Optimizing Workflow in Darkroom

Efficient time management is essential for boosting sales, as spending too much time editing can mean missing out on serving other customers. Here's how to streamline your workflow:

💡 First Things First

Don’t print photos for just one group at a time. Ensure you’ve photographed 3–4 groups before starting the editing and printing process.

🖥️ Quick Edits in Darkroom

Avoid spending excessive time adjusting settings, zooming in and out, or revisiting edits repeatedly. This not only wastes time but also reduces your opportunity to engage with other customers. Keep edits simple and quick—no more than 1 minute per one group photos for editing and printing.

✨ Tips for Saving Time

1️⃣ Set Default Settings in Darkroom

When importing photos of the first group to your laptop, adjust the settings on the first photo (e.g., brightness: 1.3, contrast: 1, exposure: -0.25, shadows: 30, color: -10, tone: -10). Save these as the default for the entire folder:

• Menu → Attributes → Save to → Catalogues Defaults
  This ensures all photos in the shift automatically apply the same base settings, saving time on repetitive adjustments.

2️⃣ Edit Step by Step

Group similar poses together—typically 2–3 shots per pose. Quickly select the best photo, make minor edits (if needed), and choose the appropriate template (e.g., 4x6, hearts). Print the photos step by step instead of reviewing all at once to avoid missing poses or wasting time revisiting previous edits. You can use hotkeys - look which number next to the template you would like to use and hit this number on the laptop keyboard.

3️⃣ Avoid Endless Zooming

Excessive zooming while editing often wastes time. Instead, zoom in once on the best shot of a pose, make any necessary adjustments, and apply the template.

4️⃣ Leave Space Around Subjects

When framing photos, leave space around the subjects (left, right, and top) to ensure better alignment with templates. Use Darkroom’s guidelines to help. Enabled them in Darkroom if they aren't showing:

• Menu → View → Guides → Show Guides

📝 Focus on Photography, Not Editing

Rather than spending time correcting photos, focus on taking great shots from the start. Minimize the need for editing by improving your photography skills. Strive to capture photos that are nearly perfect when taken. Excessive editing often highlights areas for improvement in your technique—work on refining your style and creating stunning images in the moment. 💪📸

⏰ Stay Efficient

By following these steps, you’ll save time, streamline your workflow, and have more opportunities to engage with customers, leading to increased sales. Let’s make every shift productive and successful! 😊