DPP Assignment 5: First edit and first print

After shooting at least a couple hundred images of trees, plants, and bushes in the Jumeirah, Satwa, and Zabeel neighborhoods, I selected approximately 30 images to post-process in Ps.  This was my first effort to do this entirely in Ps.  The workflow went something like this:


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Review RAW files in Bridge, tagging those of interest.
Review all tagged images and delete those no longer of interest.
In Camera Raw:
    Lens correction
    Straightening and cropping
    Exposure and Tonal Adjustments
Open to Ps:
    Levels
    Sharpening
    Prepare images for 5x7 prints
    Export to jpg
Deliver files to printer
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As one of the exercises in this part of the course regards sharpening, I have been playing here a bit more lately.  The images appeared a bit sharp on screen but given my last experiment preparing for print assumed this is acceptable.  The prints, however, suggest otherwise, and appear a bit too crunchy.  Need to dial back a bit here.  May move to sharpening in Camera Raw rather than Ps. Another area of experiment is how sharpening plays on matte finish.

Printing a selection of images on 5x7 was a good decision, allowing me to preview a number of issues, such as sharpening and color, at a more reasonable price.  Seeing the images on paper also provides a new perspective.  My first impression seeing them on paper was actually disappointing.  They didn't look as alive or vibrant as I recall them on screen.  Not sure if that's the printer's fault, or mine.  I do notice the color shades off at the top of these prints, suggesting the operator is not being careful, either in processing or in checking output.  As these are test prints and only a small area is effected, though, it's nothing to get worked up about now.

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