Non-Destructive Post Production Techniques

Non-destructive techniques are a vital tool to get an optimal post-production. Since, many users do not value this workflow. Until I have done a course in which I learned these techniques, I had no idea of the potential. After learning to work with this workflow, I can say that my post production improved dramatically, and after getting used, all editing of an image becomes much easier and make sense. I hope you find these techniques useful, and that you can all make your workflow less destructive.

Smart Filters

Working with the Smart Objects and filters are surely my personal choice apply filters non-destructively. Because they work as a blend of layers that allows rewind and edit the filters whenever you want.

To apply a smart filter select the layer you’d like to apply the filter to, and go to filter>convert for smart filters.

And then just apply the filters normally, as you were always used to do. You’ll notice that underneath the layer you have the filterand its double-clicking on it, allows you to edit it whenever you want.

Masks

The masks for frequent users of Photoshop is the best known work when it comes to image editing. They let you hide or ‘mask’ parts of your image.

Most of the users often use the eraser tool to edit, which of course, is completely destructive and out of context. Using masks gives us the ability to edit as we want and apply the desired filters, in a totally non-destructive way.

If you look at the bottom of your layers palette, you’ll see a small icon for ‘apply layer mask’. Just click the icon and try to use some diferent brushes varying with the hardness and opacity to achieve diferent results.

Lens Flare

The Lens flare, often used when working with images a more commercial style. An effect often used when working with images a more commercial style. A simple process that completely transforms the final result of our image.

In my personal opinion, I think the easiest way to create a flare in a non-destructive, is creating a new layer with black background over the main image, we apply the flare and just changed the blend mode of this layer to ”screen ”. So we get the black background disappears, leaving only the flare, so you can adjust it in the exact place of the image you want.

I hope this little tutorial has clarified some issues and might improve your workflow.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.