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Using a RAW File Format

What are Raw image files and why are they so valuable?

If your digital camera allows you to shoot in a Raw file format, and you own a copy of Photoshop or Photoshop Elements, there is nothing to stop you making use of this really powerful feature.

In fact, it's well worth making Raw image files your first choice whenever possible. It's only when you really need to produce images in super quick time (like when sending photos to a newspaper's picture desk) that shooting in RAW doesn't make sense.

Not only does it offer the best quality, it actually makes the whole process of taking pictures much easier. So if you've been told that only the pro's work in a RAW file format or that it's just plain easier to stick to JPEG - forget it! Here's what you need to know...

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What does 'Raw' mean?

Don't worry it's not some horribly technical acronym! In fact 'RAW' simply describes an image which contains only the unadulterated, raw information that was recorded at the moment a picture was taken. It's (a bit) like a negative in film photography, before having been turned into an original in the lab.

So how is a Raw file format different to a JPEG?

When you take a shot in JPEG format, the camera instantly and automatically processes the picture by making a set of little adjustments. A specific white balance is applied, as is the level of saturation along with sharpness and exposure.

These attributes are fixed and make for a photo which is immediately passable - but probably not exactly as you would have wanted it.

When shooting in RAW, these variables, and several others besides, remain undetermined. You have a photo which on first impression looks a bit rubbish: wrong white balance, flat colour and, as usual, slightly imperfect exposure.

But when you open a RAW image in Photoshop you are able to fine tune these elements with far greater precision than is possible through the camera alone.

So effectively you end up with a perfect original image which was easier to create because selecting the white balance, and so on, was all done after the event! You can then go on to edit it as you would a JPEG in the main 'Editor' workspace.

It's possible to create as many versions as you want from the initial Raw image without damaging it - a big advantage over JPEGs.

What are the drawbacks of a Raw file system?

Well aside from making a little bit of processing in Photoshop necessary rather than optional, there really aren't many. Because RAW image files are so much higher quality than JPEGs they take up more space on the memory card.

But that needn't be a problem - just make sure you pack a spare memory card or two in your bag when you think you could be taking a lot of pictures.

RAW images take slightly longer to save to the memory card, so sometimes it's easier to use JPEG when taking shots in quick succession, like at a sports event or for wildlife photography.

The delay in saving Raw files, though, is pretty minimal, so only switch back to JPEG if it's becoming irritating.

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How to begin shooting in a RAW file format

You've probably already noticed the RAW option in the Image Quality menu on your digital camera. The choice is generally between JPEG Basic, JPEG Normal, JPEG Fine and RAW. Just select RAW from this list and you're all set.

Lots of cameras also offer the option to save a JPEG file, in any of the three quality settings, alongside the RAW image.

The first time I used RAW I chose to save both a RAW and a JPEG Fine version of my photos because I wasn't familiar with the process and didn't want to lose them if I messed up! So that could be worth doing.

It's also not a bad idea to shoot in both RAW and JPEG when you need a quick turnaround time for your pictures, but would like to produce some higher quality versions later.

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So that's it - a brief introduction to the RAW file format. I really hope it helped, and definitely recommend having a go with it.

Now let's look at actually opening and editing a RAW image in Photoshop here

Have Your Say and Share Your Photos

When was the first time you used a Raw file format in your photography? Have you noticed a big difference? Show us some of your photos that you've converted from Raw files!

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