Week Six: RAW Images

When comparing the JPEG and RAW images there were clear differences. Firstly, the RAW image had more clarity, sharpness and detail, as opposed to the JPEG image.

This is one of the main advantages of shooting in RAW mode. The RAW file was high quality and this meant that I was able to edit the photograph to a good standard.

The RAW photograph also had more defined colours, in comparison to the JPEG file.

Original JPEG Image

For this photograph, I began by increasing the exposure which brightened the image. I then decreased the contrast and set the range to -18.

I then used the channel mixer to increase the red pigment in the image and I also increased the saturation, as I felt more colour and warmth was needed.

Edited JPEG Image

Original RAW Image

Once I had uploaded the RAW image in Adobe Photoshop, I then began to make some adjustments. I used the exposure slider to brighten the image and ensure the image was properly exposed.

I adjusted the image and put it into a black & white filter. However, I decided to return to the coloured image, as I felt this was more suitable for the selected image.

In addition, once the image was returned to colour, I increased the contrast to adjust the overall tonal range of the image. I also increased the saturation slightly, which added more pigment to the photograph.

I also used the cropping tool and adjusted the image to fit the rule of thirds.

Edited RAW Image

Extra Credit Task:

After a long shoot, there can be a large amount of photographs to choose from, therefore a clear selection process is essential.

When choosing the photographs I want to keep, there are various elements to consider. Firstly, if a photograph is blurry or out of focus, I will usually reject it and opt for the photographs that have more clarity instead.

Moreover, if I am taking candids, I will shoot the photographs in bursts and then select the best images from the collection.

After workshop task seven, I think shooting in RAW will now be my method of choice when taking photographs because the images have more clarity, as opposed to JPEG images. Thus, when choosing from a large amount of images, I would opt for the photographs in RAW mode, rather than JPEG, as the overall quality is better.

In addition, the framing of the photographs is also something to consider. If the photograph has good framing, and follows the rule of thirds, for example, then I would be more likely to select it, as opposed to an image with poor composition.