A Change In The Way I Edit My Images

Out of the camera RAW image (click to enlarge)
Olympus E-M1 Mark II, 12-100mm f/4 PRO lens @ 21mm; 1/60th sec. @ f/8; ISO 200

After experimenting for quite some time, I've changed the way I import and edit my images in Lightroom Classic CC.

The change is a result of Adobe's changing and improving the algorithms that control the "Auto" button in the Basic Panel of the Develop Module.  They say they now employ their "Sensei" artificial intelligence.  Up until late 2017, the "Auto" button, as I remember, didn't really provide changes that were helpful to me and I never used it.  Then, it was called the "Auto Tone" button.  Now, its official name is "Auto Settings" button.  In the Develop Module, Basic Panel it is just shown as "Auto." 

In the past, I felt using it certainly didn't improve or quicken my editing.  Then Adobe improved it and I found that by using it I eliminate quite a bit of time and effort in adjusting individual sliders.  

Changes when just clicking the Auto button and nothing else )click to enlarge)

Final edited version (click to enlarge)

I didn't make this change lightly.  I experimented using images from four different cameras in many different circumstances and lighting conditions.  Using the "Auto" button certainly doesn't give me a finished image, but it gets me maybe 3/4 of the way there.  Saving a minute or two on every image helps when you are sitting in front of your computer editing tens or hundreds of images.  Now, don't think by pressing the "Auto" button, you are done.  You shouldn't be.

I've created an import preset for each of my cameras which employs the "Auto" button.  I also have decided that, as a base profile for my Fujifilm cameras, I will use Astia film simulation as that has developed (pun intended) to be the most pleasing to me.  Astia has the most pleasing shade of blue for the skies, in my opinion.  The Astia film simulation is included in my new import preset.  

Other adjustments I include in the preset are a little Clarity and I check the box for "Remove Chromatic Aberration" in the Lens Corrections Panel. I'm still not sure if I will increase the default Input Sharpening beyond Adobe's default of 40.  So far I've left it alone but have added a little extra Detail in the Sharpening section as well as some standard masking.

It seems to me that one thing that the old "Auto" button used to do is automatically reduce contrast in all of the images.  The new algorithms don't seem to do that.

The one other item to check is that you are using Version 4 or 5 in the Calibration Panel, which is the last panel down on the right hand side of the screen.  Earlier versions will having you using the old "Auto" algorithms.  You don't want that.

So far, I am liking what I am seeing.  I find when I import a few hundred images, that they look much better to start.  The underexposed images look better, etc.  I find initial editing easier when there is an import adjustment to my images.  

If an image that is imported using the preset is not to my liking, I can easily adjust any of the sliders as I normally have done or I can "Reset" everything to the Null or Zero position and start anew.  Easy.

There is one other aspect about this I should mention.  Tim Grey, a well known and respected photographer, educator and workshop leader (he often speaks at B and H and has a weekly free question and answer newsletter called "Ask Tim Grey") recently said that there may be a difference between invoking "Auto" in import and invoking "Auto" after import.  I'm still looking closely at that and if I find a consistent difference I'll report back.

Just thought I would share this with you.  Try the "Auto" button and see what you get.  If you like it use it.  If not, don't use it.  We all have our preferences.  If I change back in the future, I'll write an update and explain why I chose to abandon this procedure.

Join me over at Instagram @dennisamook or my website, www.dennismook.com. 

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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