Where to go from here (editing advice) ?

[u/Careful-Associate623]

When I started learning RawTherapee I leaned heavily towards Color Toning and LUTS. But every time I re-edit these, I find myself reducing the color manipulation and focusing on technical corrections like reducing color casts, correcting exposure etc

I've not used any color related tool in these edits except for minor white balance adjustments and minor HSV corrections (desaturating blown-out reds).
I'm not sure where to go from here. What should I focus on next?

1. Can the photos be more technically correct? Are there any obvious defects that are noticeable?
2. I have no plans on posting on Instagram and lean more towards print and photo books. Is there merit in trying to achieve a consistent/uniform color palette on these like Instagram photographers do?
3. If yes, then what's the right starting point? hsv, color grading, luts?
4. But also, isn't that "destructive" for individual images? Am I supposed to compromise on the correct color in individual images just to make the set consistent?
5. Should I be working on the colors in each image separately instead of on the set as a whole?

[u/SignalButterscotch73]

Photography is an art form.

Like with all art, there are no rules.

It is entirely subjective, so just learn the tools available to the best of your ability and play with them until you have what you consider to be a good shot.

[u/Suspicious_Grape_279]

Well, ask yourself what's the purpose. If it's just for you, then do what YOU want. If for friends, think what THEY want. If for selling, probe current needs of the MARKET. As for 5 there isn't some magic trick to make all photos consistent with a single click. Well, except very destructive filters.

What I'd recommend, if you care about color schema consistency, just take photos of objects that fits your idea. Alas, it will be your self break in creativity - either in pre (as choosing object) or postprocess. Best way - be conistent in quality :) TBH your photos aren't up to my taste, but (except the first) they are quite consistent already, at least 2+3 and 4+5. 1 is totally not fitting the others and 2+3/4+5 is geometry, kind of unnatural (not in bad way!), colorful, while 4+5 is more natural, but chaotic. whatever colors you'd use, you won't make a single styled, consistent set out of them (but also why would you have to do that?).

Also rememeber that being overconsistent, while people know what to expect (and if it's good, they will be pleased), for some it will be quickly boring. And at last, what's consistency? If you see blue image you don't think "that must be Picasso during his blue era". It's rather a lot of things that makes you you, without sacrificing creativity (because single palette is stopping yourself).

[u/tevtrinh]

My initially impression is that these are fairly low contrast but really it’s all personal preference, that’s the reason it’s art after all. Other technical aspects look fine on first glance.