I think I need to revisit my workflow. Somehow it has become over complicated and lost direction. I sometimes look at images I processed some time ago and wonder what possessed me to so over-process the image, too many colour and tone adjustments, too much contrast adjustments, and far too much selective adjustments.
Not unusual, I do that quite often myself. What I did many years ago, was based on some of the software I was using, and the Plugins that were "cool" at that time. Lucis Art, Pop Art, HDR Processing, etc, etc. So, do not feel you are the ONLY one that changes OLD photographs. It is NORMAL based on what was the "going thing" at that time in Photography.
I actually think I now need two different workflows:
1. A workflow for RAW images produced by digital cameras since about 2000. There are now RAW developers with built-in corrections for virtually every camera/lens combination. Any sensible workflow would start with their auto corrections. Choice of software is, of course, more problematic, but I would probably opt for DxO.
DxO is fantastic Raw Software, no disputing that. I personally use, Photoshop's, ACR processor, and like it, a lot. But, you will not hear me complain about DxO 9. Many members here use DxO. That choice is yours of course.
2. I have also been re-visiting my earlier pre-2000 work, taken on a myriad of different slide and negative films of varying brands and ISO. Modern RAW developers have little to offer here since I have no idea which camera/lens combination took the image, so no auto corrections are possible. The digitalisation process for these images was carried out partially by different labs and partially by myself with a slide scanner. So there is no uniformity in the digitalisation, resulting in very different scans with varying colour accuracy.
Scans of photographs are always a tough subject to deal with, and each scanned photo, is different, as you say. You just have to look at each photo separately, and then make an action plan if you plan on keeping that photo or not. If the photo has sentimental value, I would ALWAYS suggest to keep it, because you have no idea where post processing will head in the next twenty years that could make the processing of those images so much better. Ai software is already making great improvements in those areas of restoration.
The software was the first workflow is not a problem, as there are a number of excellent products on the market for converting RAW images into decent final processed images. The software for the second workflow is not so obvious in my opinion. More importantly nor is the workflow itself. Where do I start?
IMO, since the first workflow is predictable and normal for you, leave it alone, continued as normal. It appears the 2nd workflow is the issue, and is based predominately on Scanned, or Slide Images, (digital conversions). There is not predominate workflow for those, imo again. You have to look at each photo individually, and see what needs to be done. Does the scan pattern need to be removed? Are there speckles, or dust spots that need to be removed, Color issues, softness issues, or even missing pieces of the photograph that need to be re-created? And then, what do you have in the terms of software to handle those issues? Will you need help from others, or can you handle it on your own based on your expertise or knowledge? Is the photograph worth keeping? Etc, etc.
Would I be advised to re-scan - a mammoth task - these images before proocessing?
That depends on the comment above. Is the photo worth saving, is it sentimental, and do you have the software to fix the issues I mentioned. Was your own scanner sufficient, or do you need outside assistance in that area. Those are questions you have to ask for each scan, or slide that you have turned in Digital images. That could be time consuming. So, you just have to take the time to look and analyze each image. We can not answer those questions for you unfortunately, because they are PERSONAL decision questions, and also based on what software tools you have, or don't have to assist you in that process. Many people here are willing to help though. It is what we all love doing here in the Retouching forum, and how we all learn from each other also. Never be afraid to ask for help, ever.
And once scanned what is the best way to proceed?
You will decide that based on the questions above. What needs to be done, to each image in YOUR MIND that needs to be fixed, and then go from there. Just to give you an example. Look at one of your own images, and ask yourself, what do I want to fix about that image. What is YOUR Goal. Then, can you fix it on your own? Do you have the knowledge, software, and tools to fix it, or do you need help in deciding what is the best way to fix it. If you need help, SIMPLY ASK! Post what you are struggling with, and ask for any help. Many members here have different kinds of software, and they will be more than willing to show you and help you, and then you can learn from them, and learn what software they are using, and then decide if it is worth your time and money to buy that software also. But, it starts with YOU, and telling us what you need help with, and are struggling with. I have seen many people here who are more than willing to offer their help, and always for FREE. It is the beauty of this forum.
What is the best workflow to follow. A step-by-step guide putting adjustments in the right order would be useful. Should I be taking advantage of Photoshop's neural filters?
I always say the best workflow, is to LOOK at the image, and decide what you want to see corrected or improved FIRST. Most of those things can be accomplished in RAW processing first, because 90% of the things people want fixed, are colors, shadows, highlights, color balance, cropping, and basic things. That is why most people start in Raw Processor. But, when you need items removed, parts fixed, dust and scratches removed, etc, etc, then that is where other TOOLS, or software come in,
and the steps in the workflow become subjective. Most people would do those FIRST, before you make any other corrections. You sure do not want to do color corrections in an image that needs items fixed, replaced, or even created to fill holes. I hope you understand, and agree. Got to make a plan first, before you SET a workflow. As for me, ONE THING I usually do last, is sharpening, (if needed) after all other corrections, and adjustments have been completed, I sharpen LAST, (if needed). I do that, because sharpening can always interject artifacts if you go to far, and I do not want to do that until I am completed with all other steps of correcting the issues on the photograph. That way, I can back off the sharpening as needed also.
I would be particularly keen to hear strategies for the second workflow, as I really think this requires a different approach.
I hope I have helped, and maybe others will chime in for you also. Sorry for the long winded reply, but I just thought I would be as detailed as possible.
Good luck with your decisions, and as I stated, do not hesitate to come back at any time and just ask for opinions. NOTE: It always helps to post the Photograph, (if you are willing) so that we can SEE, what issues you are having to deal with.
Have a GREAT DAY.
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Major Jack
"You are welcome to retouch any photograph I post in these forums without prior consent from me". Have fun, and play as you wish.
