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Generally, the first thing I do is to create duplicate layers with masks, so that I can seperate different elements of the photo onto individual layers, thereby giving me full control over each. Applying a blanket levels or curves adjustment, although useful in some instances, can render certain areas too dark or blow out highlights, causing loss of detail in those areas, so I avoid doing it as much as possible.
I also avoid using the menu "Image > adjustments > (insert adjustment name)" as much as possible too. I much prefer holding down the alt key and selecting the adjustments via the icon at the bottom of the layers pallete. Doing it this way means that the adjustments are only applied to the selected layer. Secondly, and more importantly, they are continually adjustable.
The beauty of this is that you can return to the adjustment layer at any time and tweak it, whereas selecting them from the menu "Image > adjustments > " is a one off application of the effect and is often, quickly buried in the history. This also means that if you want to remove the effect you applied, you have to click back in the history panel, which in turn removes all subsequent changes you made have made after that too.
Once I've broken all elements down onto their individual layers, I then use the levels and curves adjustments to correct them. After that is done, I go about performing the physical editing like blemish or object removal, depth of field enhancement etc. I then merge the image onto a new layer using shift+ctrl+alt+e. Then I apply then unsharp mask.
If I want to tweak it further still, I duplicate the sharpened layer. I then go to filters>other>high pass filter, with a setting of around 1.0-2.0 pixels, depending on what it is that I want to enhance. I then click ok and set the blending mode of the high pass filter to overlay.
After that, I then export the PSD file into lightroom and use that to crop and rotate the image, as well as fine tweaking highlights and shadows etc.
These are the techniques that I apply. I used to use photoshop very sloppily initially. For example, instead of using masks to remove/paint invisible, areas of layers I didn't want, I'd use the eraser tool, which is a destructive way of doing things and I'd strongly recommend getting out of the habit of doing the same if you use it. Now, I never use the eraser tool.
Techniques and orders of doing things will vary from person to person. Everyone has their own way of doing things and their own styles too. Just find what works foryou in acheiving the look you want, and try to make it as efficient as possible.
Hope that helps,
Aaron
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