I like to get my photos out there as quickly as possible. In fact, I try to be done with processing my photos within a day of returning from a trip.

Not everyone wants to sort through thousands of photos after a trip and spend hours editing them, so I've developed a system that everyone can use to make the process as easy as possible. I am using Adobe Lightroom 5, but these tips can be used with any of the recent versions.

My process is summed up with 4 simple words:

IMPORT -> EDIT -> EXPORE -> SHARE

Click Image to Enlarge

#1 - Shoot in RAW + Jpeg

This way you can save a RAW file to edit, but immediately post the jpg online. Many new cameras have wifi so that you can post to Facebook as soon as you surface.

#2 - Quickly scan the jpegs on your laptop, jot down the 10 - 30 best photos

I like to quickly view a slideshow of my JPEG files, and then make a list of my favorite photos on a piece of paper or a notepad to keep track of the best ones. Although many photographers import all of their RAW files into lightroom, comparing them and deleting them, I find it faster to just import your best ones.

#3 - Copy those RAW files to a new directory

Put these best photos in their own directory so that they're very easy to find and import once you open Lightroom.

#4 - Open lightroom, import those 20 RAW files

Once Lightroom is open, simply click File and then Import and select the directory where you saved the 20 (or more, or less) of your best photos.

#5 - Edit each one in the develop tool

Click on the Develop module to begin editing your photos. I spend a minute or two editing each photo.

5A - Crop as needed

Cropping is quick and easy in Lightroom's Develop module. Each photo should be cropped if needed to achieve the optimal composition.

5B - Increase contrast, clarity, blacks, highlights, shadows

Underwater photos often can use a contrast boost, which can be achieved by adjusting the sliders for contrast, clarity, blacks, highlights and shadows.

5C - Use healing tool and adjustment brush as needed

If you have backscatter or other elements in your photo by accident, you can remove them with the healing tool. The healing tool can also remove distracting elements from the photo.

The adjustment brush can also be used to paint an area to make changes. In the screenshot below I've reduced the exposure by 4 stops and drawn different shapes to show how you have full freedom to paint in areas needing to be adjusted.

5D - Set star rating for each photo after editing

Lightroom allows you to rate your images to help find your favorites later on.

#6 - Export photos

Once done editing, it's time to export our photos as .jpg files. I like to save them in the same directory the RAW files are. 

6A - Set dimensions (e.g. - 1024 x 1024)

Make sure to set your photo dimensions for the size you will want to share. I usually export them at 2000 pixels wide for slideshows, or 1024 for facebook uploads or web sharing.

6B - Create watermark, use ALT 0169 for the copyright symbol; create left and right versions

If you're putting photos online, you may want to include a watermark. You can add the copyright symbol by holding down the alt key and typing 0169.

#7 - Upload to smugmug/flickr/facebook, etc...

Once your photos are exported with watermarks it's time to share! Time to let your friends know what you saw underwater. Facebook, smugmug.com, instagram and flickr are popular places for people to share their photos with others.

Want to learn lightroom?

Contact Scott Gietler by emailing scott@bluewaterphotostore.com for info on taking a lightroom class, either remotely, on a dive trip, or at Bluewater Photo in sunny Los Angeles, California.

About the Author

Scott Gietler is the owner of Bluewater Photo, Bluewater Travel and the Underwater Photography Guide. He enjoys helping others learn underwater photography online, in the store and during international photo trips he attends with customers.

Further Reading

• 5 Best Underwater Video Editing Tips

• Must-Pack Items - Not Your Average Packing List

• French Polynesia Dive Travel Guide