What is Photo Post Production?
Photo Post Production involves all activities that take place after a photo is taken. This includes; Archiving, Photo Editing and Distribution. Even though we aim to take perfect photos in the field, sometimes they still need editing support. When it comes to photo editing, there is a vast playground to create almost anything. The goal is to enhance the shot you intended to create and not get lost in what the final shot could be.
Archiving Photos
We always archive photos first because we never want to lose what we shot out in the field. So it is most important that we transfer the photos from the memory card to a laptop/computer via a memory card reader. Once this step is complete, we immediately back up these photos onto an external USB drive or hard-drive. This is the best way to backup and protect our most precious assets, our photos.
Most Images taken today follow the pattern of
Camera ——-> Laptop ——-> Online-Marketplace
The Days of chronic printing are nearly extinct. A common photograph can be review almost immediately after the image is taken with LCD Screens.
A common workflow for photographers is to transfer images from the camera’s memory card to their laptop/desktop via a memory card reader. Once the images are transferred to the pc, the images should then be backed up to an external hard drive. This second layer of protection ensures that no images will be lost or permanently damaged in post production.
Programs like Adobe Bridge and Lightroom will allow you to easily organize photos and batch rename and/or copyright images. Ultimately preparing them for the editing Stage
Photo Editing
Image editing encompasses the processes of altering images, whether they are digital photographs, traditional photo-chemical photographs, or illustrations.
The common photograph taken, now has much further reach with Digital Editing. Editing has experienced its largest evolution over the past 30 years.
History
Not much editing was done in the film days because the emulsion paper used to record light information was too delicate to alter much past Contrast, Brightness and Color.
Now that light info can be record onto a digital platform, it can be duplicated and manipulated without damaging the original.
Present
This has led to constant innovations in Digital Editing. With introductions of programs like Paint and Photoshop, Photographers has more control of an image after it is taken.
This can be a gift an a curse, as photographers fall more in love with the glamour of editing, many lose the patience that is required to capture a properly exposed image.
Future
We must keep hold of the art of photographing.
Editing and Photographing are two different practices, and should be treated as such. Photography is an act of observance, and Editing is an act of manipulation. Working in tandem to provide some of the most beautiful images we see today.
Editing Software
Photo editing software is used to manipulate or enhance digital images. This category of software ranges from basic apps, which are able to apply simple effects, to industry-standard programs used by professional photographers for more advanced needs. Many functionalities of these programs mimic the manual photo editing techniques used in a dark room.
Photo Distribution
Now that your photo is edited to your liking, it’s time to share it! Whether you want to print, upload or turn your photo into an NFT, this is the time to do it. There are many ways to share and also some great ways to monetize your photos.
Once all the editing is complete and the images files have been exported, it’s time to distribute. This is the most exiciting part for photographers. They get to share their work with the public to viewed and re-shared. There are a few ways to distribute an image, such as;
Social Media
Sharing images to social media is definitely one of the single most effective ways to get a ton views of your work. With Billions of active social media users and several platforms to choose from, you can be sure to get a great free feedback on your work.
Printing
Although Printing as seen it’s more popular days, there are still profitable ways to earn money from printing your images. Photo books and framed prints have become popular over the last 10 years. Platforms like Etsy and Amazon allow photographers to sell there original photographs to an active buying market.
Stock Photography
Stock photography is an extremely profitable way to earn $$$ off your images. The Stock Photo industry has grown into a billion dollar industry over the last 20 years. Getty and Alamy are two of the biggest players in this space. They both pay photographers to submit and sell photos on there sites. Photographers have reported making over $80,000/yr selling stock photos.
