Lightroom Workflow Made Easy – In 5 Easy Steps

“Chris Parker is a wedding photographer and he brings his experience of working with thousands of images. Chris not only shows you the features, but he shows his workflows and tips for being effective in Lightroom. If you want to have a fast workflow this e-book is for you.”

Glenn Hoyle

STEP 1: Create a Fail-Proof Backup Plan, Quickly & Easily

Are your photos important to you?

Do you love taking pictures? If so, I imagine those photos are priceless to you and/or your clients. Yes? Yes!

Then, creating a Data Management Workflow (back-up plan) is the most important step for any photographer. If you skip this, you risk losing ALL your photos. Here’s why…

There are 2 types of hard drives and/or
computers ~ Those that have failed and
those that have not (yet).

It’s going to happen. YOUR hard drive will fail at some point in your lifetime..

Your hard drive is made up of moving parts. These parts have a limited life cycle (just like any equipment with moving parts; camera’s, video camera’s, etc..). When they wear out… BOOM! Your hard drive fails. When it does, say bye-bye to all your photos.

If that’s not scary enough, hard drive failure is not the only way you could lose all your photos. Here are some more ways you could lose those precious files; Data corruption, someone steals your laptop/desktop, fire, earthquake, hurricane, and much more.

Oh and what about human error? Ever accidentally delete a file you shouldn’t have?

The key to keeping your images forever is having at least 3 copies of every photo; 1 copy on-site, another copy off-site and yet another copy in the Cloud.

It doesn’t matter if photography is a hobby or if you’re a pro. Your images are priceless. Back them up!

No worries. Although it sounds complicated it’s very easy. I promise. You’ll learn exactly what you need to do to create your fail-proof backup system… step-by-step.

A few things you’ll learn for this part of your workflow…

The 3 different types of data and why each should have it’s own backup

How to do a risk analysis to determine where you are now

Hardware to streamline your backup workflow

Software that will automatically backup your photos on-location and in the cloud

Why Lightroom’s backup options could mean disaster if you skip 1 important step

“Thanks to Chris, I feel I am in much more command of Lightroom compared to before. I’d certainly recommend this to anyone trying to get more control over the Lightroom beast.”

Oddvar Keung

STEP 2: Configure Lightroom for Your Fast & Productive Workflow

Are you ready to dig-in and get started on your new Lightroom workflow?

With your files safely backed-up you’re now ready to build the foundation of your Lightroom workflow.

If you’re like me, the first time you fired up Lightroom you wanted to know 2 things; a. how to get your photos into Lightroom and b. how to start editing.

Which brings us to one of the most mis-understood things about Lightroom; the Catalog. It’s almost as mysterious as the Bermuda Triangle…

Why do I have to “import”?

Great question. You’ll find out why.

How many Catalogs do I need? 1 catalog, 3 catalog, 4?

It all depends on your personal needs. You’ll learn how many is right for you.

Actually, what is a Catalog?

Hint: It’s a database. You learn more about this and why it’s important for your sanity.

 

Why does Lightroom say my photos are missing (or my folder)?

Oh, boy… this can be sooo frustrating! If their missing, then you will not be able to work on your images. You’ll learn where they are and how to avoid this from happening again.

What do I do if Lightroom says my Catalog is corrupt?

Well, I warned you in Step 1 (it could happen to you – Google it). If you skipped Step 1 then pray that Lightroom can fix it. If un-fixable, revert back to Step 1 and do nothing else until you finish.

Now that you’ve mastered the Lightroom Catalog it’s time to for the most exciting part of setting up your workflow…

Preferences & Catalog settings!!

Just kidding.

This is just plain boring. I know, I’d rather be editing and being creative too. However, get this setup now and you’ll be well on your way to a faster workflow. It won’t take long. Pinky-swear.

When you finish this section, you’ll know exactly which options you should select for your workflow.

One more thing you must do before you EVER work in Lightroom again…

Color Management.

I know, another hot & sexy topic!

But, get it wrong and you’re going to waste a lot of time AND money. How much is your time worth to you?

You’ll learn my recommended monitor and tools for managing color…. step-by-step.

Oh, and one last thing…

…learn additional pro tips used in my workflow. Like; how to save 1 hour for every 8 hours worked!

A few things you’ll learn for this part of your workflow…

How many Lightroom catalogs you should have

What a Lightroom catalog is

What happens if Lightroom says your catalog is corrupt

How to find photos/folders if Lightroom says they are missing

Setup Preferences for improved efficiency

Why Color Management is important

Steps for setting up your Color Management workflow

Why you must color calibrate your monitor

Color calibrate your camera

“The content of the course is perfectly structured and expertly delivered. The flow of the content builds knowledge and skills in a logical fashion.”

Mick

STEP 3: Library Module Workflow

The fun begins. Getting organized is key to your sanity!

Life is short. Time is money. Time flies. So, work smarter…

How do you want to spend your time? In front of a computer doing things the hard way? I doubt it.

You have two options…

Option 1: Do things as you are now and spend countless, unnecessary time in front of your computer

Option 2: Implement the strategies provided in Step 3 and have more time for everything else.

Imagine over 100,000 photos in your Lightroom Catalog and you need to find just 1 specific photo. How long is it going to take you? 15 minutes? More? What if you could find it within SECONDS? You can, once you’ve begun implementing your Library Module Workflow.

That’s just part of what will happen when you complete your Library Module Workflow.

You’ll also learn how I rank my images on the first page of Google (proof is in the pudding – Parker Photographic). Then, you can do the same. Which means more traffic to your website! 

At this point, you probably already know how to import? Either way, you’ll learn exactly which options you should be using during the import process. Knowing the secrets will help increase your productivity.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll learn 4 Lightroom presets that will streamline your workflow… directly within the Library Module!

You’ll even learn how to edit in the Library Module, create a Watched folder to auto import your files, utilize Collections and much more!

A few things you’ll learn for this part of your workflow…

How to cull, rate and label your photos like a pro

How to add multiple keywords with a click of a button

How to create a preset to protect your images from thieves

How to create another preset to edit your images during import – automatically!

How to create a Watched folder that will auto import your images

How to edit in the Library Module

How to utilize Collections for specific projects – huge time saver

How to get your images ranked on the first page of Google

Plus, 2 types of edits EVERY photo should get and how to apply during import

“Very clear, Informative and professionally explained.”

Alon Michaeli

STEP 4: Develop Module Workflow

Let the creativity begin!

O.k., this is the moment you’ve been waiting for, for a lifetime… How to edit faster in Lightroom! You’ll learn the exact Lightroom workflow I use to edit 500 photos per hour.

It’s time to get your life back and do the things you love to do… like shoot more, spend more time with family or however you’d like to spend all the extra time you’ll have from creating your own Lightroom editing workflow.

Grab a cup of coffee and sit-back. There’s a lot to learn in Step 4. Here we go…

First, you’ll learn 3 possible Lightroom Workflow formulas. Each is designed based on your particular needs…

Formula 1; Designed for experienced Lightroom users and/or pro photographers. This is the exact system that I’ve used for my photography studio.

Formula 2; This workflow is perfect for new photographers and users of Lightroom.

Formula 3; Perfect for those that already have an editing style. Use this formula to streamline your workflow.

Your editing should start with “pre-processing” and you’ll learn about the 2 types of edits that ALL of your photos should receive during this stage. Plus, you’ll learn how to auto apply them during import!

Have you ever noticed that your images look different, on the back of your camera, vs. what you see in Lightroom? It could be due to not having a Color Management system in place.. which you’ll learn about in Step 4. Hint: the Camera Calibration panel is part of it and you’ll learn all about how to use it properly.

Did you know that all lenses add a certain level of distortion to your photos? You’ll learn how to fix it with one click.

Crooked doorways, leaning buildings, etc.. got you down? No worries. You’ll learn how to quickly adjust perspective issues.

Not sure about you… but, my tripod doesn’t always make the trip. Which results in crooked landscapes. You’ll learn the exact tool I use to auto straighten with 2 clicks.

Now that you’re pre-processing workflow is complete it’s time to start editing!

But, where do you begin? Sooo many panels to choose from. So, you start fixing the easy stuff; exposure, WB, maybe add a little clarity, boost the saturation… then, you fiddle with this slider and that one, and bounce around from panel to panel… before you know it, 15 minutes has gone by. Worse yet, you do not like the edit.

Sigh…

There’s a better, smarter, faster way…

And you’ll learn exactly which panel you should start with and why.

Not sure what all the panels will do? No worries. You’ll learn exactly what they are for and how to use them to fulfill your creative vision.

Once upon-a-time Photoshop was THE tool for re-touching your photos. NOT anymore! You’ll learn about the tools I use to re-touch directly in Lightroom. Like; re-moving objects, fixing blemishes and much more.

Plus, this same tool will allow you to precisely place your edits exactly where you want them. Love the WB balance in your photo… but, the skin tones of your subjects are un-natural looking? I’ll show you exactly how to adjust your WB (or any other type of edit; clarity, contrast, saturation, and much more) for natural looking skin.

Learn about the one secret panel that I use on every photo and hardly anyone else uses. Using this secret panel will allow you to edit faster and NOT over edit.

If you’ve been around Lightroom long enough, you’re probably aware of the number 1 used tool in Lightroom; Develop Presets. Throughout this e-book, you’ll learn about many more types of presets. But, you’re going to discover that Develop presets have a dirty little secret… learn the truth.

You’ll find out when and when not to use these types of presets, how to get the most out of them and much more.

Oh, I’m going to give you 40 FREE Lightroom presets too. All of which can be used to streamline your workflow.

Whew, that’s a lot of learning.

Once you complete Step 4, you’ll have a fast and productive workflow for editing your photos faster than you thought possible.

Which now brings us to the final step of your Lightroom workflow…

A lot of things you’ll learn for this part of your workflow…

The step-by-step workflow I use for my photography studio

A total of 3 different editing workflows from which to create your own

What each panel does and when to use it in your editing process

2 types of edits that EVERY photo should receive and how to apply during import

Exactly where to start your editing and why

The one tool I use for dramatic skies

How to remove objects directly in Lightroom

The tool I use for removing blemishes

My preferred method for adding contrast

How much Clarity you should use and why

The difference between Vibrance & Saturation

How to convert to B&W like a pro

What the Camera Calibration panel is used for and why it’s important

Tools I use for creating vintage photos

How to fix lens distortion with one click

How to fix perspective issues

How to quickly and easily fix crooked photos, with 2 clicks

How not to over edit with Lightroom’s (some are hidden) built-in-warnings

How to adjust the individual RGB channels for complete creative control

Fulfill your creative vision with the HSL panel by targeting specific colors

Get even more creative by adding color to your Highlights and/or Shadows

How to get rid of that pesky Noise

Add some grain and/or vignette for a vintage look

How to batch edit 50 photos (or however many you want) in 10 seconds

There’s one panel I bet you’re not using now and should be. If you want to work faster and more accurately that is.

“Easy to follow and with lots of valuable information.”

Angela Compagnone

STEP 5: Export Workflow

Time to share your photos with the world!

You’ve imported, tagged and edited your photos. Now it’s time to share them with the world! Which requires getting your photos out of Lightroom.

Welcome to the Exporting Workflow. Before exporting your files, you’ll need to tell Lightroom a few things about your final destination first.

Whether you’re exporting for Facebook, Instagram, in-home printer, pro lab, etc.., they all require different settings for best results. You’ll learn how to create export presets to help streamline this part of your workflow.

A few things you’ll learn for this part of your workflow…

How to create an export preset

Recommended settings for Social Media

Recommended file settings

How to remove Metadata from your files for privacy!

Here’s What You’ll Receive

The 82 Page PDF e-Book
The full no-fluff, 82 page e-book that shows you everything you need for a fast and productive Lightroom Workflow. Step-by-Step content to easily and quickly create a workflow that works for you.

10 Bonus Worksheets
You’ll receive 10 worksheets to guide you on your journey of creating your Lightroom Workflow.

40 Lightroom Presets
Includes 40 of my most popular Lightroom presets to help you streamline your editing.

The e-Book (and worksheets) comes in PDF format and can be viewed on PC or MAC. Plus, you can view on your iPad too. Once downloaded, you can view the tutorials offline and print out the worksheets. This is not a monthly subscription. These are yours to keep forever!

The Lightroom presets will be downloaded, to your computer, in 2 separate folders. You’ll learn how to install them (requires 2 different locations) in the Develop Module Workflow section.