When I teach a photo workshop or give a seminar, I try to convey the importance of first) envisioning the in-camera image, that is, the effect of camera settings, lenses, seeing/controlling the light, and perhaps orchestrating a scene; and second) envisioning all the creative possibilities that are available to us in Photoshop, Lightroom and with plug-ins.
Those are the topics I cover in my latest and 37th book, Evolution of an Image – a behind-the-scenes look at the creative photographic process, and in my previous book, Creative Visualization for Photographers.
Together, I think these books will get you on your way to becoming a more creative photographer.