers to learn

  • @SamuelJamesVideos
    @SamuelJamesVideos4 жыл бұрын

    Quality content as usual. The algorithm is gonna take notice. Great stuff

  • @jolyoncox
    @jolyoncox Жыл бұрын

    Excellent Todd, thank you!

  • @JBurtonTenor
    @JBurtonTenor Жыл бұрын

    Something about the way you present information just clicks with me like few others. Thank you.

  • @Johnnygoto
    @Johnnygoto Жыл бұрын

    The most of my questions are finally solved, thank you so much for your video, I really appreciate it!!

  • @tonydugal5275
    @tonydugal52752 жыл бұрын

    Excellent instruction. Bravo!

  • @poojaavyuktha9491
    @poojaavyuktha9491 Жыл бұрын

    absolutely loved the way you have explained, it gave so many insight. Thank you so much.

  • @marianwhit
    @marianwhit Жыл бұрын

    Great overview, so needed...

  • @PeteEdmunds
    @PeteEdmunds7 ай бұрын

    Super clear and logical. Thanks !

  • @fishoscine1220
    @fishoscine1220 Жыл бұрын

    I'm reasonably new to color grading. Although I've messed with it for over a decade, I'm only now taking it seriously, and learning the tools in practice. This is a fantastic tutorial. can't wait to implement this, and see how it can improve my workflow and grading quality. Thank you and best regards.

  • @3DWHIZZ
    @3DWHIZZ11 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for this Todd...helped me much!

  • @kevindaley9266
    @kevindaley92664 жыл бұрын

    This isn't another advert for the famous Danish beer maker but "this is probably the best editing work flow video in the world". Thanks for your very informative video Todd!

  • @DmitryZhkv
    @DmitryZhkv3 ай бұрын

    Thank you, great video

  • @albertphillips447
    @albertphillips44711 ай бұрын

    Really good, and it gets better every time I watch it, and practice using it. Thanks!

  • @rocha2333
    @rocha2333 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent explanation and description for each step. Thank you very much!

  • @alanweston4913
    @alanweston4913 Жыл бұрын

    Just found your channel.I love the clean and concise information. Loved the exposure and contrast explanations, this is the best version that I've heard. Great Video.

  • @patricksmith3782
    @patricksmith3782 Жыл бұрын

    Yea, I really appreciate this video 👍

  • @open.studio.architecture
    @open.studio.architecture9 ай бұрын

    Thanks Todd. A fantastic tutorial!

  • @claudiorizzi907
    @claudiorizzi907 Жыл бұрын

    Fantastic. Excellent totorial. Thanks, Claudio for Italy

  • @jjtaylor6067
    @jjtaylor60673 жыл бұрын

    Todd, this video was extremely helpful to me. Thank you so much.

  • @jhale445
    @jhale445 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent presentation, very clear and without the confusing pointer movements found in many tutorials

  • @pierrenel1300
    @pierrenel1300 Жыл бұрын

    This is what I needed. I had the first four steps and then I’d start tweaking sliders with no real idea of what I should be doing, inevitably I’d reset or get frustrated and stop. The result is 3 years of unedited photos. I’d be interested to see in-depth videos on each part of this process, particularly from step 4 onwards.

  • @mondujar279
    @mondujar279 Жыл бұрын

    I am watching many of your videos recently, I really like your thoughtful approach and I am sure my images will benefit!

  • @edruth2933
    @edruth29332 жыл бұрын

    Todd Dominey is an exceptional speaker and educator!

  • @EricPost9
    @EricPost911 ай бұрын

    Super helpful! I've definitely struggled with editing since taking up photography as a hobby and feel I spend so much time ending up with something I'm not even happy with. Looking forward to trying out this workflow!

  • @suetownson7747
    @suetownson7747 Жыл бұрын

    I have been crashing around in Lr not having any idea where to start. This is the best tutorial I have watched. Thank you.

  • @MikeMV
    @MikeMV Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, this video is excellent.

  • @dimev4516
    @dimev45162 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Well-spoken and easy to watch all the way through.

  • @uzeyourillusion
    @uzeyourillusion Жыл бұрын

    Brilliant - thanks !

  • @magnusjansheden391
    @magnusjansheden391 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for exellent teaching Todd! Keep up the good work.

  • @andygray7776
    @andygray7776 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Todd, that video is super helpful and I am definitely going to use your framework in my editing process. Also, it is very refreshing to hear somebody talk about Capture One as well as light room as nearly every other KZread video only seems to mention light room as though it’s the only editing suite out there. Thanks again and keep up the great work (and Capture One tips). 👏👏👏

  • @aliviamurdoch8504
    @aliviamurdoch85043 жыл бұрын

    Extremely helpful video!!

  • @avijitmazumder1762
    @avijitmazumder1762 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks. The information was really nice.

  • @janosberes4401
    @janosberes4401 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks a lot for this video!

  • @wrus9
    @wrus92 жыл бұрын

    excellent superb presentation. Thank you so much

  • @ChadWilson
    @ChadWilson Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for clearly explaining your framework method. As a beginner, I find this kind of explanation of how the experienced do it educational.

  • @6bProductions
    @6bProductions2 жыл бұрын

    Nice job, you popped up out of nowhere, since for months I have been looking at a ton of LR videos. Glad you did.

  • @travelrecordmusic8265
    @travelrecordmusic8265 Жыл бұрын

    Spot-on methodical approach. Thanks!! Subscribed immediately.

  • @Windsorsillest
    @Windsorsillest8 ай бұрын

    This was exactly what I was looking for! I appreciate you ❤❤❤

  • @petermcginty3636
    @petermcginty36362 ай бұрын

    Thank you Todd, great video. I found this video 3 years later but, hey, better late than never! Your method has a strong structure and it is a really well presented video. Thank you and congrats. 🎉🎉🎉

  • @BabuGSRao
    @BabuGSRao Жыл бұрын

    Excellent way of presentation. very clarified thoughts...thanks a lot for sharing ..🙏

  • @straffe69
    @straffe69 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Your tips are helping me to improve my photo finishing

  • @costelo17
    @costelo173 жыл бұрын

    Well structured. Well explained. Thanks :)

  • @erik1836
    @erik1836 Жыл бұрын

    Very helpful Todd. The more I learn about photoshop the more I realize that I don't know. I was having trouble figuring out how to handle RAW files. This structure will help immeasurably.

  • @Florian-dg7mi
    @Florian-dg7mi3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this video... Huge help

  • @1garywagner
    @1garywagner Жыл бұрын

    Great tips on tripod use! Thanks for sharing.

  • @mariolombardi4766
    @mariolombardi4766 Жыл бұрын

    Outstanding Todd! I wish I had seen this years ago when I was first learning the editing process.

  • @absurdistsloth
    @absurdistsloth3 жыл бұрын

    absolutely fantastic video, thank you! i took notes to help me up my portrait photography game :)

  • @martinpettinger
    @martinpettinger2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Todd ... much appreciated

  • @Dionne.Photography
    @Dionne.Photography2 жыл бұрын

    This is great!! First time seeing you on KZread but I can’t wait to dig into your channel more.

  • @adgsdgasgsgs4378
    @adgsdgasgsgs4378 Жыл бұрын

    Massively useful 👍

  • @purchase6915
    @purchase69152 жыл бұрын

    Sir, you provided a great framework to follow, especially for folks who have yet to find their own workflow happy place.

  • 3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your insight . Great video.

  • @barlowsblog
    @barlowsblog Жыл бұрын

    This is so helpful!

  • @josephdempseyMedford
    @josephdempseyMedford6 ай бұрын

    Nice presentation. I especially like how you explain your process, it makes complete sense, and it will help me improv my images. Thank you so much Todd

  • @IvoPavlik
    @IvoPavlik Жыл бұрын

    Honestly, I didn't have very high hopes when clicking this video. Didn't regret it though. I was pleasantly surprised to get a nicely structured lesson, explained clearly, packed with photography wisdom, yet concise. You've just earned a new subscriber, sir.

  • @revseanmcguigan
    @revseanmcguigan Жыл бұрын

    Finally a systematic sequence of steps to follow. I had no idea what I was doing. Probably still don’t- but this will point me toward competence.

  • @rlhyme1
    @rlhyme1 Жыл бұрын

    That was awesome. I will try your method lol because as of now, I don't have one. I really learned the importance of a good workflow. Thank you for sharing your experience. I greatly appreciate you.

  • @Henryopendi-uw4ip
    @Henryopendi-uw4ip5 ай бұрын

    so nice to learn that

  • @TomKaszuba
    @TomKaszuba2 жыл бұрын

    A truly excellent presentation.