My Lightroom Post-Processing Workflow

2 min read
Paul Lai
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#technology #post-processing #Lightroom #workflow

Summary

Sharing my efficient post-processing workflow in Adobe Lightroom, from importing photos to final output.

After years of experimentation and refinement, I’ve established an efficient Lightroom post-processing workflow. Today I want to share this method, hoping it can help fellow photographers who are looking for a suitable workflow.

1. Photo Import and Organization

Folder Structure

My photo folder follows this structure:

Photos/
├── 2026/
│   ├── 01-January/
│   │   ├── 2026-01-15-Portrait-Session/
│   │   └── 2026-01-20-Street-Photography/
│   └── 02-February/
└── 2025/

Keyword Setup

During import, I set these keywords:

  • Shooting type: Portrait, Street, Landscape
  • Equipment: Sony A7RV, 85mm f1.4
  • Location: Taipei, Yangmingshan

2. Initial Selection

Using star rating system:

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Portfolio pieces, for portfolio
  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent photos, suitable for social media
  • ⭐⭐⭐ Acceptable photos, for client delivery
  • ⭐⭐ Backup photos
  • ⭐ Technical issues or deletion candidates

3. Basic Adjustments

Basic Panel Adjustment Order

  1. Exposure - Overall brightness adjustment
  2. Highlights/Shadows - Recover details
  3. White Balance - Color temperature correction
  4. Clarity/Texture - Add detail sensation

Tone Curve

I usually apply a gentle S-curve to increase contrast:

  • Highlights lift 10-15%
  • Shadows lower 10-15%

4. Color Grading

Based on different shooting themes, I apply preset color grading:

  • Portrait: Warm highlights, cool shadows
  • Street: Enhance urban color contrast
  • Landscape: Maintain natural color balance

5. Local Adjustments

Using masks for fine adjustments:

  • Portrait: Eye brightening, skin optimization
  • Landscape: Sky enhancement, foreground sharpening
  • Street: Highlight key areas

6. Export Settings

Different export settings for various purposes:

  • Portfolio: Highest quality JPEG, sRGB color space
  • Social Media: 1080x1080 or 1080x1350, optimized file size
  • Print: Adobe RGB, 300 DPI

Conclusion

A good workflow takes time to build and refine. I recommend everyone find the method that best suits their shooting habits and needs. While efficiency is important, don’t forget that post-processing’s purpose is to help photos better express our creative intentions.