For a professional photographer having a consistent workflow is essential. Following a simple series of steps – from capturing the images in camera to delivering the final prints or digital files – helps to keep things organised, improves efficiency, and brings consistency to your work.
The first stage of a photography workflow starts in the field with the camera but here we are focusing on what happens next, at the computer. Designed specifically as a workflow tool for photographers, Adobe Lightroom has been at the heart of my workflow for many years and for organisation I think it is second to none. When it comes to processing, it obviously cannot compete with Photoshop in terms of the level of creativity possible, but it isn’t supposed to. They are designed to work hand in hand with each other. While I initially used Lightroom for organisation and Photoshop being my choice for the more advanced processing, over the years I have found myself using Lightroom almost exclusively.
Whatever software you use, simplicity is the key to a good workflow. Lightroom uses a simple modular system with separate modules each with different capabilities suited to each stage of the workflow. The golden rule is to always do everything within Lightroom. If you need to rename or move files, do it from Lightroom so it can keep track of where things are.
Following a shoot, my workflow begins in the Library module. Using a card reader, I open the import window and
