Top Ten Trailpixie Rules of Post Processing and Printing

Posted by Marc on February 3, 2009. Categories: Photography Pixie Approved Photo Hints

  1. Less is more.
  2. If the effect is dramatic, it is probably over-done.
  3. There are no rules (see 1 and 2 above)
  4. Use curves or levels to pay close attention the fundamentals of image output
    • White-balance
    • Black-point
    • White-point
  5. Clipping can be okay
  6. Learn to apply effects selectively using layers and masks. Mastering this one technique will have an enormous effect on your skills.
  7. Great shots always receive some post-processing before printing
  8. Print many sample shots with different settings
  9. Pick a paper (or two), use profiles, and stick with it. You don’t want to be modifying too many variables when you are experimenting.
  10. Sharpen gently. A soft image is better than an image with digital halos. Sometimes a soft image is desirable.
  11. Some images become better with time. Some of Ansel Adams best work was printed 20 years after the shot was originally made. His technique and his artistic interpretation of the negative had both improved over time.


    12. Okay, so that was eleven rules, but nevertheless these are some of my general guidelines when I am taking a photo and preparing it for print or online display.

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