Notes

INTRODUCTION TO CAMERA RAW:
RAW File Format. The term “Raw” or “Camera Raw” file normally refers to an image that is an unaltered file from a digital camera; an
image that has not had any post processing or editing applied. Each camera manufacturer has its own proprietary raw format file type:
Canon .CR2, Pentax .PEF, Nikon .NEF and so on. Adobe has also developed a raw file format: Adobe Digital Negative (.DNG), an open
standard for raw files.
1) More control & flexibility over image processing, using the raw unprocessed information captured from the camera sensor without being
locked into a jpeg file.
2) In Photoshop, RAW files are processed via a sidecar instruction file (.XMP) for nondestructive editing; this file is created once you begin
processing the RAW file. However, Adobe .DNG files store the information inside the file itself, there is no .XMP file created.
3) As well as Photoshop, RAW files can also be processed non-destructively in software developed for photographers, such as Adobe
Lightroom or Capture One Pro. This software provides an interface that is designed specifically for single or batch photo editing and offers
more comprehensive image adjustment and color control.
4) Raw files can capture more dynamic range allowing a higher quality source that holds more image information; this information can be
accessed when processing the image in post. Raw processing allows for more realistic changes in white balance, and exposure
compensation, with better noise and sharpness control than related tools in Photoshop.
* The camera RAW processing interface in Photoshop can also be used as part of your image editing workflow, select FILTER > CAMERA
RAW FILTER to open the current selected layer in the RAW processing interface and utilize all of the image editing controls.
5) Camera Raw is the only way to access a higher bit depth captured by the camera sensor, older cameras captured 8 bit data, the newer
sensors capture 14 bit data and some high-end cameras even 16 bit data, both can be acquired into Photoshop as 16 bit providing
smoother tone reproduction, without posterization that can often happen with a jpeg capture.
6) The cost of Camera Raw is file size as well as additional processing time for each image; however, the time and size is well worth it when
the quality in the final product is far superior to that of a jpeg image. Camera RAW has become a standard in the industry for taking
photographs due to the amount of recorded data and flexibility this format offers.
CAMERA RAW PROCESSING WORKFLOW:
When working in camera RAW, we need to use the camera RAW processing interface in Adobe Photoshop. This interface is non-destructive
so anything we do to the image is reversible. Instead of using layers you will find that the non-destructive capabilities of the interface are
found in the adjustment sliders and the tools themselves.
Open a camera RAW file with Photoshop; you will see the camera RAW processing interface opens automatically for you. Before making
any adjustments take a look around the interface and note the key information that is displayed about the file. The interface displays the
image size, resolution, color profile, bit depth and camera/lens information for reference. To make adjustments to this information and
more, we can set the “WORKFLOW OPTIONS” for the interface by clicking on the underlined information at the bottom of the image.
Once you are satisfied that the file you have open will meet your project requirements (SIZE, RESOLUTION, COLOR SPACE, BIT DEPTH) we
are ready to move forward with our processing sequence. We can follow the same processing theory as we have looked at with jpeg
images. Additionally, there are new tools in the RAW processing interface that can also be useful and are worth looking at.
Processing a RAW Photograph
STEP 1 - SET THE END POINTS ON THE TONAL RANGE - “BASIC” EDITING PALETTE
o Before you begin, use the “Optics” palette to correct your photo for lens distortions and chromatic aberration.
o Use the “Black” and “White” adjustment sliders to set the end points; notice the range of information you now have to work with
in adjusting these points on the tonal range. Also look at the “Exposure” slider to correct the overall exposure in the image.