All,
I'm in the process of setting a few default import settings based on various camera, lens, and ISO settings. I'm in the process of reading "The Digital Negative" and finishing up the video series "Camera to Print and Screen." On pp 66-68 there is a basic discussion on why you may or may not want to do this. I WANT to.
Are there any somewhat step by step instructions on the methodology behind how to do this?
I've got a series of images using the X-Rite Passport Color checker and would like to know how to start this process.
This is how I would do it, is there a better method?
For at least each camera and ISO rating:
I would create my color checker profile first so that those settings can be included under the Camera Calibration > Profile section.
Would I include the lens profile corrections as well or let that go because when doing a shoot I may switch lenses and not know exactly when I used a specific lens especially if the focal lengths overlap in the case of a zoom lens?
Adjust sharpening, I've typically set this to 0 in the past. What is a good baseline starting point for general input sharpening? I understand each image may need a different amount, is there a good starting point for general input use?
Then adjust the Noise Reduction? If I understand this is mostly sensor and ISO based. Similar comments as above.
I would NOT do any Split Toning at least not as a bulk ingestion maybe after import as a develop preset.
However, would you work with the HSL values or let the Camera Calibration profile do the heavy lifting on import?
Tone curve I might do some minor tweaks such as either changing the point curve to medium contrast or just bumping each region till the test image looks great. I would however not want to go to far here, as these are general import settings.
Then for Basic adjustments, let WB alone as well as exposure, contrast and other settings here. However I might consider bumping the clarity and vibrance a bit for a little punch.
Then go to Develop > New Preset check each box for something that I changed, save it and I'm ready for one combination.
Is this about the right outline to do this?
I'm currently using LR5, Canon 5D Mk III with 24-105 and 70-200 zoom lenses. I mostly shoot outdoors available light at various times of the day. Should I also consider the time of day for each preset making additional presets possibly based on that as well?
As Jeff indicates in the book and video series, I'm trying to do the heavy lifting up front so I can better concentrate on making my image editing as smooth and efficient as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read (and respond) to this lengthy post.
Kevin L. Sholder