Selection Passes and Variants in Capture One
Use separate passes to judge focus, expression, similar frames, and the client brief. Capture One supports variants and comparison workflows; Capture One Studio can show multiple Compare Variants simultaneously.
Compare before you shortlist
Write down why a frame advances. Ratings and color tags record your decisions; they do not calculate image quality.
Six stages, distinct decisions
All Captures → Technical Pass → Expression / Moment Pass → Similar-Frame Comparison → Shortlist → Final Selection
All Captures
Start with the complete shoot. Preserve source files and group related bursts or scenes so each candidate has context.
Technical Pass
Check intended focus, unintended motion blur, and unusable exposure. Inspect critical details at 100% when necessary. Record technical rejections separately from subjective preferences.
Expression / Moment Pass
Review gestures, eye contact, and timing among the technically viable frames. A downward gaze or intentional blur can serve the brief; judge the reason before rejecting it.
Similar-Frame Comparison
Compare related candidates side by side. Use a Compare Variant as a reference and inspect expression, framing, or duplication one question at a time. Studio supports several Compare Variants in the Viewer simultaneously.
Shortlist
Build a manageable group that covers the client's needs. Use ratings or color tags with a written stage key; keep alternate expressions only where they offer a distinct option.
Final Selection
Confirm the chosen frames against the final brief, crop requirements, and sequence. Record the reason for each hero select and retain useful alternatives in the archive.
Third-party photography environment
Capture One provides the third-party photography environment. SelectPass Notebook independently documents selection methodology and does not provide Capture One software, client galleries, presets, accounts, or official support.