Raw Format & Workflow Options - Overview Jan 9 2006

So what about this RAW stuff anyway...

If you had any thought about Raw workflow - toss 'em.

I don't mean stop what you're doing right now, but I'll get back to that in a moment...

If you were wondering what to do with your existing or future raw workflow - well keep wondering for a little while longer... Today Adobe announced a new program called Lightroom. Last months saw the release of Apple's Aperture. Both are next -generation programs targeted at taking control of all your image handling needs, which includes the Raw format and its built-in possibliities.

The gloves are definitely off, as Adobe's offering is not even a full featured version, but rather a beta release with a free-time use that will definitely take a bite out of Apple's immediate bottom line.

An innovative approach, Adobe's work-in-progress promises to deliver after months of public input and assistance. Measure that against Apple's version which is fully functional, but drawn criticism for its immediate limitations, and the clear path becomes rather fuzzy. For the moment, Windows users are safe on the sidelines, but Mac users are faced with an interesting set of choices - one of which of course is " I'll just figure It all out later..."

Other image handling programs and converters, in many cases with  a few years head start, are either well placed with a solid following, or had better get ready for a  bombardments of review and commentary as to which is the "better way...".

So where does that leave the working pro today? Well for starters, pay no attention to the hype and debates. Carry on with your immediate production and don't get caught in trying to integrate soft solutions to your critical throughput of client work.

** Everything worked for you before, so there is no reason for it to stop now. 

As for upcoming possibilities though, that's where it gets interesting... any RAW Workflow demo tapes out there are now officially shelf dated for the time it takes to watch them.

That's not to say that "old" techniques are not worth learning or knowing about, but a RAW workflow has never been about  " figuring it out..." but more rather about " getting it to all work out.." and how that's done is going to definitely change in the coming months. Adobe has thrown down the gauntlet, and they are too big to be ignored.

Over the next short while, look here for insights on Raw Process Developments (pun intended), and on the ever-changing set of options facing you.

Before all else, a brief description...

What exactly is a "RAW" format?

The Raw format is a very beneficial manner in which to handle your images technical aspects. That being said it's also a potentially problematic ( and possibly traumatic ) workflow as well.

* I believe that you should use the best tools available to you at all times, and that means the best tools for the job at hand. To arbitrarily endorse a single workflow as being the best way to operate is just bad advice.

The Raw format is great to use if you have the luxury of time and space. It provides greater flexibility in handling your images color aspects, and some enhanced quality output potential when needed. With “prosumer” cameras (under $2000) it generally offers enhanced image detail over the JPG fine mode, on pro cameras this difference is less noticeable.

Shooting in RAW should not be a default setup so you can avoid addressing color and exposure details at the time of the shutter’s release!

If you want to make yourself completely miserable then go right ahead and do exactly that and you will very quickly find yourself swamped in your post-production with little time for anything else – especially creativity. For working Pro's Raw should not be a substitute for proper exposing practices. With a little bit of common sense and standard photographic techniques, you can avoid a majority of the reasons that the RAW format is typically used, and reserve it for the occasions when it will truly benefit you.

All that being said, let's now look at some processing options.

Quick Links

Working with Adobe Bridge and Adobe Camera Raw

Apple Aperture Review

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Copyright 2006 - Craig Minielly MPA