Recents shots from Bay of Pigs, Cuba

PHXAZCRAIG wrote:

I use trial-and-error to set the white balance, mostly. I do have a white balance card I've been meaning to attach to a fin, but I can never find it when I'm packing for a trip.

Once I get WB in the ballpark, I'll drag the sliders there to make it 'look good'. I'll adjust the color temperature if I think the whole scene needs more (or less) saturation, and the hue if that shifts tones a bit.

Frankly, I view the whole exercise as art. Finding a composition that works (not always possible in-camera), finding colors that work, finding patterns that work - all of it is satisfying to me, and most of it happens above water.

In fact, i use "trial and error" for most of the settings. Exposure, contrast are easy if one is sure of what is wanted. You see I use clarity a lot but I will try to reduce its use. Same for Vibrance. Most times I push up SAT a little HSL is my favorite tool to get the color I want for the water, and eventually to pronounce others colors of interest

Most of the times I play with Highlights and shadows.  HL mostly to push it down. Shadows both ways.

For WB I had told about my scarce use. It is something to be considered.

I practically do not use Blacks (or Whites) just experimentally but you show me a good use of it.

Normally I do not sharpen (most of sharpening being got with Contrast and/or  Clarity). With RAW files Sharpen is in LR defaults of 40.

Very rarely use of circular or graduated filter.  Adjustment brush a little more

Spot Removal for light backscatter, If much, I edit in PS with the Dust and scratches and History Brush method.

That' s essentially my routine above water.

it is underwater where I want to improve my routine and come out of water with shots needing just a little post-treatment.

I am going next month to a UW Photo Contest in Cuba where competing shots are JPG out of the camera.  The exchange with more pro guys is helpful and the event itself is joyful. I would be satisfied if i like the shots I do.  Last year (my first and  daring participation) I did not even like my shots.

Regards