There has been some discussion over the past few months about the benefits and drawbacks of shooting in RAW. Most often mentioned is that the files are a lot bigger than jpegs. I've been shooting in RAW for 3-4 years now and have a hard time going back to jpeg. I'm currently working on vacation pictures {and scavenger hunt and 365 pictures}. Today I started editing the photos I took on the 18th. That's the day we went to Sleeping Bear Dunes {post coming....soon}. I edited a few shots then came to this one.
I had been taking close ups of a flower and turned around to see the three of them walking towards me. Without thinking or checking anything, I shot this. I saw that it was blown when I glanced at the screen but didn't have time to adjust and take another shot-they're just too quick. If I had shot this in jpeg, I would be out of luck. I could adjust it a little but it would take more time and wouldn't look quite right.
An exposure adjustment, WB change, sharpening, levels and contrast adjustment and crop {less than 5 minutes} and this is what I have.
Is it perfect? No. Do I love it anyway? YES! There's just something about this that I really like. I think it's that you can see their individual personalities in it. Joshua is curious and always thinking. He wants to know how things work. And he always wants to be first. Matthew is the take charge, look straight ahead and go type of kid. He'd rather lead than follow. Emaleigh is more cautious. She'd rather follow than lead. She makes sure everything is safe and clear as she goes. If I hadn't shot this in RAW, I probably wouldn't have this. I would have deleted right away and not taken the time to mess with it.
I had been taking close ups of a flower and turned around to see the three of them walking towards me. Without thinking or checking anything, I shot this. I saw that it was blown when I glanced at the screen but didn't have time to adjust and take another shot-they're just too quick. If I had shot this in jpeg, I would be out of luck. I could adjust it a little but it would take more time and wouldn't look quite right.
An exposure adjustment, WB change, sharpening, levels and contrast adjustment and crop {less than 5 minutes} and this is what I have.
Is it perfect? No. Do I love it anyway? YES! There's just something about this that I really like. I think it's that you can see their individual personalities in it. Joshua is curious and always thinking. He wants to know how things work. And he always wants to be first. Matthew is the take charge, look straight ahead and go type of kid. He'd rather lead than follow. Emaleigh is more cautious. She'd rather follow than lead. She makes sure everything is safe and clear as she goes. If I hadn't shot this in RAW, I probably wouldn't have this. I would have deleted right away and not taken the time to mess with it.
12 comments:
Great example Amy! I can bring myself to go back to jpeg either. Sometimes you don't have the time for technical (like this shot) and it's worth it to still be able to get a great image out of it.
What a great save!! I love your edit. Such a special photo to have ;)
Awesome Amy!!! I am so glad you posted this!!!!!!
Thank you for this example, and explanation. I have not taken the leap yet, since my editing skills are about zero.
fantastic illustration. raw changed my photography for the better for sure
love this shot
Awesome photo of your kiddos! Hope you had a wonderful vacation. I have been to scared to switch over to RAW, but I think I will try it soon :)
what a great pic Amy... I see why you love it!!!!! I shoot in RAW also...just because you never know!!! So glad you were able to save this pic. I hope you print it and frame it!
Niiiice! So crisp. I am really enjoying what RAW has to offer too.
Thanks for sharing this info with all of us who are still sitting on the fence about RAW...I'm finally starting to get it. I did try it for a while, but it was harder for me to manage the files, but I'm beginning to realize I just need to come up with a better file handling system and then it won't seem so overwhelming to me. BTW, I love the shot too.
Great post!!!
great post and awesome example! i starting shooting in raw maybe a year ago and never thought to look for those 'less desirable' pics to edit. now, i'm going to have to go back and see if i can edit some that i glanced over before. thank you!! :)
That is such a great save! Love the picture.
Post a Comment