Why I shoot RAW (Page 3): I'm an amateur and I shoot JPEG. I have worked with RAW, RAW + JPEG and now I just use JPEG. Why? ...I've concluded that RAW is a matter of applying artistic...

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I'm an amateur and I shoot JPEG. I have worked with RAW, RAW + JPEG and now I just use JPEG.
Why?
...I've concluded that RAW is a matter of applying artistic taste to an image - the sky is washed out - apply some nice white fluffy clouds and deepen the blue. As is now, I want what it looked like when I pushed the button.
...I no longer have any desire to sit at the computer to try this, that and something else to change the image to look more pleasant/artistic.
...I can't do with the camera's computer as can be done with the various programs that sit on the computer, but the camera suits my taste.
...JPEG's can be adjusted on the computer, albeit not to the depth that RAW can be adjusted.

For those who choose to "look down their nose" and disparage - have fun.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

CHG_CANON wrote:

Raw isn't just a file format, it's a way of life. RAW is a constant journey that has a finite start with the shutter release, but has no final ending as the file travels the incomprehensible chain of existence within the world of software.

tusker

CHG_CANON wrote:

Raw isn't just a file format, it's a way of life. RAW is a constant journey that has a finite start with the shutter release, but has no final ending as the file travels the incomprehensible chain of existence within the world of software.

That's heavy, man.

sgomboz Loc: Chicago

I could d have said that better BohoH. I have been a professional photographer for years… guess what??? I shoot JPEG. If you expose your pictures properly when shooting, you should have no problem fixing them up if needed… 99% of mine do not need altering because I take my time, look at my settings and get them right. When I see some of these pictures posted you can tell the RAW file has been edited and now looks like a painting. Not what the actual scene looked like when the photo was taken. If that’s a persons thing.. so be it.. but I laugh when I hear a person say you’re not a professional if you don’t shoot RAW. Instead of learning how to edit… learn how to take a
Properly exposed photo….. just saying

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

You'll have to make a print to see if you recovered the highlights. Highlights and not the same as shadows when it comes to recovering them. Once gone they usually are gone for good. If you're not printing most people won't see the clipped highlights on their screen because 99% of the computer screens are not calibrated let alone High Def.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

This is not to say stop shooting only to improve your techniques.

stan0301 Loc: Colorado

RAW is a (really the only) capture format, and JPEG is a printing format - if you let it your camera will convert what ever the equivalent of RAW that it uses to capture into JPEG - but you can do it better

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

sgomboz wrote:

I could d have said that better BohoH. I have been... (show quote)

There is nothing wrong with jpg as a format for most photos. I shoot raw because I don't always have the time to get the settings right when shooting events. And there are high dynamic range situations in which jpg just won't hack it but raw will (and, of course, there are high dynamic range situations where even raw will not hack it and bracketing is needed). If you can take your time and get the settings right, jpg is for you. If you can't, you should consider raw.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your RAW file is available forever where your skills and / or software will change. I regularly revisit the edit of an image that was good, many times better than my ability to edit the image in years past. I can discard the old edit effort and restart on the file as if I'd shot it yesterday as those edits are stored external to the RAW file.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

mikegreenwald wrote:

I don't understand. Why bother with the jpg's at all?

Because they make beautiful photos!!

Jack 13088 Loc: Central NY

CHG_CANON wrote:

Your RAW file is available forever where your skills and / or software will change. I regularly revisit the edit of an image that was good, many times better than my ability to edit the image in years past. I can discard the old edit effort and restart on the file as if I'd shot it yesterday as those edits are stored external to the RAW file.

I have a collection of favorite files and whenever Adobe drops a bundle of features I do make a virtual copy and try them out. Keeps me busy of late.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

gvarner wrote:

I’m an amateur but I shoot RAW + JPEG, mainly for exposure adjustments. When I use my 2X extender I get a few shots that are way way overexposed to the point where you could barely discern any detail. I thought they were all culls until I did a simple AUTO adjustment on the RAW file. Bingo, problem solved.

Grow up GVarner. You have been around here for quite a while. You have seen countless RAW vs. JPG "discussions". At this point they rarely add to community education except for the very newest members. What is the point of merely announcing you shoot RAW? Does it promote anything worthwhile? Will it lead to a deep discussion of new ideas? Or do you just sit and laugh at how many take your bait?

jackebenton Loc: Marietta, GA

Jack 13088 wrote:

Deep in what?

Touche!

I suspect you know what kind f deep was intended.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Orphoto wrote:

Grow up GVarner. You have been around here for quite a while. You have seen countless RAW vs. JPG "discussions". At this point they rarely add to community education except for the very newest members. What is the point of merely announcing you shoot RAW? Does it promote anything worthwhile? Will it lead to a deep discussion of new ideas? Or do you just sit and laugh at how many take your bait?

Q.E.D. look at my reply on page 2 or 3. This entire thread is ridiculous. ONLY point to make (and no need to make it more than once) is that RAW permits more extensive adjustments. Fact. End of discussion. I don’t give a rat’s tail if you shoot raw or jpeg or both.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

When I shoot in RAW, I am a photographer.