Workflow Advice

[ITWOP]

I'm quite new to digital post-processing and am trying to figure out if my workflow makes sense or is a mess. I usually shoot JPEG and am trying to avoid spending tons of $$$ on software. This is based on a DPS post. #1-5 are definite, the rest if necessary:

1. Batch rename files with syntax "yyyy-mm-dd event" in Windows Explorer
2. Open in Picasa
3. Quick review, adding prefix to filenames to sort keepers from losers
4. Open keepers in GIMP
5. Resave as .xcf files
6. Crop and straighten
7. Adjust levels
8. Adjust color balance
9. Adjust saturation
10. Make other minor adjustments (cloning out blemishes, etc.)
11. Save .xcf
12. Flatten image
13. Sharpen
14. Save .jpg

The most confusing to me is steps 6-10. Am I missing anything critical? Doing things in the wrong order? Etc.

Thanks very much!!!

[Trader]

One thing you should consider is to make a backup copy of your original image on a portable drive. I would add that in between your step 1 and 2.

[OsmosisStudios]

What on earth is an .xcf file?

[vsa]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

What on earth is an .xcf file?

My guess is the native gimp format.

I'd move 10 to between 6 and 7. Doesn't make a huge difference but better to clean your image before enhancing it. And you probably could combine 7-9 if you used curves (if gimp has that >.> .... <.<).

At what point do you resize the image (if it's for web...)?
You probably should sharpen after that too.

[ITWOP]

Thanks all!

@Trader - good point!

@OsmosisStudios - xcf is to GIMP as psd is to Photoshop

@vsa - thanks for some great suggestions. I've tried using curves and will figure them out eventually, but right now they're a little beyond me.

Thanks to all for the help!