Tasks and Duties
Objective: In this first week, you will focus on developing a comprehensive strategy for turning raw images into high-quality edited photographs using Adobe Lightroom. This task is designed to immerse you in the planning and research stages of photo enhancement. You will be required to create a detailed editorial plan that outlines your intended approach for image improvement, including the anticipated editing techniques and desired outcomes.
Task Description: Begin by selecting a set of sample images that you think require various levels of enhancement. Analyze these images to identify different challenges such as exposure imbalances, color issues, and unwanted artifacts. Next, draft a strategy document (in PDF format) that includes:
- A clear identification of the common issues observed in the selected images.
- A description of the intended editing techniques (such as exposure adjustment, contrast enhancement, noise reduction, and cropping) you plan to use in Adobe Lightroom.
- A visual mock-up or storyboard of how you expect the images to improve after each editing step.
- A list of objectives and key performance benchmarks that will help you evaluate the quality of your edits.
This task should require roughly 30 to 35 hours of work. Your deliverable is the strategy document that must explain your planned approach in detail and include annotated conceptual sketches or example screenshots where applicable. Evaluation will be based on the thoroughness of your analysis, the clarity of your proposed editing process, and the realistic nature of your performance benchmarks. A well-conceived plan will reflect a deep understanding of photo aesthetics and demonstrate your readiness to translate strategic ideas into practical justice using Adobe Lightroom.
Objective: This week’s task shifts the focus from planning to execution. You will practically apply a variety of photo correction and retouching techniques using Adobe Lightroom. The primary goal is to take a set of provided raw images and transform them into professionally enhanced images, addressing common issues such as exposure, sharpness, and color inconsistencies.
Task Description: Select 5 to 7 raw images from a personal collection or publicly available sources that present varying levels of correction challenges. Using Adobe Lightroom, apply a series of edits that include, but are not limited to, adjusting exposure, contrast, and clarity; correcting color imbalances; and performing localized retouching to remove minor imperfections. Document your workflow by taking screenshots at key stages of the editing process. Your final submission should be a single file (preferably a PDF) that includes the following:
- Before and after images for each edited photo.
- A step-by-step description of the adjustments made in Lightroom.
- Screenshots of the Lightroom settings and panels used during editing.
- A reflective commentary on any challenges encountered and how you resolved them.
This task is expected to take between 30 and 35 hours. Evaluation criteria will include technical accuracy, the consistency of editing across multiple images, quality of the documentation, and the overall presentation of the before and after comparisons. A successful submission will demonstrate your practical skills in photo editing and your ability to effectively showcase your editing process.
Objective: In this task, you will dive deeper into creative aspects of photo editing, with a focus on color grading and mood enhancement. Your aim is to transform standard photographs into images that evoke a specific mood or artistic vision while maintaining professional quality.
Task Description: Choose a series of 5 images that lend themselves well to creative reinterpretation. Begin by analyzing the mood or story you wish to convey through your edits, such as warmth for a nostalgic feel or cool tones for a modern, edgy effect. Use Adobe Lightroom to adjust color balance, saturation, split toning, and selective color adjustments, aiming to establish a consistent and compelling visual narrative.
Your deliverable is a comprehensive project file (PDF preferred) that includes:
- A detailed explanation of the mood and themes you aimed to achieve with each image.
- Before and after images that clearly show the transformation process.
- Screenshots and notes on the use of selective editing and local adjustments in Lightroom.
- An analytical commentary on how your edits modify the overall emotion and perception of the images.
This project should require approximately 30 to 35 hours, allowing you to experiment with advanced manual settings and batch processing techniques. Evaluation will be based on the creativity and effectiveness of your color grading, the cohesiveness of mood across different images, and the clarity of your documentation. The final submission should reflect your ability to merge technical skills with artistic vision in the realm of photo editing.
Objective: The final week's task emphasizes the refinement of your workflow and a critical evaluation of your photo editing process. You will propose improvements, test different strategies, and document a comprehensive evaluation report of your work with Adobe Lightroom.
Task Description: Reflect on your past editing projects and identify the areas where you can optimize your workflow and methods. Choose 5 edited images from previous weeks and perform a comparative analysis of your editing process. In Adobe Lightroom, explore options such as batch processing, preset management, and keyboard shortcuts to streamline your editing routine.
Your final deliverable should be a detailed evaluation report (submitted as a PDF file) that includes:
- An overview of your existing workflow for photo editing in Lightroom.
- A description of innovations or alternative strategies you experimented with to improve efficiency.
- Before and after comparisons for at least 3 images where workflow changes led to noticeable improvements in editing speed or quality.
- Data or qualitative feedback on challenges encountered, time saved, and overall improvements in image quality.
This task is designed to be completed in 30 to 35 hours. Evaluation criteria include the depth of your assessment, the practicality of the workflow improvements suggested, and the clarity and thoroughness of your documentation. The goal is to demonstrate that you not only have the technical skills required for photo editing but also the analytical mindset to continuously improve your professional workflow.