Photo editing workflow

The immediate post-chase steps

1. Copy cards to portable SSD (RAW + JPEG).
2. Verify copies complete.
3. Do NOT delete originals yet.
4. Backup to cloud (Google Drive, iCloud) if possible.
5. Backup to laptop hard drive.
6. Three copies now.
7. Reformat cards fresh.
8. Sleep. Editing tomorrow.

The specific software workflow

The next-day editing workflow

1. Import RAWs to Lightroom (or similar).
2. Apply lens correction and chromatic aberration.
3. First pass: keep vs reject.
4. Save best 20-30% typically.
5. Second pass: rate 1-5 stars.
6. Star 4-5 gets editing.
7. Third pass: detailed editing.
8. Watermark and export.
9. Publish to platforms.

The specific edit for each subject

The specific Lightroom keyboard shortcuts

The typical detailed edit sequence

1. Set white balance.
2. Adjust exposure.
3. Recover highlights.
4. Open shadows.
5. Set whites (bright but not blown).
6. Set blacks (dark but not crushed).
7. Add clarity (careful with halos).
8. Boost vibrance moderately.
9. Selective adjustments (masks).
10. Sharpen.
11. Add slight vignette (subtle).
12. Export.

The specific masking workflow (Lightroom 11+)

The color grading

Watermarking

• Consistent style.
• Corner placement typical.
• Subtle but visible.
• Include name + copyright.
• Photoshop or Lightroom.
• Templates for consistency.
• Different watermarks for platforms.
• Discreet for prints.
• More visible for social.

The export settings

The metadata standards

1. Copyright: Photographer's name.
2. Contact: Email or website.
3. Description: Storm event, location, date.
4. Keywords: Searchable terms.
5. GPS coordinates.
6. Camera model and lens (auto).
7. Exposure settings (auto).
8. Retain in export.

The archive workflow

1. Master files on internal drive.
2. Backup on external SSD.
3. Cloud backup (Backblaze, etc).
4. Working copies on laptop.
5. Delete duplicates.
6. Organize by year > month > event.
7. Keywords for search.
8. Ratings preserved.
9. Backup verification.
10. Migration to new storage as needed.

The publishing sequence

1. Edit best shots.
2. Post to Instagram first (algorithm-fresh).
3. Cross-post to Twitter/X.
4. YouTube if video.
5. Personal blog.
6. Facebook.
7. Community forums.
8. Editorial pitches if applicable.
9. Stock photography submission if applicable.

The specific quality checks

The time-lapse workflow

1. Shoot in intervalometer mode.
2. Consistent settings.
3. ND filter for smooth movement.
4. Import as sequence.
5. Video timeline in Premier/DaVinci.
6. Batch edit RAW frames.
7. Export video sequence.
8. Music addition.
9. Publish YouTube/Instagram.

The lightning image workflow

1. Multiple bulb exposures during storm.
2. Trigger with lightning trigger (Miops).
3. Import all frames.
4. Composite: stack in Photoshop.
5. Merge multiple lightning strikes.
6. Blend if needed.
7. Color correction.
8. Final edit.
9. Export.

The video workflow

1. Import to DaVinci Resolve or Premiere.
2. Sync audio if separate.
3. Rough cut.
4. Color grade.
5. Sound design.
6. Titles and lower thirds.
7. Music.
8. Export.
9. YouTube upload.
10. Community sharing.

The night storm workflow

• ISO 3200-6400 usually.
• Long exposure (15-30 seconds).
• Noise reduction in post.
• Star trail concerns.
• Careful white balance.
• Lightning detail preserved.
• Foreground lit with careful painting.
• HDR sometimes.

The rapid-fire livestream workflow

1. Live from vehicle.
2. Cell service required.
3. Battery management.
4. Storyline: storm chase narrative.
5. Interview chase partner if applicable.
6. Radar overlay if possible.
7. Save stream after.
8. Post-processing later.
9. Community engagement.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overcooked color.
• Excessive HDR effect.
• Halos from clarity.
• Blown highlights.
• Crushed shadows.
• Wrong white balance.
• Too much sharpening (halos).
• Compression artifacts.
• Bad thumbnails.
• Missing watermark for stolen images.

Learn more

• Storm chase photography gear
• Storm photography post-processing
• Tornado photography guide
• Storm chase photography critique