Lightroom to Photoshop CC noise/sharpening workflow question

Most of my images I process 100% in Lightroom. HOWEVER, I do at times need to send and image from Lightroom over to Photoshop CC to finish. Then when finished in CC the image goes back to Lightroom 5 as a TIFF. My question is should I apply sharpening and noise reduction in LR5 prior to sending the image to CC? Or should I apply sharpening and noise reduction after the end of the round trip to CC and back when the image arrives back in LR5 as a TIFF. And yes I have tried a number of different ways. I have tried sending the same image from LR5 with sharpening and NR applied as I would if I were finished. I have sent the same image over to CC with just the default sharpen and noise settings AND I have zeroed out the settings. I sent all images to CC as 16bit TIFF. I tried those various ways and have gotten mixed results. So I was looking for someone with expertise as to what the best procedure is to take when using this workflow.

Getting mixed results is normal as it depends on the initial image and what happens in PS. If you’re changing the overall toning or local contrast in PS then the noise will be different and probably needs more tweaking afterwards.
I would generally go part way toward my final Detail settings in LR, then do what I have to do in PS, then do more in either PS or LR as appropriate.
What I usually do in PS is use Smart Sharpen after I’ve resized down to whatever my final size is—usually my screen size for desktop wallpaper, because I like how PS SS works, an in that case I’ve probably done all my Detail work in LR and only do the resize and SS in PS.

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Sharpening export workflow question

I have a sharpening workflow question. Say I have pictures from a portrait session I just finished. I have to send 10 pictures the client ordered to a print lab and I also will make some small facebook sized pictures and upload them to my business facebook page. The level of sharpening needed for large prints (I upload to print lab as RGB JPEGS) and sharpening needed for the very small sRGB facebook-sized pictures is different. In Lightroom I have the option to set the sharpening on export and have a bunch of presets that alter the export size, color space, sharpening, etc(WHCC print lab, facebook, Client CD, etc). I don't see how to do that in Aperture. I see they have the option if you have a printer, but not on normal export.
For those of you that have to export batches of pictures in multiple different sizes (with different levels of sharpening), what is your workflow? I could use some photoshop droplets/actions after Aperture export but I was hoping there was a way to avoid the extra step. Am I overlooking an export feature? The BorderFX plug-in looks like the only other option.
Thank you in advance for time and help!
Scott

Frank Scallo Jr wrote:
The thing is guys - Once a file is sized down it WILL lose sharpening - what we are doing is sharpening the full size RAW file or rather what the full size output would be like. Once we export a version sized down it will lose some of the 'bite'. LR has sharpening options on 'output' which is not only smart but a necessity. Adobe realizes that output for screen needs another sharpen. Apple either doesn't know or didn't bother. It makes ANY output for screen less than best.
Bear in mind that there seem to be two separate issues going on here - sharpening adjustments not being applied on export, and resizing.
As far as resizing is concerned, Aperture appears to use something roughly equivalent to Photoshop's Bicubic Sharper setting. Because of this I've never had much problem with Aperture's exports when used for the web, but obviously everyone's taste for sharpening differs which is why an option for output sharpening would be good.
Sharpening adjustments not being applied on export is a separate issue and should be reported via the feedback form ASAP by everyone who is experiencing the bug.
Now printing is another animal - I wouldn't print directly from RAW in aperture either if I'm printing small. Again, LR beats Aperture here as well since they include output sharpening for print.
Aperture has had output sharpening for printing since 2.0 came out (unless it in was 1.5). In A3 you need to turn on 'More Options' and scroll down, I can't remember where it is in A2. I don't know how effective it is as I print via a lab, but it's there and it's been there for a long time...
Ian

Lightroom, Photoshop, RAW Presharpening, Noise Reduction Workflow Help

I'm tying to determine a best practices route using Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop and Nik Software Sharpener and Dfine (Noise Management Software).
I shoot only RAW with a Canon EOS 30D with good quality lenses.
I import the RAW files from the CF card directly (DNG and save) into LR, add keywords, organize, etc.
However, I am now at the point where I need to determine a sensible workflow that includes these steps:
Import RAW into LR as DNG.
Edit, as needed, in PS.
Apply RAW Presharpening (as provided in Nik Sharpener).
Manage Noise (with Nik Dfine (2.0 available in next 24 hours).
Apply usage-based sharpening prior to printing or saving final file version.
Maintain organization in LR.
My original plan was:
1. Import RAW in LR.
2. Open in PS.
3. Apply noise reduction.
4. Apply RAW presharpening.
5. Save (with new version being an "Edit" copy back in LR.
6. Maintain organization in LR.
I'm wondering, though, if I wouldn't be better off doing the basics to the files prior to LR import. Note that the Nik tools work in 16-bit mode.
This is theoretically what I'm thinking, and would appreciate other user's input:
1. Save RAW files to location on Mac.
2. Apply Noise reduction to RAW files with Nik software within PS (perhaps automated, perhaps batched).
3. Apply RAW presharpening to RAW files with Nik software within PS (perhaps automated, perhaps batched).
4. Import noise- and presharpening-adjusted files into LR, with metadata additions, etc.
5. Open files in PS as needed, with files becoming edit versions within LR.
Any thoughts?

To summarize, then:
First time opening a RAW file from Lightroom, LR automatically creates a copy and appends "-Edit" to the filename. If it's a RAW file, only available option is the third option in the dialog box: "Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments."
Once opened in Photoshop, any number of adjustments can be made and saved. All adjustments are reflected in the -Edit copy when previewed in back in LR.
If, later, I want to perform further PS edits on the -Edit version, I have 3 options as presented in the dialog box.
1. "Edit Original (LR adjustments will not be visible)"
2. "Edit a Copy (LR adjustments will not be visible)"
3. "Edit a Copy with Lightroom Adjustments"
Option 1 will open -Edit version #1 (but it will not show any changes made in LR to the -Edit file when opened in PS)
Option 2 will create a copy of -Edit version #1 and open that new file, -Edit-2 (but it will not contain any changes made in LR to the -Edit file)
Option 3 will create a copy of -Edit version #1 and open that new file, -Edit-2 and it will contain any changes made in LR to the -Edit file
So, a typical workflow would be:
1. Import RAW file in LR.
2. Make adjustments in LR.
3. If needed, open a copy (by default) in PS via LR (command-E).
4. Adjust in PS, save.
5. Adjusted file is stacked with original RAW file in LR.
6A. Assuming no additional edits in LR, further PS adjustments can be made to -Edit version original, keeping just 1 stacked version in LR.
6B. If additional adjustments are made to the saved -Edit version in LR, and further PS adjustments are needed, I must edit a copy of the -Edit file, ultimately resulting in a second stacked file.

Noise/grainy problems with images exported into photoshop cc from lightroom after photoshop & lightroom updates

I can't figure it out. After updating photoshop from the c6 version to the newer cc, and after also an update to lightroom through my creative cloud app, all photos exported now from lightroom into photoshop are extremely noisy and poor quality. I have adjusting settings I thought to back where I had them, but the images still don't look right. Can you help me? Slammed with photos to edit for paid gigs! Panicking. These are raw files.

My interpretation of what the OP’s situation, that they are adjusting noise-reduction and sharpening to their liking in LR, the using Edit In PS (not Exporting despite using that word) into PS and what they see in PS is much nosier than what they saw in LR and are wondering why things look different between LR and PS.
My guess as to the problem is that they’re adjusting LR-Detail settings (Sharpness and NR) using Fit zoom instead of 1:1 zoom and then viewing the image in PS, perhaps at 1:1 zoom or even at Fit-to-Window zoom in PS, and that LR’s resampling and PS’s resampling of the image for fitting to the screen are a bit different and PS’s looks rougher.
Unless the OP is comparing LR and PS at 1:1 or 100% zoom, differences are to be expected.

I am planning on buying Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 ASAP but had a few questions before doing so.

Any help would be appreciated, as I could not find anywhere to contact the company to ask questions regarding Lightroom.
1. All of my photos (jpeg files) are on my computer hard drive and an external hard drive. Can they be easily imported into Lightroom?
2. A. After they are imported, do the photos remain in the original location as well (external hard drive/ hard drive)? B. If so, do they therefore take up twice the space on my PC?
3. Can I import jpeg images directly from my camera (or only raw files?)
4. I am planning on upgrading to an Mac computer in the near future. Can I take carry over the editing, rating, sorting of photos, etc. that I have done in Lightroom on my windows PC to the Mac computer when I get it or will I have to redo everything?
5. Can I open images from Lightroom in Photoshop Elements?
6. I can purchase Adobe Lightroom 5 without buying the Creative Cloud subscription, correct?
Again, I would appreciate some answers ASAP because I have photos that I need to sort for my work and cannot do so until I buy Lightroom or another software if necessary. Also, if there is a faster/better way to get questions answered please let me know (I'm new to Adobe.) Thanks!!!

If you want to have the photos stored on an external HD, you probably should move them there in your operating system before you import into Lightroom.
But, if you don't yet own an external HD, you can import from the internal hard drive and later move the photos to wherever you want them to be, as long as you do it properly.

Using trial version of Lightroom and photoshop. Plan to buy. but i have a question: I have two computers a desktop and a laptop that i use when i travel can the programs be installed in both computers?

Using trial version of Lightroom and photoshop. Plan to buy. but i have a question: I have two computers a desktop and a laptop that i use when traelling. Can i download the programs on both computers?

Check the end user licensing agreement at End-user license agreements FAQ

My Question is: I have a Lightroom 5 software buyed single on my MAC. If now I buy a CC Pack with Lightroom and Photoshop...what happened? How I can install AGAIN a other version of lightroom 5 ?! and this is necessary because the version included in pack

My Question is: I have a Lightroom 5 software buyed single on my MAC. If now I buy a CC Pack with Lightroom and Photoshop...what happened? How I can install AGAIN a other version of lightroom 5 ?! and this is necessary because the version included in pack has a mobile function that my actual version don't has. Thanks to help.
Can live two version equal of lightroom on same MAC ?
mmm .... I Doubt...
Suggestion.. ?

My Question is: I have a Lightroom 5 software buyed single on my MAC. If now I buy a CC Pack with Lightroom and Photoshop...what happened? How I can install AGAIN a other version of lightroom 5 ?! and this is necessary because the version included in pack has a mobile function that my actual version don't has. Thanks to help.
Can live two version equal of lightroom on same MAC ?
mmm .... I Doubt...
Suggestion.. ?

I am interested on buying the Photoshop and Lightroom package (9.99 per month) My question is If I download it on my PC can I also use it on my iMac or vice versa?

I am interested on buying the Photoshop and Lightroom package (9.99 per month) My question is If I download it on my PC can I also use it on my iMac or vice versa?

If you want to have the photos stored on an external HD, you probably should move them there in your operating system before you import into Lightroom.
But, if you don't yet own an external HD, you can import from the internal hard drive and later move the photos to wherever you want them to be, as long as you do it properly.

Question. CC for Lightroom and Photoshop and, in say 5 years or so, become inactive.

What access would I have to my photos if I sign up for CC for Lightroom and Photoshop and then become only an occasional user. Will I still be able to find my photos using Lightroom? Will I be able to search for photos using keywords? Will I be able to see metadata?
Thanks.
Fritz Schafer

Dave Merchant wrote:
If you stop subscribing, the software stops working.
This aspect is indeed going to be a rude awakening for many users some day.

Lightroom to Photoshop and back question

When I export a photo from Lightroom into Photoshop, I make my edits, and then I select save. In Photoshop the photo changes to a psd file as it should. But when I go back into Lightroom, the photo does not appear in the original folder it was sent from. It appears in a new folder that I did not create. When I try to "move" the picture from this new folder back to it's original folder it says that the file already exists in the original folder, but there is NO photoshop edited picture in that original folder - only in the new folder. I know I must have a setting wrong, but I have searched and searched and I can't figure out what is wrong. I can't seem to figure out how to get the photos to go from Lightroom into Photoshop back into Lightroom and end up sitting next to the original picture in the folder it came from.! Any ideas? I am using Lightroom 5.4 (everything is up to date) and Photoshop CC (latest version). I have a Macbook Pro computer.

Sure. Here are two images. The first one is of the original picture in it's original folder. The second one is of the edited picture in the "new" folder that Photoshop/Lightroom created. I left the photo info on the picture so you can see it. Any help would be so much appreciated!
Thanks!

Pros and cons Lightroom vs Photoshop printing

Greetings,
I'm only recently learning the details of Lightrooms Printing module. And I really like it. In fact I have a workflow of saving a PS file in an Auto Import folder so I can use LRs Print module in place of PS CS6.
A couple of questions. In PS I can select Black Point Compensation. But I don't see that option in LR 4.X.
I like that LR remembers my printing preferences. I use an Epson 1900 and 2400. My workflow is to print a 4x6 proof first, then a 13x19". I've learned to turn off Printer Manages color, I like Relative Colormetry, and I like that I'me able to save this as a Preset or template.
What I like In PS is I can grab the image and resize or move on the page.
An issue I have with LR, maybe someone has a solution, is if I want to type in an exact print size. Example for a 12x18" I want it to be 12.1" (a bit of extra space for matting) That is easy to just type in in PS.
What I hate about PS, is it doesn't remember any of my settings, Meaning I am compelled to check through the printer driver and advance setting each time to be sure color management is off and the Epson driver didn't switch paper types.
Under the hood, is the LR and PS printing the same?
In LR I can select the output to be say 360 dpi. In PS it sends what ever resolution to the printer, sometimes 900 dpi. Is there much of a difference between LR resizing to a specific DPI prior to print, or having Epson ingest the full resolution to print?
Final question. When selecting a paper type. There are two places. Inside the Epson driver. Example Premium Glossy, and also in Lightroom or Photoshop after selecting PS manages color. So which over rides which? If the Epson driver is set to Presentation Matte, and in either App I select Premium Glossy, who wins the fight?
Thanks!
Max

A lot of questions.
I would recommend that you watch some of the printing tutorials on Adobe's website. See here (and scroll down to "Printing"): http://tv.adobe.com/show/learn-lightroom-4/
As for the printing from PS vs. Lr (and under the hood), see here: http://forums.adobe.com/message/5229670#5229670
Generally speaking, there is no difference in print quality between Lr and PS if all parameters are set correctly. So it comes down to the question of preference of workflow: Do you rather print from Lr or from PS?
Also, you will - within a short time - notice that Lr has become not only your main image editor but also your image managing tool. In this situation it's just simpler to print from Lr instead of doing the round trip to PS. Also, in PS one tends to create an image copy for each print size; in Lr you can just do it with Virtual Copies. Or you can create a <saved print> that is added to a collection. That means you don't fill up your hard drive with file copies.
Your Final question: The paper type and size has to be selected in your printer driver. You do this from Lr by clicking on <Page Setup> in the print Module. The dialog that comes up is not Lr but your printer dialog / driver.
Lr will then "accept" the paper size selected in the printer driver / dialog. In Lr there is a selection for <Media Type> (not "paper type"!). Select what you are using - this selection affects the output sharpening that Lr applies "behind the scene". Also select the appropriate printing profile in Lr. The <Print Adjustment> sliders are best left alone. They are not necessary if your monitor is calibrated and set to the correct intensity (brightness). Apart from that these two sliders don't give you any feedback in Lr, i.e. you don't see their effects in Lr - only on the print.

Input (capture) sharpening workflow in ACR 4.3.1

At the suggestion of another member, I'm posting this here in addition to posting on Windows Photoshop forum:
I shoot raw, always, and have avoided using Camera Raw in my workflow until recently (4.3.1), because so much time and organization effort is now saved by including Camera Raw 4.3.1 in my workflow, where it wasn't in previous versions.
My problem is that I had been trained in numerous Canon tutorials to always perform input sharpening as the first step in the workflow, using a radius of 0.3 and an amount of 300 in Photoshop CS2, in order to remove the effects of the camera sensor's anti-alias filter.
This is only possible in Photoshop, since the Camera Raw controls limit those parameters to 0.5 and 150. My workflow is first forced into Photoshop proper followed by Camera Raw, if I am to follow Canon's recommendation, which means I lose one of the principle benefits of using Camera Raw 4.3.1.
I have reviewed many posts and tutorials relating to sharpening in Lightroom, Camera Raw, and Photoshop, and none of these documents refer to input sharpening as part of the workflow, but to the use of sharpening as a creative tool in image manipulation or for optimizing for media, etc.
Thanks for any advice.

Guy,
first thing to note, the Amount and Radius parameters in ACR and in Photoshop's USM filter are on different scales; you cannot compare their numerical values directly (Jeff, please correct me if I'm wrong!).
Second thing, of course you're never supposed to apply Sharpening for Source first (in Photoshop) and then take the file back to ACR to tweak it further. If you don't want to use ACR's new capture sharpening feature then disable it and fully develop your raw image in ACR, applying white balance, exposure, brightness, saturation, noise reduction, and lens correction settings as required---and THEN, to the fully developed TIFF, PSD, or JPEG file, you'd apply Sharpening for Source first thing in Photoshop.
By the way, I don't like ACR's new sharpening feature too much. Lately I developed the notion that Sharpening for Content (as presented in Bruce's four-stage sharpening workflow, i. e. Source, Content, Creative, and Output; see his book "Real-World Image Sharpening") conceptually belongs into one category with Creative Sharpening, not with Sharpening for Source. So the concept of Capture Sharpening---which combines Sharpening for Source and Sharpening for Content into one single sharpening stage---seems reasonable technically but not conceptually. The parameters for Sharpening for Source depend solely on the properties of the image-acquiring device (i. e. scanner or digital camera). The parameters for Sharpening for Content and for Creative Sharpening both depend on image content as well as on the author's taste and intentions. In my opinion, Sharpening for Content *is* a sort of a kind of Creative Sharpening---so combining Sharpening for Source and Sharpening for Content into one Capture Sharpening stage makes sense only when processing one image at a time (for the one-image-at-a-time workflow, I do like, and use, ACR's capture sharpening feature).
When processing a whole batch of raw images which come all from the same source, it usually makes sense to automatically apply the same degree of Sharpening for Source to all of them but to apply any further sharpening (namely for Content and Creative) individually to each image. That's why I usually disable ACR's sharpening altogether and stick to Bruce's four-stage sharpening workflow, applying Sharpening for Source via Photoshop's batch automation.
-- Olaf

Looking to purchase Nik software for Lightroom OR Photoshop. Is there a difference in the versions?

I currently use photoshop for all of my photo editing. I just purchased a copy of Lightroom though, which I plan on integrating into my workflow. I'm also looking to buy the complete collection of Nik software. If I want it to be compatible with photoshop, the complete collection is $200 more expensive. My question is are the versions of Nik software the exact same whether using it for Lightroom or Photoshop? What potential drawbacks are there for me not to be able to use Nik in photoshop, but only in lightroom?
Thanks!

The versions are similar but the photoshop version gives you the extra tools for, brushing, erase, fill and clear which to be honest i've never felt a great use for and if you duplicate the layer in photoshop before heading back to LR (to use NIK) you essentially get the same thing. Eg:
LR to photoshop as TIF or PSD
Duplicate layer
Save and back to Lightroom
Add NIK effect
Back to photoshop if you want to do any brushing or mask erasing of the nik plugin you applied in LR because you have the original layer underneith.
Even better if you think you can get away with all your editing in LR because you will always have the adjusted RAW alongside the TIF or PSD that Nik software will create anyway. I say save your money, a whole $250 now because the Lightroom version has been reduced again.
Ahh if only LR would give us layers........

LR Sharpening Workflow

Bruce Fraser (http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/20357-2.html) recommended a three-step sharpening workflow: Input, Creative, and Output. It seems to me that I get good results by sharpening mildly in LR, then going to Photoshop for targeted sharpening. After doing other necessary adjustments and resizing, I save the image back to LR, and then I use LR for Output sharpening, usually for monitor and web viewing.
I noticed that I can sharpen in LR 1.3 and match the results of images Output sharpened in Photoshop. This approach eliminates extra steps in Photoshop.
Am I missing something? Would Photoshop produce better results? In what way? Do we still need Sharpening Plug-ins? Why? The result appear very similar to me. Perhaps the new Sharpening algorithm in LR are capable of excellent quality and it can be used for excellent results.

Thank you John
My images begin with 3872 x 2592 Nef which I convert to a DNG. I figure that a 1200 x 803 is good for the viewing on my computer, so I reduce the images to that size to keep on my computer. Lightroom then changes the size to 700 x 370, with variations based on cropping when I upload them to the Web.
I am new to image processing and I do most of my viewing on my computer, not on prints. I notice that I can make dramatic changes that I can see on my monitor with appropriate sharpening. At this point, I am still struggling with appropriate sharpening, and other adjustment, but I am producing images that are more pleasing recently. Many of the books I have studied suggest adjusting the photo until it looks good. It is a long, involved process to know what looks good. Often it looks good, but then I find that it could look tremendously better. I have taken to studying images in magazines such as National Geographic where I assume the images are the best they can be.

Hi I have the old photo shop elements 10 on my computer and want to update and was wondering what the differences between photoshop, lightroom and photoshop elements are? Also when I upgrade does it have to be with a monthly membership or can I just purch

Hi I have the old photo shop elements 10 on my computer and want to update and was wondering what the differences between photoshop, lightroom and photoshop elements are?
Also when I upgrade does it have to be with a monthly membership or can I just purchase the product out right like you use to be able?

You cannot "update" from what you have to any of the applications you mention. It will have to be a straight purchase or subscription at full price.
Photoshop is a professional level application that makes no apologies for its very long and steep learning curve.
Lightroom is all about volume, and very light editing.
The Photoshop Elements forum is at:
https://forums.adobe.com/community/photoshop_elements/content
Remember, you are not addressing Adobe here in the user forums. You are requesting help from volunteers users just like you who give their time free of charge. No one has any obligation to answer your questions.
I do not know where there is such a comparison table as you seek, but someone else might, or you can google.

Lightroom to Photoshop CC noise/sharpening workflow question

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