If you work with digital files (this means most often RAW files) then you know that if quality is your main goal there is not real workflow which "flows". In my experience it is more a set of tools and techniques you use and which get you close to set result you envision. These goals change over time with more experience, but so also do the tools I use.

I do not want to claim to be an expert and master Photoshop user. This article just wants to share my personal selection of tools with those who might be interested. Only tools are mentioned which get used regularly.

Probably this article will be updated on a regular basis if I add tools or don't use some other tools anymore.

Here I use the Kodak Photo Desk which does an ok job for me.

Tasks performed in Photo Desk:

• EV compensation
• Noise removal
• WB correction

Tasks performed in Bibble:

• Using the 4018x2624 interpolation mode
• EV compensation
• WB corrections
• Some standard sharpening
• Some curves

Native Photoshop tools:

• Cloning tool to remove dust spots on some photos
• Perspective correction and rotating if needed

Photoshop Plug-Ins:

• Color Mechanic (how could I have lived without it)
• Nik ColorEfexPro where I like to use the Gray Gradient and Polarizer filter
• PowerRetouche: for sharpening and WB corrections

Photoshop Techniques:

• Contrast Masking
• Correcting selected areas of underexposure

Photoshop Actions by Fred Miranda (they are so much of a help!):

• Digital Velvia to enhance saturation
• EdgeSharpeningPro to get noise free sharpening
• Genuine Fractals upsizing
• Noise Removal (if you work with the D30 and at higher ISO check them out