Picture Postcard Workflow | geraldbakker.nl

Picture Postcard Workflow

The "Picture Postcard Workflow" (often referred to as PPW) is a color correction method devised by Dan Margulis.

Simply said, PPW is an effective way to enhance a photo's color and contrast. Its steps aim to correct color cast, improve contrast, enhance shadow and/or highlight detail, increase color and color variation, and sharpen.

For those who want to learn it, there is:

As you may understand, I am enthousiastic about everything related to this Picture Postcard Workflow. It helped me tremendously to become a better retoucher. And furthermore, I spent a lot of time studying, exercising and acquiring the various techniques.

Between October and December 2018 I wrote a series of articles in which I introduce a new color correction workflow that I named "PPW Straight." One could say a simplified PPW, avoiding its complex steps and as a result easier to learn, without compromizing much on quality. I see this as the completion of my writings about the PPW.

In March 2025, a brand new PPW panel became available for download, written in UXP and functionally roughly equivalent to the "old" panel. We named this panel PPW2025. More information in this article.

List of articles

Picture Postcard Workflow: The PPW2025 panel

Since March 2025 a new, modern PPW panel is available. As I played a small role in its development, I write some words about it - and as a bonus, I offer a download link.

Picture Postcard Workflow: MMM Color Split

This article investigates how color noise resulting from the MMM/CB actions can be reduced, and arrives at a nice way to further fine-tune the MMM action set.

Two more examples of the PPW Straight workflow

This article finishes the explanation of the PPW Straight workflow. The processing of two more example images is shown: one landscape and one architecture shot.

Two examples of the PPW Straight workflow

To illustrate the new PPW Straight workflow, I show the processing of two example images: one flower macro and one church interior.

Details and analysis of the PPW Straight workflow

I devised a more linear, easier-to-learn implementation of PPW. This article provides in-depth analysis and detailing while again walking through an example image.

An overview of the PPW Straight workflow

I devised a more linear, easier-to-learn implementation of PPW. This article lists scope, characteristics and workflow steps while walking through an example image.

An introduction to the PPW Straight workflow

I devised a more linear, easier-to-learn implementation of PPW. This article explains why, and serves as an announcement for what I call "PPW Straight".

Picture Postcard Workflow: The Helmholtz-Kohlrausch action explored

The most difficult step in the PPW? This article explains why, and examines when and why H-K is beneficial in the color correction process.

The PPW Sharpen review pt.3 - The "toning down" layers

PPW Sharpen provides two layers that try to reduce the sharpening where it may not be needed. I look at what they do and how well they do it.

The PPW Sharpen review pt.2 - The "Hiraloam" layers

I compare the Hiraloam layers of the PPW Sharpen layer group with various other methods. As expected, it has strengths and weaknesses.

The PPW Sharpen review pt. 1 – The “conventional sharpening” layers

I have a critical look at the two bottom layers of the PPW Sharpen action, together doing what is usually called "conventional sharpening".

Picture Postcard Workflow: Analyzing the Velvet Hammer action

The Velvet Hammer is weaker than the other hammers, but it is also less prone to artifacts. In this article, I explain how it works.

Picture Postcard Workflow and raw processing: Clarity and Dehaze

Two leftovers from the study on contrast: Clarity and Dehaze. Should we invoke them during the raw phase or is there a place for them in the PPW workflow?

Picture Postcard Workflow and raw processing: Shining light on contrast

How important is working on contrast in the raw processor? It is to a certain extent - and this article explains why.

Picture Postcard Workflow and raw processing: How to treat color?

Theory says: start the PPW with a dull image. In this article, I process two differently colored versions of one image to verify this guideline.

Picture Postcard Workflow and raw processing: What about noise reduction?

Should we reduce noise during the raw processing phase or much later? Despite the complexity of the subject, I do a brave attempt to answer this question.

Picture Postcard Workflow, raw processing and the sharpening workflow

A common guideline is to apply some sharpening during the raw processing phase. Is this wise if the picture undergoes a PPW treatment afterwards?

Picture Postcard Workflow and raw processing: The importance of white balance

How important is setting proper white balance in the raw processor if step 1 of the PPW removes a color cast anyway?

Picture Postcard Workflow and raw processing: An introduction

Multiple readers have asked me about raw processing in combination with the PPW. It's not so simple, and I try to explain why.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Evaluating the Reduce BH Sky Halos action

A closer look at the action that was introduced in the previous article. It has a few drawbacks that the user should be aware of.

Picture Postcard Workflow: An action to reduce Bigger Hammer sky halos

In this article I present a way to get rid of sky halos caused by the Bigger Hammer action. Fully automatic, by means of a Photoshop action.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Some simple channel blending strategies

Channel blending: a simple concept, not so easy in execution. I present some simple strategies that may help to tame this beast.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Some thoughts on the philosophy

In this article, I search for something that may be called the central philosophy of the PPW. Interestingly, the MPCW book's introduction contains many hints.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Analyzing the Lesser Hammer action

Similarly to what I did for the Bigger Hammer action, I now analyze Lesser Hammer. Again I present an interesting variation.

Picture Postcard Workflow: One year later

One year after I wrote my first article in the PPW series, I ask myself if my thoughts about it have changed. In some respects, they have.

Picture Postcard Workflow: MMM Finetuned revisited

I review my own MMM Finetuned action. No matter how wonderful results it can give, It has drawbacks and pitfalls.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Why I don't like the False Profile technique

The technique of false profiling has been in Margulis' toolbox for a long time. To be honest, I don't like it. In this article, I explain why.

My connection with the Picture Postcard Workflow

How did I get so fascinated by the work and ideas of Dan Margulis? Here is an explanation combined with a historical overview.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Analyzing the layers of the Bigger Hammer action

Bigger Hammer is one of the more powerful actions of the PPW. I analyze how it works, what each layer does, and how you can employ it for optimal results.

Modern Photoshop Color Workflow: A review of the book

Talking about the workflow is one thing - in this article I scrutinize the book that explains it all. Lots of thoughts, and a surprising conclusion.

Picture Postcard Workflow: How to effectively use the MMM action

The MMM action of the PPW is very effective... in some respects too much. I present an action that may be a useful alternative.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Color by the Numbers compared with other methods

The workflow propagates "color correction by the numbers". In this article I compare this method to various other methods. Which one works best?

Picture Postcard Workflow: LAB Color Boost or RGB Saturation Boost?

Doing a Color Boost in LAB gives a better result than using the Saturation slider in RGB. Or does it?

Picture Postcard Workflow: How to set proper endpoints

The PPW book seems not very clear about how to set proper highlights. In this article I propose a slightly more precise instruction.

Picture Postcard Workflow: Overview and Comments

What is the Picture Postcard Workflow and what are my experiences with it? I go through one example image and quickly explain the steps of the workflow.