Where do Professional Photographers learn to post-process?

[LauraSAnne]

I seem to keep trying to answer this question, but to no avail.

It's no secret that that a main difference between amateur and professional portraiture is that professionals just know how to take better photographs [and work with light]. But once you get past that issue, there's the post processing aspect.

I know a lot of people yearn to post-process like professionals (myself included!) and I'd love my photos to take on a look like these:

http://theblog.warnerphotography.biz...ition-0041.jpg
http://theblog.warnerphotography.biz...ition-0022.jpg
http://theblog.warnerphotography.biz...1/baker229.jpg
http://theblog.warnerphotography.biz...1/evans248.jpg
http://theblog.warnerphotography.biz...guiness255.jpg

Soft skin, ethereal, bright, and colorful.

So this begs the question: Where do Professionals pick up these tricks? How do they learn the correct process and steps to take to end up with the above results? I realize that a good photo must be the foundation but I know there's more to it as well. I've scoured the internet, read books, taken graphics classes (through college) and I just can't seem to find the answers. Where the heck do these people learn to post process so well?

What are your thoughts? Are there any Professionals out there who can offer any insight/pointers?

[sybren]

I'm not a professional, but I do process my shots. How I've learned? Simply by doing. Combining different effects, tweaking curves, getting to know each and every setting I can get my hands on. Once you know how certain settings/effects look, you can start recognising them, so then you can start learning from photos you like. And of course nobody is stopping you from contacting photographers and simply asking them how they've done it!

[Saralonde]

First, you need to make sure the SOOC shot is good on it's own. No amount of post processing will make a poorly lit of oof shot look great.
Second, try looking at some of the flickr groups that have helpful discussions. Creative Child Photography or Photoshop Support Group are only 2 of the many out there.
Third, check out some of the books, such as the Scott Kelby ones,and try a search on youtube for some help with the basics.
Fourth, practice!

[JodyGall]

Trial and error! LOL! I can only learn by doing, and by doing alot! Most of the things I've learned so far have been from seeing it on DPS. So keep coming back here, its a wealth of information!!

[Jim Poor]

A good start would be to ask those whom you admire for tips.

Straight from the site you linked:

If you have any questions or just want get more information, try our email at TheStudio@WarnerPhotography.biz , leave a comment or visit our website for more contact information

I'm thinking that a lot of actions are in pretty heavy use on the photos you linked to. Not judging whether that is a good or not so good thing though . . .

[jprime84]

Open up a photo and start trying out all of those tools!

You will do weird things and mess up the photo, but thats what undo history is for!

[Jim Poor]

And working on a copy!

Originally Posted by jprime84

Open up a photo and start trying out all of those tools!

You will do weird things and mess up the photo, but thats what undo history is for!

[lputman]

Remember too that some photographers also hire out that processing aspect or have staff that do it while they oversee the processing.