Optimising a RAW Image

[nikonuser]

Try this as a first step in Photoshop on a RAW image.
1 Duplicate the background layer
2 image>adjustment> levels
3 set output level ( below the grid) to 30 and 230
4 Filter > sharpen> smart sharpen
5 set Amount to 280 and Radius to 0.8
6 Image > auto contrast

You can create an action for the above steps
I certainly think if makes a big difference to my images and you can still go on a sharpen later after post processing.
Dave

 

[Mystery57]

Tried this and it worked well on my test image.

Are you suggesting though not to make any adjustments first in ACR, but to go straight in Photoshop processing ?

 

[Swissy]

Thanks for the tip.

 

[nikonuser]

Hi - it's just a first step in the processing of a RAW image.
You can then carry on your work in ACR or move to PS as you think necessary.......even final sharpening before printing
Dave

 

[AndWhyNot]

I must be missing something as this just pushed a lot of darkness into the (otherwise untouched) RAW file I chose. Is there a layer blending mode change on the duplicated layer?

Other thing is, you seem to be saying open a RAW file through ACR into PhotoShop, make these changes then somehow open it back up in ACR to continue adding adjustments?

It's late, maybe I'm reading wrong.

 

[mik0m]

well you can reopen the RAW file or the JPEG through bridge after the initial process.. but having tried this doesn't seem to do a lot for my pics imo.. but that could just be me

 

[Mystery57]

I think its down to the image as to the result.

My way of trying it though was Opening ACR whilst in CS6, doing a couple of colour tweaks, then opening it into CS6, running the action and seeing what finalised.

Then I used the Open As .... Camera RAW command if any further tweaks were needed.

I cant make up my mind on this until I know what images it works for best

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

I can see no reason at all to developing all raw files the same.
All subjects are not the same
all cameras are not the same
all sensors are not the same
white balance changes with subject matter and incident light and is rarely ideal.
All subjects and images have different tonal ranges.
Sharpness is best set prior to output, to suit both size and media.
Pixel level adjustments and retouching are best done on layers.

While standard adjustments can be set up for instant use in most raw processors. it is often better to start with the cameras settings as taken, and adjust from there.

 

[fazer]

Having tried this method on a couple of files it seems to produce varying results depending on subject, lighting and colour balance. Processing in ACR first, even changing exposure values, will affect the final outcome. It seems to work best if nothing is done in ACR and the image goes straight to PS. I'm with Terry on this one otherwise what is the point of having the ability to correct an image in ACR?
I guess this is a good starting point for those who shoot Jpeg but not for RAW files