retouching photo's

[DELINDA]

Is there a set procedure for retouching photo's ? I know it all depends on what is needed but What is the first thing that you do . Make a copy , yes , then what ? Doe's it matter if you set levels before color or contrast ? Can you just start anywhere or are there rules that must be followed first . Thanks for your help .

[PCMacUser]

Is there a set procedure for retouching photo's ? I know it all depends on what is needed but What is the first thing that you do . Make a copy , yes , then what ? Doe's it matter if you set levels before color or contrast ? Can you just start anywhere or are there rules that must be followed first . Thanks for your help .

I usually start by doing an auto-levels with 0% crop. This way nothing gets taken out of the image. Then it's curves, colour balance. I usually finish with noise removal if it's required (Neat Image), followed by an unsharp mask.

I think everyone probably has their own routines.