Whats your file type workflow

Dr1983

Dr1983

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Edit My Images
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Basically I`ve just realised the dramatic difference in the resulting PNG files that come from my workflow.

I transfer the RAW files from my CF card and open them in CS3, I then save them as PSD when i`m working on them and then resize and save as PNG for quick viewing and posting on the web.

I thought PNG files were a safer option that JPG as less compression was involved. But today when looking at the PNG thumbs next to the PSD thumbs I noticed how oversaturated they were looking. Whats the best way to minimise file size and still keep the quality or at least colouring of the original.

I understand this is the trade off with compression but I was wondering what your workflow and take on it was.

cheers,
Daniel.
 
i do pretty much the same as you except i use jpeg for saving for web etc and i have never really noticed a difference tbh, it might be a good idea to try a test image with a few different formats? i might have a go in a mo x
xx
 
It also seems there is a few problems with some platforms reading PNG files on the web.

I used to use apple mac's 'iweb' for my client galleries, but after receiving so many emails saying that my pictures wouldn't load and the galleries are empty I went over to Jalbum, lightroom and flash 8.

Do a google search and you will probably find more info on the subject.

Best of luck :thumbs:
 
Tomas Whitehouse said:
It also seems there is a few problems with some platforms reading PNG files on the web.

I used to use apple mac's 'iweb' for my client galleries, but after receiving so many emails saying that my pictures wouldn't load and the galleries are empty I went over to Jalbum, lightroom and flash 8.

Do a google search and you will probably find more info on the subject.

Best of luck :thumbs:
Click to expand...

I think colour space could be an issue and of course I`ve got to expect some losses with the serious compression (100mb files down to 1mb).

So do most other people, do the raw editing, save the original then save the manipulated file and then save for web if needs be?

I want to get in to the habit of using the same process each time. But 3 or 4 versions of one image with the original can come in over 400mb. I could save all the layers together in one merged PSD but that would still be equally as large i`d imagine. 300 shots with a few variations will fill a hard drive!
 
I use Aperture and import all RAW files to here. From within Aperture I edit with CS3 and then close the file saving changes.

This means I have my RAW original, My RAW File with Editing changes from within Aperture and a PSD File containing the CS3 Edits.

Find this is the best way then I just export file out of Aperture depending on requirements, web print or email.

Nice and simple.
Shutterman
 
jpeg is designed for pictures while png is designed for graphics. Use jpeg with low compression and you won't be able to tell that it's compressed. If you really want a non-compressed version and don't want to save the psd then use tiff.
 
1. Raws off card
2. Raws picked through and delete the crap ones
3. Create new folder named 'raws'
4. Move all raws to this folder
5. Edit my favourites (usually involves brightening and contrast, sometimes exposure and fill light), leave the rest
6. Save edited ones as LZW compressed TIFFs in new folder next to raw folder named "tiffs"
7. Open tiffs, sharpen, do final editing, resize to 800x on the longest side, save as jpeg in new folder next to 'tiffs' named 'jpegs'
8. Burn all to DVD
9. Format card
 
I just use Photoshop mainly, and the save for web function to a jpeg compressed around 7 at a res of about 800x600. I then create the thumbnails from these resized images. Yes it you can see the compression on the images but when they are only 150x100 it doesnt really matter in my opinion.

THe batch resize option in photoshop doesnt compress the images that well ive found, as i had some thumbnails that where about 30k, which is massive, but using the "save for web" after resizing got them to about 16k each.
 
Import into Lightroom and convert to DNG.
Hit caps lock in loupe mode, flag immediate rejects.
Second pass: filter unflagged, a more careful look, flag picks.
Refine.
Delete rejects.
Apply any batch processing (custom WB + custom tone curve, usually).
Process individual shots if necessary (including B&W).
Caption, tag and collection.

I adore Lightroom so, so much.
 
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