Our Top 10 Tips on why we think you should be shooting RAW

A question we often get asked as a team is “Should I be shooting Raw or Jpeg?” While there is no definite right and wrong, here are top 10 tips on why we think you should shoot RAW.

1. Maximum Image Quality: RAW files contain all the data captured by the camera’s sensor, which provides the highest image quality possible. Unlike JPEG, which is a compressed format, RAW files preserve all the details, colours, and tones captured in the original image.
2. Greater Control: Shooting in RAW gives photographers more control over post-processing. You can adjust exposure, white balance, contrast, and other settings with greater flexibility and precision, allowing you to fine-tune your images to your exact preferences.
3. Recover Highlights and Shadows: RAW files contain a wider dynamic range than JPEGs. This means you can often recover details from overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows during post-processing, reducing the risk of losing important image information.
4. White Balance Adjustments: RAW files allow you to adjust white balance after the fact without degrading image quality. This is particularly useful when shooting in challenging lighting conditions or when you want to achieve a specific creative look.
5. Non-Destructive Editing: When you edit a RAW file, the changes are typically applied as instructions rather than directly altering the original data. This non-destructive editing allows you to experiment with different adjustments and revert to the original image if needed.
6. Better Colour Grading: RAW files offer more extensive colour information, making it easier to perform advanced colour grading and correction during post-processing.
7. Print Quality: If you plan to print your photos, RAW files provide the highest-quality source material. They retain all the image information needed for high-resolution printing without degradation.
8. Future-Proofing: RAW files contain all the available data from your camera’s sensor. This can be especially important if you want to revisit and reprocess older photos as software and editing techniques improve over time.
9. Learning and Creativity: Working with RAW files can help photographers learn more about the nuances of image processing and develop their creative editing skills. It encourages experimentation and can lead to more unique and personalized styles.
10. Professional Standards: Many professional photographers prefer to shoot in RAW because it aligns with industry standards and client expectations for delivering the highest-quality images.

It’s important to note that shooting in RAW requires more storage space, and RAW files may take longer to process. Additionally, photographers need to post-process RAW files, which can be more time-consuming than using JPEGs straight out of the camera. However, the benefits in terms of image quality and creative control often make shooting in RAW well worth the extra effort for serious photographers.

We discuss lots of topics like this in our Facebook group. If you haven’t already come join the chat…