Aviation photography post-processing workflow

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through a basic post-processing workflow for aviation photography, as demonstrated by Angelo Bufalino. This step-by-step process will take your raw images from camera to export, focusing on using Lightroom and Photoshop, along with the powerful Nik software collection. Whether you're looking to enhance your aviation shots for personal use or for submission to photography websites, this workflow will help you achieve professional results.

Step 1: Importing and Initial Adjustments in Lightroom

1. Open Lightroom and import your raw image.
2. Adjust the sharpening settings:
   • Set the pre-sharpening to 0.5 (default is 1).
3. Enable the following settings:
   • Profile corrections
   • Remove chromatic aberration
4. If no additional adjustments are needed, proceed to edit the image in Photoshop:
   • Control-click on the image and select "Edit In" to open in Photoshop CS6.

Step 2: Using Nik Software in Photoshop

1. Once in Photoshop, utilize the Nik software collection for noise reduction:
   • Open the Define plug-in.
   • Use the automatic profile option for noise reduction.
2. Note the importance of noise removal, especially in images taken during the day. Apply the noise reduction and save it as a new layer.

Step 3: Setting White and Black Points

1. Create a duplicate layer for adjustments.
2. Use the Threshold adjustment layer:
   • Slide the threshold slider to the left until only a few pixels remain visible.
3. Identify the darkest point using the eyedropper tool:
   • Click on the darkest area (point one).
4. Find the lightest point:
   • Click on the brightest part of the image (point two).
5. Create a Curves adjustment layer:
   • Set point one as the darkest and point two as the lightest.
6. Remove the threshold layer to leave the adjusted image.

Step 4: Enhancing Colors with Color Effects Pro

1. Open Color Effects Pro from the Nik collection.
2. Add filters to enhance your image:
   • Use the warmth filter for blue skies.
   • Add the Detail Extractor to enhance image detail without introducing halos.
   • Utilize control points to avoid over-application of effects on specific areas.
3. Save the filter recipe for future use.

Step 5: Sharpening the Image

1. Create a new layer for sharpening:
   • Name it "Sharpen Layer."
2. Use the Quick Selection tool to select the airplane.
3. Modify the selection:
   • Go to Select > Modify > Expand and set to 5 pixels.
4. Copy the selection to a new layer.
5. Resize the image for web use:
   • Set the width to 3000 pixels.
6. Apply sharpening:
   • Go to Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen.
   • Set the radius to around 75% to avoid jagged edges.
7. Use the Eraser tool to reduce sharpening on areas where it appears too strong.

Step 6: Final Noise Reduction

1. Merge all layers into a new layer:
   • Use Shift + Option + Command + E to create a merged layer.
2. Apply Define again to remove any noise introduced during sharpening.
3. Save the layer adjustments and finalize the image.

Step 7: Exporting the Image

1. In Lightroom, set the following export settings:
   • Resize the image to 1500 pixels across.
   • Set resolution to 150 pixels per inch.
   • Choose JPEG format and Adobe RGB color space.
   • Limit the file size to 1500 KB.
   • Do not apply any additional sharpening on export.
2. Click "Export" to save your final image, ready for upload.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will enhance your aviation photographs effectively, ensuring they are polished and ready for sharing. This workflow emphasizes the importance of noise reduction, color correction, and sharpening techniques to achieve professional-looking results. Now that you have this process down, consider experimenting with different images and refining your techniques. Happy editing!