A Beginner’s Guide to Shooting in RAW

In this guide, we will introduce the RAW file format and explain why many photographers prefer to shoot in RAW instead of JPEG.

What is RAW?

A RAW file is the unprocessed data captured by your camera’s sensor. Think of it as a digital “negative.” Just like film negatives need developing, RAW files need editing before they look finished.

By contrast, a JPEG is a processed image file. When you shoot in JPEG, your camera decides how the photo should look, adds sharpening, color, and compression, and then throws away some of the original data to make the file smaller.

The Advantages of RAW

1. More Detail and Quality

   • RAW files store far more information than JPEGs.
   • This means you capture the full range of tones and colors from your camera sensor.

2. Better Dynamic Range

   • With RAW, you can recover more detail from bright highlights and dark shadows.
   • A JPEG may look good at first, but it won’t let you pull back as much information if the exposure isn’t perfect.

3. More Editing Flexibility

   • RAW files give you control over white balance, exposure, contrast, and color after the fact.
   • JPEGs “bake in” these choices when you press the shutter, leaving less room to adjust later.

4. Non-Destructive Editing

   • When you edit a RAW file in software like Lightroom, affinity photo, or Darktable, the original data isn’t changed.
   • You can always revert back or re-edit with no loss in quality.

The Trade-Offs

Shooting in RAW isn’t always necessary. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• File Size – RAW files are much larger than JPEGs, so they take up more storage space.
• Processing Required – RAW photos don’t come “ready to share.” You’ll need to edit them before printing or posting online.
• Slower Workflow – If you just want quick snapshots without editing, JPEG may be more convenient.

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When to Shoot RAW

• Professional Work – Portraits, weddings, landscapes, or anything important where maximum quality matters.
• Challenging Lighting – Sunsets, night photography, concerts, or high-contrast scenes.
• Creative Flexibility – When you want full control over the final look of your photos.

When JPEG is Fine

• Casual Snapshots – Family photos, everyday shooting, or quick social media posts.
• Fast Turnaround – When you need images immediately and don’t want to edit.
• Storage-Limited Situations – If you’re traveling with limited memory cards or shooting thousands of photos at once. But now days storage is so affordable I don’t think that’s a good excuse.