\n
Editing isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t post processing<\/h2>\n![\"Laughing](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/IMG_0222.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\")
Laughing lady. NYC, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n- Editing: the art of choosing your best photos. <\/li>\n
- Post Processing: applying a filter, adjusting contrast and converting to black and white, cropping, anything that is done \u00e2\u20ac\u0153post processing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The problem, most photographers say \u00e2\u20ac\u0153editing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and actually mean \u00e2\u20ac\u0153post processing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n
The art of editing<\/h2>\n![\"LAUGHING](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/0-new-laughing-lady-contact-sheet-eric-kim-marked-3.jpg?resize=1180%2C1554\")
LAUGHING LADY by Eric Kim Contact Sheet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEditing: CHOOSING and SELECTING your best photos. A photo editor for a magazine isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sitting behind Lightroom or Photoshop all day, processing pictures. No, they choose the layout, and choose the best photos to include.<\/p>\n
Also an editor for writing decides what text to remove, or cut away, or edit out.<\/p>\n
Therefore as a photographer, when you are \u00e2\u20ac\u0153editing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d your photos, you decide which photos to keep, and which photos to ditch.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHow do I know which photos to keep?<\/h2>\n![\"1-hanoi](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/1-hanoi-lake-eric-kim-street-photography-contact-sheet.jpg?resize=1180%2C1347\")
Hanoi lake contact sheet, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFor me, I choose photos which punch me in the gut. If I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have a gut reaction to my photos, and I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel any emotion, I ditch it.<\/p>\n![\"Man](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/8E7C7545-29D3-4320-BFC7-C89A4C925AB9-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=1180%2C782\")
Man in silhouette. Street photograph at Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi, 2017 \/ ERIC KIM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMore specifically, I generally judge my photos on:<\/p>\n
\n- Composition<\/a>: Is the composition dynamic<\/a> and clean? Do I see diagonals<\/a>, triangles<\/a>, curves<\/a>, and is there good separation and figure to ground<\/a> in the picture?<\/li>\n
- Emotion<\/a>: Do I feel anger, sadness, joy, or frustration when looking at the photo? A photo without emotion is dead.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Soul<\/a>: Your photos must reveal a part of your soul, show your inner mind, and what your perspective of the world is. Photography is all about your personal perspective<\/a> on the world. In short words, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do I see myself in my own photos?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d And, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why am I the only one who can shoot these photos?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nHow to post process your photos<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/nyc-2016-portrait-eye-centered-braids-eric-kim-street-photograpy-black-and-white-Monochrome-21-800x1208.jpg?resize=800%2C1208\")
NYC, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRAW vs JPEG<\/h3>\n\n- RAW: the raw file and image. Allows more flexibility for you to post process the photos afterwards. RAW files are much bigger than JPEG images. <\/li>\n
- JPEG: JPEG offers less flexibility than RAW, but \u00e2\u20ac\u0153straight out of camera\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, the pictures look better and require minimal processing. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why shoot RAW?<\/h3>\n
If you want ultimate control over how to adjust the colors, contrast, or any other adjustments, use RAW.<\/p>\n
The biggest problem with RAW: too many options.<\/p>\n
To keep it simple, if you shoot RAW, just use filters or presets. Download my free ERIC KIM LIGHTROOM PRESETS<\/a>.<\/p>\nI like using presets, because it is like shooting film<\/a>. You get a consistent look over a long period of time, and it is less stress and hassle.<\/p>\nWhy shoot JPEG?<\/h3>\n
Personally if I shoot color, I prefer the colors from JPEG. Why? In my experience, getting colors to look good in RAW and digital is very difficult. Camera companies spend millions of dollars on their JPEG in-camera processing algorithms and processes. Therefore, if you want good and vibrant colors straight out of camera, with less hassle, just shoot JPEG<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nEditing and Processing tools for photography<\/h3>\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/6328E62A-1D6F-4F01-BA10-68458DF4AC59-1325x2000.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
Woman with eyes. NYC, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOkay, there are so many options for editing and post processing. Practical ideas:<\/p>\n
For Mobile,
\n– VSCO: best presets for mobile cameras (I like A6 for color)
\n– Adobe Lightroom CC: their new presets work very well
\n– Apple Photos: to select and organize your pictures<\/p>\n
For desktop\/laptop,
\n– Adobe Lightroom (either the new CC version, or the classic desktop version)<\/p>\n
\nMobile vs desktop?<\/h3>\n
So, how do you know whether to use mobile or desktop?<\/p>\n
\n- Mobile: for photos shot on your iPhone or Android phone, or if you shoot JPEG on your digital camera. <\/li>\n
- Desktop: for more heavy-duty post processing for RAW files. Or, if you have tons of photos to look through and edit. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nWorkflow<\/h3>\n
I generally recommend the steps:<\/p>\n
\n- Look through all your photos, and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153pick\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153flag\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153favorite\u00e2\u20ac\u009d a picture when you like it. <\/li>\n
- Do all your post processing or applying filters at the very end. <\/li>\n
- Export your favorite photos as JPEG files and backup in Dropbox, your hard drive, Google Drive.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
With workflow, KISS \u00e2\u20ac\u201d keep it simple<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe mistake a lot of photographers make:<\/p>\n
\n They post process while choosing their best photos.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This will slow down your workflow. Quickly select all your photos, and then at the very end \u00e2\u20ac\u201d post process them.<\/p>\n
\nWhat filters or presets should I use?<\/h3>\n![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/R0000481-2000x1325.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")
Processed in RAW with ERIC KIM MONOCHROME 1600 preset. Ricoh GR II. NYC, 2016 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAesthetics and post processing and filters \u00e2\u20ac\u201d it is all a matter of your personal taste.<\/p>\n
Treat post processing like salting your food. Not too much, because overly salty food tastes horrible. Just enough.<\/p>\n
And we all have different tastes. Some of us like saltier food, some of us like salty foods, some of us love cumin and paprika, some of us prefer cinnamon and cilantro.<\/p>\n
Do you prefer vanilla or chocolate ice cream?<\/h2>\n![\"NYC,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/Americans-5-2000x1327.jpg?resize=1180%2C783\")
NYC, 2014. Shoot with Kodak Porta 400 Color Film.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDo you prefer color or black and white? Just shoot whatever you like.<\/p>\n
Your friend might prefer chocolate, you might prefer vanilla. Or you might prefer pistachio ice cream.<\/p>\n
Generally, I find black and white<\/a> is good because if helps us simplify our photos. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a beginner, I recommend black and white, to better understand exposure, composition, and framing. Also to keep it simple, when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re starting off, just shoot high contrast black and white JPEG.<\/p>\n![\"Color](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Screen-Shot-2017-11-08-at-11.06.08-PM.png?resize=438%2C479\")
Color wheel theory: Dynamic tension between opposing colors. Image from CREATIVE EVERY DAY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
- \n
- Editing: the art of choosing your best photos. <\/li>\n
- Post Processing: applying a filter, adjusting contrast and converting to black and white, cropping, anything that is done \u00e2\u20ac\u0153post processing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The problem, most photographers say \u00e2\u20ac\u0153editing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and actually mean \u00e2\u20ac\u0153post processing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n
The art of editing<\/h2>\n
LAUGHING LADY by Eric Kim Contact Sheet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Editing: CHOOSING and SELECTING your best photos. A photo editor for a magazine isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sitting behind Lightroom or Photoshop all day, processing pictures. No, they choose the layout, and choose the best photos to include.<\/p>\n
Also an editor for writing decides what text to remove, or cut away, or edit out.<\/p>\n
Therefore as a photographer, when you are \u00e2\u20ac\u0153editing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d your photos, you decide which photos to keep, and which photos to ditch.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nHow do I know which photos to keep?<\/h2>\n
Hanoi lake contact sheet, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n For me, I choose photos which punch me in the gut. If I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have a gut reaction to my photos, and I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel any emotion, I ditch it.<\/p>\n
Man in silhouette. Street photograph at Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi, 2017 \/ ERIC KIM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n More specifically, I generally judge my photos on:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Composition<\/a>: Is the composition dynamic<\/a> and clean? Do I see diagonals<\/a>, triangles<\/a>, curves<\/a>, and is there good separation and figure to ground<\/a> in the picture?<\/li>\n
- Emotion<\/a>: Do I feel anger, sadness, joy, or frustration when looking at the photo? A photo without emotion is dead.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Soul<\/a>: Your photos must reveal a part of your soul, show your inner mind, and what your perspective of the world is. Photography is all about your personal perspective<\/a> on the world. In short words, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do I see myself in my own photos?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d And, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why am I the only one who can shoot these photos?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
\nHow to post process your photos<\/h2>\n
NYC, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n RAW vs JPEG<\/h3>\n
- \n
- RAW: the raw file and image. Allows more flexibility for you to post process the photos afterwards. RAW files are much bigger than JPEG images. <\/li>\n
- JPEG: JPEG offers less flexibility than RAW, but \u00e2\u20ac\u0153straight out of camera\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, the pictures look better and require minimal processing. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why shoot RAW?<\/h3>\n
If you want ultimate control over how to adjust the colors, contrast, or any other adjustments, use RAW.<\/p>\n
The biggest problem with RAW: too many options.<\/p>\n
To keep it simple, if you shoot RAW, just use filters or presets. Download my free ERIC KIM LIGHTROOM PRESETS<\/a>.<\/p>\n
I like using presets, because it is like shooting film<\/a>. You get a consistent look over a long period of time, and it is less stress and hassle.<\/p>\n
Why shoot JPEG?<\/h3>\n
Personally if I shoot color, I prefer the colors from JPEG. Why? In my experience, getting colors to look good in RAW and digital is very difficult. Camera companies spend millions of dollars on their JPEG in-camera processing algorithms and processes. Therefore, if you want good and vibrant colors straight out of camera, with less hassle, just shoot JPEG<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nEditing and Processing tools for photography<\/h3>\n
Woman with eyes. NYC, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Okay, there are so many options for editing and post processing. Practical ideas:<\/p>\n
For Mobile,
\n– VSCO: best presets for mobile cameras (I like A6 for color)
\n– Adobe Lightroom CC: their new presets work very well
\n– Apple Photos: to select and organize your pictures<\/p>\nFor desktop\/laptop,
\n– Adobe Lightroom (either the new CC version, or the classic desktop version)<\/p>\n
\nMobile vs desktop?<\/h3>\n
So, how do you know whether to use mobile or desktop?<\/p>\n
- \n
- Mobile: for photos shot on your iPhone or Android phone, or if you shoot JPEG on your digital camera. <\/li>\n
- Desktop: for more heavy-duty post processing for RAW files. Or, if you have tons of photos to look through and edit. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nWorkflow<\/h3>\n
I generally recommend the steps:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Look through all your photos, and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153pick\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153flag\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153favorite\u00e2\u20ac\u009d a picture when you like it. <\/li>\n
- Do all your post processing or applying filters at the very end. <\/li>\n
- Export your favorite photos as JPEG files and backup in Dropbox, your hard drive, Google Drive.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
With workflow, KISS \u00e2\u20ac\u201d keep it simple<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The mistake a lot of photographers make:<\/p>\n
\n They post process while choosing their best photos.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
This will slow down your workflow. Quickly select all your photos, and then at the very end \u00e2\u20ac\u201d post process them.<\/p>\n
\nWhat filters or presets should I use?<\/h3>\n
Processed in RAW with ERIC KIM MONOCHROME 1600 preset. Ricoh GR II. NYC, 2016 #cindyproject<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Aesthetics and post processing and filters \u00e2\u20ac\u201d it is all a matter of your personal taste.<\/p>\n
Treat post processing like salting your food. Not too much, because overly salty food tastes horrible. Just enough.<\/p>\n
And we all have different tastes. Some of us like saltier food, some of us like salty foods, some of us love cumin and paprika, some of us prefer cinnamon and cilantro.<\/p>\n
Do you prefer vanilla or chocolate ice cream?<\/h2>\n
NYC, 2014. Shoot with Kodak Porta 400 Color Film.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Do you prefer color or black and white? Just shoot whatever you like.<\/p>\n
Your friend might prefer chocolate, you might prefer vanilla. Or you might prefer pistachio ice cream.<\/p>\n
Generally, I find black and white<\/a> is good because if helps us simplify our photos. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a beginner, I recommend black and white, to better understand exposure, composition, and framing. Also to keep it simple, when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re starting off, just shoot high contrast black and white JPEG.<\/p>\n
Color wheel theory: Dynamic tension between opposing colors. Image from CREATIVE EVERY DAY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
- Emotion<\/a>: Do I feel anger, sadness, joy, or frustration when looking at the photo? A photo without emotion is dead.<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Composition<\/a>: Is the composition dynamic<\/a> and clean? Do I see diagonals<\/a>, triangles<\/a>, curves<\/a>, and is there good separation and figure to ground<\/a> in the picture?<\/li>\n
![\"Opponent](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/A1AE4A36-C7DE-470E-8DE7-FC47E159CD2A.jpeg?resize=1180%2C835\")
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/9622627C-E4F1-493B-A94E-36D962595729-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=1180%2C782\")
![\"0-halmunee](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/0-halmunee-contact-sheet-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C1006\")
![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Kyoto-Eric-Kim-Haptic-Snapshots-0133720.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")