PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Any photo editor I have tried was able to work on JPGs 'tho i haven't tried Lightroom. How difficult they are is somewhat different for each user, but 2 months seems short unless you do an awful lot of editing.

One suggestion, whether you shoot RAW or just JPG, I keep the original of every shot I edit in an "Archive" folder. That way, if I later come up with a new technique, I can go back and try it on a clean original.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I keep the original in the same folder the "modified" files are located. Saves going from folder to folder and having a duplicate folder for all the other folders. I don't do a RAW and JPEG folder either. Modified files have some added connotation in the file name, like 8x10, 5x7, adj, etc. The original file name is untouched. And, they are all in the same place, right nest to each other in the file list.

BebuLamar

I don't know if you're too old but I think I am (I am 2 years younger than you are) as I can't get over the fact that LR doesn't really know where the files are. It has the catalog of the files where it last updating the catalog but if you move the files it wouldn't know. Also you have to import your files into the catalog before you can work on it. It's like an inventory system where you not allow to use the parts until it's in the inventory. Also often as someone uses the part but not checkout in the inventory then it's inaccurate.
Otherwise it has just about enough image processing power that I need. I don't really need PS but I use PS because I can't stand the LR catalog.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Paul has given you some good detailed instruction here for tuning your picture control values. Try them and see what happens. You might even want to go a little farther as you get comfortable making the adjustments.

In particular, if you decide to use Active D lighting ( which I suggest you use selectively), you can go even a little further with Contrast. Active-D reduces contrast in the middle tones in order to increase dynamic range. It can be beneficial to play increased Contrast against that to get the best overall effect.

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

If you are aware enough to question your abilities, then you are probably more than capable of handling any photo programs.

For example, who would you rather meet on the road, the old person who questions their ability to see at night or the old person who never considers that possibly their vision isn’t as good as it used to be?

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I am a few years older than you and don’t think a person is ‘too old’ learn anything. On the other hand, many JPGs right out of the camera will be fine after a few minor adjustments.

ricardo00

Lots of great advice already! A couple other questions/points. Do you have a back-up camera? With a shorter lens? I went to the Pantanal 11 years ago and had two bodies, one with a 70-200mm and the other with a 300mm lens which I occasionally would use with a 1.7TC (so essentially) 500mm, both on cropped bodies. Low light wasn't much of a problem when I went. And a number of shots I took were closer than the 500mm lens you have on the D500 (ie. 750mm equivalent). And you don't want to have to switch lenses while shooting (very dusty in places). We enjoyed it so much that we are going back again this summer so may see you there!
I also shot for many years just JPG though now do shoot RAW but don't use Lightroom/Photoshop (tried to learn too but gave up).

PS. If you want to see the different focal lengths I used, they should show on my flickr album if you are interested (all the jaguar shots used 500mm on my cropped camera):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60519499@N00/albums/72157631555163075/with/7994796615/

gwilliams6

First, I am 71 and will be 72 in July. You certainly are NOT too old to learn something new.

Your trip is this August, so no need to put pressure on yourself to learn PS or LR before then, even though you could.

Your D500 has two card slots. IMHO you should shoot raw+jpeg on your Brazil trip. Shoot raw to one card and shoot jpeg to the other. That way you are working with your familiar work flow for your jpegs, BUT if you get some killer shot among your jpegs, you would STILL have a raw file of that same image that you can edit and process at any later time if you get familiar with editing software.

From Mastin Labs: (Note: ignore their shameless product advertising here, but learn some valuable info about raw and jpegs)
(quote) "Shooting in Raw
RAW files are, in essence, “digital negatives." This means they capture and preserve all the data from the camera sensor, giving you all the information you need to adjust an image and perfect it in post processing.

The term, “get the photo right in-camera” is idealistic, but not always realistic.

Ragi relays a personal story from a time when he shot for a photographer who refused to shoot RAW. He shares, “One particular wedding had crazy purple uplights everywhere […] Due to the fast-paced environment of weddings, the lighting isn’t going to be perfect in every shot. So there were hundreds of images where the couple looked purple and there was nothing that could be done to adjust it. JPEG just didn’t have that information. RAW, on the other hand, gives you a fighting chance to change things that might not have been in your control while shooting. It gives you a bit of a safety net.”

As a wedding photographer, or any other kind of photographer, who must shoot in variable lighting scenarios, it’s nearly impossible to get every shot right (and consistent) in-camera. When creating a cohesive and gorgeous photo gallery is important, it’s necessary to shoot in RAW.

Mastin Labs user, Ashlie Neumeier shares her story,:

“I only shot JPEG up until about two weeks ago […] RAW has simply changed. My. Photography. Life. I see a quality difference straight out of camera, and JPEG doesn’t hold a candle to it. I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner!”

RAW gives you a wide dynamic range and color tonality, allowing you to make adjustments in editing software without affecting parts of the image that you want to preserve as shot. Below are a few of the benefits of shooting in RAW.

Shooting in RAW Offers Better White Balance
For still photos in a studio or landscape shots outdoors, finding the perfect white balance is not a big hurdle—but for wedding photographers, street photographers, and travel photographers, white balance can be a challenge. Thankfully, white balance can be easily altered in post processing when an image is shot in RAW.

RAW Offers More Dynamic Range
When shooting in RAW, details are saved that wouldn’t be visible or retrievable in a JPEG file. Wide dynamic range allows you to salvage details after an image has been taken. For example, you can restore details in the shadows or highlights independently of one another (without risking blow outs, or muddy shadows).

Most Presets Are Optimized for RAW Files
Mastin Labs presets, and most other Lightroom presets are optimized for RAW photos. When asked if it’s possible to edit JPEG files using Mastin Labs presets, Mastin Labs user, Amanda Wohlfelder relays her experience with a second shooter who shot a wedding in JPEG. She admits, “It was so much harder to achieve the look I normally get with my RAW files when using them on her JPEGs.”

Mastin Labs user, Kristi McMurry Woody, echoes her saying, “It works, but it doesn’t actually match the film it’s supposed to [because they’re made] to work with RAW.”

If you plan to use presets on your photos, you have the best chance of achieving the look you desire if you shoot in RAW.

That being said, Mastin Labs now has an option for editing JPEGs, as well! Our mobile profiles are optimized for JPEGs and are available as an add-on to our regular desktop preset packs. This is a great option for photographers who shoot in both RAW and JPEG, and enjoy having the option to edit JPEGS on their mobile devices or on-the-go.

RAW Images Can Be A Lifesaver
Yes, you should always try to get your images right in-camera, but when you fail, shooting in RAW gives you a second chance to salvage your images. You can’t relive a client’s wedding day, a family reunion, or the birth of a baby. Shooting in RAW gives you room to make (and fix) mistakes when taking once-in-a-lifetime photos.

RAW Allows for Non-destructive Editing
Editing a RAW file, unlike a JPEG file, is non-destructive. This means that after you edit a photo, you can always retrieve your original file; you can never permanently alter or destroy your photo. With RAW files, you will also maintain your original photo quality, giving you the opportunity to make large photo prints.

Why Shoot in RAW
Shooting in RAW makes the most sense when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, delivering valuable images to a client, taking images for high-quality print, or anytime you want full control over the final product. JPEGs also have plenty of uses and benefits; they’re great as a small file size backup; for, taking casual, everyday photos; for quickly sharing a preview of a photo shoot with a client; or for expediting your workflow.

The really important thing to consider when choosing to work with RAW or JPEG files is what you plan to do with the images afterwards. Shooting in both RAW and JPEG is a great choice for many photographers. And, since Mastin Labs now offers packs that include both desktop presets optimized for RAW and mobile profiles optimized for JPEGs, you can achieve the same great look on both file types.

Although the pros and cons of each are evident, one fact is indisputable: RAW will always be the safer choice." (end quote)

This trip is likely a bucket-list trip, and you might not be back to Brazil (maybe you will). IMHO if I was you, I would want all my options covered and shooting in Raw+jpeg will give you the best of best worlds, the convenience and familiarity of shooting jpegs, with the added security and bonus of having raw files to get the ultimate out of any killer shots later.

I personally always shoot raw+jpeg for both my personal and professional work, and one key added bonus is I have image redundancy if ever a card gets corrupt , goes bad or gets lost. That is a must for paid work, but also such a stress reliever for my personal work too, at home and when I am traveling.

Cheers and best to you.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

One reason I use Explorer as my "catalog". I don't use any catalogers.
It's a common "file display system" and I don't have to tell a cataloger where photos reside.
I know where my photos reside (the basis/structure of my filing method).

National Park

I suggest that you set your camera to shoot both JPEG and RAW. When I started digital photography I shot only JPEGS. Then, some years later, after I learned how to process photos, I wished that I had also shot RAW . If you shoot only JPEG, someday you may wish you had the RAW files....

gwilliams6

Exactly what I recommended.
Cheers

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

You're not too old, you young whippersnapper.

It's always good to be in danger of learning something new.

I would recommend shooting raw+jpg. Plenty of time to learn Lightroom (I recommend classic) after the trip. You can show the jpgs of the trip immediately, and learn postprocessing with LrC at the same time. That will give you the opportunity to show your photos of the trip again and show off how much you have learned. You can get two audiences for the photos instead of just one.

gwilliams6

My same advice, great minds think alike.
Cheers

National Park

Brilliant minds think alike!

gwilliams6