Nature Photography How To

We all make mistakes when shooting in the field and the trick is to learn something every time and not make the same mistake twice. If it's any solace keep in mind that even the most successful pros blow a shot on occasion.

But here's the rub: When we turn to post processing to rehabilitate a problem image, here too there are several preventable mistakes that compromise the enhancements you make. This eight minute video from instructor Jalen Oban identifies nine of the most common errors made by Lightroom users, and then he demonstrates a better way.

Oban is an accomplished landscape photographer based in the beautiful Pacific Northwest who posts weekly tutorials that share his favorite shooting and editing tricks—along with mistakes he's made himself. There's something valuable for everyone to learn, whether you're just starting out or want to refine your everyday workflow.

The promise of today's lesson is to help you save time by streamlining the image-editing process, achieve eye-popping results, and greatly improve your Lightroom editing workflow. Oban begins by stating the obvious: The "first mistake and possibly the biggest one is not getting it right in camera."

Along with that is an overreliance image-editing tricks to make up for sloppy technique in the field. In other words, don't be a lazy shooter who thinks miracles can be achieved by "fixing it post." Bottom line: the better the original shot is, "the more flexibility you'll have in post processing."

With that mandatory disclaimer out of the way, Oban devotes the remainder of the video to nine remaining problems and solutions that occur within Lightroom itself. It's worth taking a few notes for future reference or revising your workflow

Once the lesson concludes take a look at Oban's instructional YouTube channel for more tips, techniques, and other solutions for being the best you can be.

We also urge you to check out our recent post from another accomplished pro, with the ultimate panorama photography guide. This helpful resource includes everything beginners need to know for making spectacular wide image that really grab attention.