Books/Resources for Improving Workflow?

[theautochthon]

So, I'm in the midst of my first freelance gig and I've noticed my workflow isn't up to speed a lot of the time. I'm pretty sure I could be doing most tasks in less time/steps through a more efficient and better informed use of Photoshop. While I'm fairly capable, I'm obviously not very experienced working 'professionally'.
Could anyone recommend any resources (books, sites, etc) for improving speed and efficiency, or, just generally helpful Photoshop refreshers/guidebooks? All I currently own is a pretty old school Katrin Eismann "Masking and Compositing" book. Thank you!

[ISeek]

I would also love to know the workflow. I know of a DVD from Guy Gowan in which he goes through his workflow on retouching. But it will be nice if we have a thread with links to workflows from fellow members.

[skydog]

have you done a search...I seem to remember this was discussed in the past...

[Nasturtium]

Do you mean batch processing? Or just what to do first? If it's the last then Scott Kelby's 7 steps is great for straight photography and Katrin Eismann's Restoration & Retouching has a bit about well...restoration and retouching.

for just being organized Getting Things Done rocks...it's a book but I think just about everything is on their wiki page. If you have deep pockets they do seminars too ~ I believe.

If your library doesn't have them then the next cheapest thing is used on Amazon ~ I've had good experience buying "new" used textbooks there. hth

[mjmdigital]

starting steps to editing photos faster!
1: set a project time you would like to work under.
2: divide that time by the amount of photos you need to edit.
3: using a timer or set an alarm, set the time for each photo
4: work on each photo and do your best to correct the largest flaws in an image. then smaller less noticble flaws
5: when the time runs out for each photo stop no matter what! then save, then start the next image. if you finish a photo early great! reset the timer and go to the next image.
6: when all your images are done. go back and look through them again. You will see a fresh outlook on your images. decide what images need editing the most and set a new goal to finish those.

the concept is that a good chance after you go back you will see most of your photos look fine, and if your on a deadline, this will help you stay focused! trust me it works.

I use this concept every day, and i always end up with extra time! its real easy to get lost in editing photos, and time can fly. the timer is a great help to keep you focused.

sorry about grammar, just a busy day today. so this is jsut a quick response.