Many photographers find editing frustrating, especially if they’re more focused on capturing the shot than on enhancing it later. However, mastering a solid editing workflow can drastically elevate the quality of your work, giving your photos the polish they need to stand out.
Coming to you from William Patino, this insightful video provides a straightforward approach to post-processing that’s especially helpful if you're just getting started or feeling stuck. Patino explains that there are two common scenarios: either you have too much knowledge and complicate things or you do the bare minimum just to get by. His advice offers a simplified workflow that applies to both extremes, making it easier to achieve professional-looking results without feeling overwhelmed.
Patino introduces a practical method he calls LCL, which stands for Light, Color, and Local adjustments. These three steps form the backbone of his editing process. He demonstrates this with a forest photo, breaking down each phase. For Light, it’s all about adjusting exposure, recovering highlights, and bringing out details in the shadows. Patino stresses the importance of reading the histogram and making sure that your image’s tones are balanced before moving on. His demonstration shows that focusing on light can drastically change how an image feels, brightening dark areas or toning down harsh highlights.
Color comes next, and Patino keeps things simple. He shows how to adjust color profiles and make tweaks to saturation, vibrance, and white balance. In his example, a slight cooling of the image helps create the right atmosphere for a forest scene, but these adjustments are very much dependent on the mood you're going for. One of the most helpful tips Patino shares is the use of vibrance over saturation, which affects midtones more subtly and can lead to more natural-looking images.
Local adjustments are the final step, and Patino demonstrates how using a brush tool to target specific areas of the image can fine-tune the overall look. Whether it’s brightening a particular section or bringing out subtle details, these localized edits help guide the viewer’s eye through the frame. He explains how to use a soft brush for smoother transitions, which is essential for creating a polished, professional appearance.
Patino’s process isn’t about making post-processing a burden but instead offering a manageable approach that can simplify your workflow. His advice to let your edits “marinate” is particularly valuable. By returning to your image after a break, you’ll likely spot small adjustments that can improve the final result. This technique ensures that you’re not rushing through the process and that each photo gets the attention it deserves. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.
