1. New Folder. Create a folder to which you’ll download your new digital files. If my images were taken in Phoenix, Arizona, I create a subfolder in my Travels folder and label it with a name and year, e.g., Arizona2005. Either drag and drop the images to this folder or use your browser software.

2. Rename. Open your image browser and batch-rename the image files. When shooting JPEGs, I rename the file with a combination of letters and numbers that reflects the location and date. My Arizona image would begin with ARZ2005.001. If I’m shooting RAW+JPEG using my Nikon camera, I only rename the NEF portion of the image identification so that the number values match the JPEG files. This is so the RAW and JPEG files stay matched. So NEF.2353 will be renamed ARZ2005.2353.

3. Back Up. Back up image files to an external hard drive or recordable DVD or CD. It’s far less expensive to have a backup than to pay someone to retrieve data from a failed drive.

4. Delete. Go through your images and delete the obvious bad photographs; they just take up precious hard drive space. Then use your image-editing application or browser, such as Adobe Photoshop, ACD Systems ACDSee, Extensis Portfolio or iView Media Pro, to rank your top images.

5. RAW. When shooting RAW, adjust overall exposure, contrast and white balance and then Save As under a file name per Step 6.

6. Working File. Open an image, but before editing it, use Save As to create a duplicate. Rename it to reflect that this is an edited file. I’d rename my Arizona image as e-ARZ2005.001, for example. This “e” preceding the file name easily tells me the image has been edited and differentiates my original from my edited file. Save it under the native format of the software you’re using.

7. White/Black Points. Begin the editing of your image by using Levels to establish your black (shadow) and white (highlight) points. Use Curves to adjust your midtones and contrast. Adjustment layers will create distinct layers for Levels and Curves, which you can return to for minor adjustments.

8. Color Correction. For overall color correction, use the selective color controls in Hue/Saturation or the Color Balance adjustment to make global color changes.

9. Local Adjustments. To locally adjust color or contrast in distinct areas, use layer masks or selections. Both allow you to isolate changes to specific areas of your images, such as a shadowed foreground.

10. Save Often. Save periodically while editing an image. If you’re performing extensive editing of a photograph, a system freeze or crash can result in having to start all over again.

11. Print Folder. Without ap-plying any sharpening to the image, save the image as a master file to a special Print folder where you’ll save all of your completed edited images. This folder can contain subdirectories for subjects, including landscapes, close-ups and wildlife.

12. Resize. Resize the image for the appropriate print size and rename it to reflect the size of the print, e.g., ARZ20058x10.001. This way, you can have easy access to different-sized files of the same edited image.

13. Sharpening. After resizing the print, apply sharpening using the Unsharp Mask tool or plug-ins, such as nik Sharpener Pro. You’ll get the best results when sharpening at the intended print size.

14. Clean Printer. Check your printer before outputting your first print. Perform a nozzle check and use the Clean function available in the print software’s utility menu, especially if the printer hasn’t been used for a while.

15. Printer Settings. When you’re ready to print, choose the Print with Preview option and double-check to see that the image size is correct. Also, choose whether Photoshop or the printer driver controls color management. If you’re using the printer for your color management, select the Let Printers Determine Color option in the Color Handling window (in Photoshop CS2); otherwise, use Same as Colorspace. More precise color control comes when you choose Let Photoshop Determine Colors. Then choose the printer profile that matches the printer and paper you’re using.

16. Color Management. Launch the printer driver and select the appropriate paper type, quality and orientation. If using the printer for color management, enable ICM and make sure that the paper choice is reflected. If using Photoshop for color management, turn off ICM.

17. Save Settings. If you frequently print using the same settings, create a custom setting using the Save Setting button within the printer software. For black-and-white 8x10-inch verticals, for example, you might name the setting BW810V.

18. Test Print. Create a test print and evaluate it for color and tonality. Try to judge the print in the lighting conditions under which you intend to display it. Different light sources (tungsten, sunlight, fluorescent) will make colors and tones appear different.

19. Final Adjustment. Make any necessary adjustments in the image-editing application or the printer driver.

20. Dry Time. Allow the print to completely dry before making a final evaluation.