The DSLR Field Guide

Basic Optimization

Optimization is simpy a term for improving the look of an image and preparing it for final viewing. In its most basic sense, optimizing an image is a way of getting the image to look as you think it should.

This seemingly straightforward idea hides the issue of how you define the best appearance, and in practice this is a combination of objective technical standards and the subjective ones of your personal preference. As the person who saw the scene and chose to take the photograph, only you are fully qualified to decide what the optimal brightness, contrast, and color should be, and for this reason it is always best to perform these adjustments as soon as possible, while your memory is fresh.

Quick optimization

It is possible ...