How do I know when it's right?

I am really new to photography and to post processing. Currently using CS4 and LR3. I have Scott Kelby's book on CS4 and watch the videos on both on AdobeTV and YouTube. After reading a fair amount, watching a lot of videos and trying my own hand at it I keep asking myself the same question over and over....

How do I know when a picture is "right"? (or finished)

Photography, and art in general, tends to be highly subjective and has a "whatever works" philosophy from time to time. That point aside, how do I know when my processing has yielded the correct image that my camera didn't QUITE capture when I took the picture?

White balance, exposure settings, etc etc. all the different adjustments make for a confusing process, even with all the resources and materials at my disposal.

Perhaps you guys could share some of your beginner stories and/or overall advice for getting the hang of this, at least mentally?

Never

I have a lot to learn about post processing (see sig) but basically, shoot in RAW and always save your untouched original. Make as many versions as you want to try different processing.

Many moons from now, when you're a manipulation master, you'll still be able to go back to your originals and treat them 'right' for how you've come to know your own style...

Yes, "right" is the best you can do with what you know.

As you learn, the best you can do keeps changing.

Keep those RAW files handy

From a technical workflow point of view, it's "right" when shoot -> process -> print yields exactly what you expect to see.

From a purely aesthetic point of view, it's right when you say it's right.

When the image accurately conveys whatever you are trying to show the viewer, would be my definition. <shrug>

Hang out here for a while: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdis​play.php?f=12 Read the comments and advice about other people's photos. You will start to get a feel for the PP extremes and how to manipulate settings to suit your personal tastes.

workerdrone wrote in post #11998213
Never

I have a lot to learn about post processing (see sig) but basically, shoot in RAW and always save your untouched original. Make as many versions as you want to try different processing.

Many moons from now, when you're a manipulation master, you'll still be able to go back to your originals and treat them 'right' for how you've come to know your own style...

I shoot in RAW and my photo library has 3 different folders for my pictures. RAW images, In Process, and Finished (or Processed) Images.

I guess what's really hanging me up right now is White Balance adjustments. If my camera doesn't quite get it right, I want to fix it so it shows what was there when I took that particular picture.

Another area where you have technically correct and "TLAR."

TLAR = That Looks About Right...

I think its also about discovering your personal style too. What you like, how you like your photography to communicate, etc. I'm still struggling with envisioning at the time of shooting how I want my photos to look coming out of the camera, never mind how they will look after PP.

I definitely want to find my own style with everything and I agree, it takes time. Perhaps some more reading and trial and error are in store. haha

When it's not left

macroshooter1970 wrote in post #11998399
When it's not left

I see what you did there.

StayLucky wrote in post #11998586
I see what you did there.

Busted

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #11998253
Another area where you have technically correct and "TLAR."

TLAR = That Looks About Right...

Now that's an acronym I can get behind; that's mostly how I do my editing

I just threw up a picture for critique in the critique corner. Feel free to give me your advice.