Technique Tuesday: Shoot It First - Fix It In Lightroom

Good Morning Everybody,

It was good to have things fall back to a more normal pace these last few days.  Yesterday I headed up to Oldsmar, Florida - World headquarters for NAPP. I caught up with R.C Conception of Layers TV fame and Matt Kloskowski, one of the Photoshop Guys.

After a quick lunch we headed to the video studio and did several episodes of D-Town TV.  It was nice to give D-Town a little more "Canon" flavor.  D-Town TV is a great resource for any digital photographer shooting and it is NOT brand specific anymore.  I enjoyed sharing a few of my Canon secrets.

The next episode airs soon - before it's month long hiatus - maybe even this week. I'll let you know when it goes "live."

Next I caught up with Dave Cross and we did a few Photoshop User TV episodes during my visit. It's always a kick to catch up with those guys and get a chance to do a few episodes.  I look forward to doing it again in the future.

Hey, can you believe it - I'm back on schedule today.  These Technique Tuesdays take a little time to put together but all things worked out so I could get it posted today.  So let's get right to it.

Shoot It First - Fix It In Lightroom!

You know, that's a "mantra" that usually fires up many of the "purist" photographers these days.  I believe it is important to do your best in obtaining the desired results in the camera. But, you know what, “shoot it first - fix it in Lightroom” sometimes is the MOST SENSIBLE approach to take in any shooting assignment.  Hear me out.  Why take 10 minutes to get it right in the camera when you can easily fix it in 30 seconds in Lightroom or Photoshop?

You know, it's only good business.  If you are "fussing" to get it right in the camera at the expense of missing great shots elsewhere - let's think weddings for instance - you're nuts to be wasting time shooting the shot to "perfection" when "perfection" is easily achieved with a mouse click or two.

Today's video illustrates this fact perfectly.  During my Pre-Con at Photoshop World last week we were shooting in a church that presented a very difficult lighting challenge for any wedding photographer shooting at this location.  There was simply was NO way to get it right in the camera.  You'll get the idea what I'm talking about when you watch this week's video.  Hit the PLAY button below, see how I solved my problems and enjoy the show.

In today's digital world of photography we have some great hardware to shoot with.  Coupled with the cameras, we have some terrific software tools that should go "hand in hand" with our cameras to capture that great image for the client.

Here is my simple, practical, business centric rule on the subject:

The most practical and economical solution in any shooting situation should ALWAYS be the shortest way (hardware or software) to get to the final result - PERIOD!

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Hey gang, that's it for me today.  We head to the Tampa airport shortly and then head back home.  Although we had a great stay in Florida, it will be good to get back to the great Midwest. Spring is in the air and I for one love the change of seasons.

Don't forget to tune in tomorrow as I make the case AGAINST fast glass.  That one should poke the bumble bee nest a bit;~)

See everybody tomorrow from good ol' KY.

Adios,  -David