The Importance of Editing
11:38 PMCaroline Ann
For any photographers half serious about their work, editing is a huge part of the creation process. Back in the film age, photographers shot their photos, but then they had to go and develop the photos. Think of digital editing as the digital darkroom.
But why edit when you like the images that your camera is producing? Because you're probably shooting on JPEG instead of RAW, and you're probably limiting the potential of your photos and don't even know it.
Your DSLR has the capability to produce several different file types. RAW files aren't actually a normal photo, but rather the information necessary to create a photo, based upon what your camera sensor captured in that shot.
Your DSLR has the capability to produce several different file types. RAW files aren't actually a normal photo, but rather the information necessary to create a photo, based upon what your camera sensor captured in that shot.
In the shortest JPEG vs RAW file summary ever: RAW files contain every bit of information that your camera sensor captures while JPEGs use your camera's firmware to create a more compressed file with limited data that is essentially already "edited" (setting things like contrast and saturation) automatically by your camera.
A JPEG is usually immediately ready for posting and printing, but a RAW file enables you to get the most out of your camera and your photo.
If you're shooting in RAW, you'll import your photos into an editing program, and then YOU will get to be the one who decides what levels of contrast, saturation (and so many more things) you want used on your photo. If you look at a RAW before you've edited it, they are usually flat and not very exciting. But after you've edited, it's amazing the difference.
If you're shooting in RAW, you'll import your photos into an editing program, and then YOU will get to be the one who decides what levels of contrast, saturation (and so many more things) you want used on your photo. If you look at a RAW before you've edited it, they are usually flat and not very exciting. But after you've edited, it's amazing the difference.
And because it is a RAW file and has all the information that your camera captured, you'll have a lot more to work with than a JPEG. You can edit a JPEG, but it isn't near as flexible (in a sense) as a RAW, and will start looking strange if you push things too far. (To see what I mean, just shoot and try to edit both and you'll see the difference.)
A RAW though, it isn't a file that can just be posted on the internet, and you'll need edit it, and then convert it to a JPEG in order to actually print it or post it anywhere.
In a nutshell, you need to edit in order to have the utmost control of your photographs and creative process.
And in order to have that utmost control, you have to shoot RAW.
And if you're shooting RAW, you have to edit.
How's that for some photography logic?
And if you're shooting RAW, you have to edit.
How's that for some photography logic?
Personally, my favorite editing program is Adobe Lightroom which I'll talk about soon. And in the mean time, you can visit this post to see the best 3 ways to obtain Adobe Lightroom.
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