Shoot RAW: The Power of Digital Negatives For Quality and Flexibility
As a photographer, one of the most common questions I get is why I choose to shoot in RAW rather than JPEG. Both formats have their place, but for anyone serious about capturing the highest-quality images and maximising editing flexibility, RAW is a game-changer. Here’s why:
1. More Data, More Detail
RAW files capture everything the camera sensor sees. They retain all the information about colour, detail, and exposure, resulting in much larger file sizes but an incredible level of detail and depth. JPEGs, on the other hand, compress this data and discard much of it, which limits what you can do in post-processing.
2. Greater Editing Flexibility
When you shoot in RAW, you have more control over adjustments in exposure, white balance, and contrast without sacrificing quality. JPEGs “bake in” settings like white balance and sharpening, which means that correcting an overexposed sky or adjusting skin tones can lead to artefacts and quality loss. RAW gives you a “digital negative” that is fully adjustable, allowing for powerful edits without compromising the image.
3. Better Dynamic Range
RAW files capture a broader range of light, which means they handle both shadows and highlights more gracefully. You can recover details from underexposed areas and rescue overexposed highlights that would be lost in a JPEG. This dynamic range is especially helpful when shooting high-contrast scenes like landscapes or events with challenging lighting.
4. Professional Quality Output
For clients and projects where quality matters, RAW is a must. The format ensures that the final images have optimal clarity and colour accuracy, which is essential for high-end print work or digital displays.
5. Future-Proofing Your Work
RAW files give you a “master” image that can be reprocessed as software improves over time. Editing a JPEG means accepting the limitations of the format permanently, while RAW files keep your creative options open.
While shooting in RAW does require extra storage and post-processing time, the benefits for serious photographers are well worth it. For any creative professional, capturing images in RAW is about delivering the best possible version of your vision.
Be Creative. Be Inspired. Be You.
This article is the transcription of a podcast episode from The Visual Storytelling Podcast. To listen to episodes discussing similar topics to this one, as well as others, check it out via the following links.