SUMMARY
Photographer Pat Kay presents a six-phase editing system designed to correct common beginner mistakes, stressing that the initial in-camera shot accounts for 80% of the final image, with editing contributing only 20%. The process begins with restoration, including correcting lens distortion, chromatic aberration, and sensor dust, followed by adjusting exposure to recover highlights and shadows. The building phase focuses on mood and realism, with detail work, sharpening, and masking to direct the viewer's eye. Kay also advises beginners to replicate the work of photographers they admire to develop their skills before creating presets and to consider export settings carefully, as they impact how an image is perceived.
TAKEAWAYS
Editing accounts for 20% of a final image; the in-camera shot is 80%.
The six-phase editing order starts with restoration (lens correction, dust, horizons) before creative building.
Beginners are advised to replicate admired work to learn editing techniques before developing personal presets.
Final export settings significantly influence how an edited image is received by viewers.