Raw images

A Raw image holds a lot of data. A HUGE amount of data in fact. The data contained in a Raw image is referred to as metadata. Put simply, this means that taking a photograph in Raw format leads to a resultant picture which contains much more information than your standard JPEG file. This abundance of detail will require around 20 MB of memory space as opposed to perhaps 3-4 MB in a Jpeg.

So what though? Why take Raw photos and use up all that memory space? The benefit of shooting Raw images is that at the processing stage, you will be able to draw out much more image definition than from a standard JPEG. The Raw image file is packed with details which cannot be seen until processed.

Take the following example of a sunrise. The first picture is the Raw image with no processing. 

You can see the colours coming through nicely with no processing. There was much more detail in the sky though and I wanted to draw out the dramatic impact of the fiery colours.

The next image is the same image but with a bit of processing to highlight some of the detail.

You can see the greater contrast in the sky colours and the vibrancy of the sun on the clouds. The foliage in the second image is also slightly sharper than in the first. Both images display the colours well but the second is probably more eye-catching.

The good news is that you don't need expensive processing software to develop Raw files. Most cameras will come with a photo editing CD which will allow Raw development. If you don't have the disc, a web search should take you to places where you can download an editing package for free. You may find that some packages will not download unless you have already installed the basic software from disc. In this case, beg or borrow a disc compatible with your make of camera and install that. It doesn't matter if it is for an earlier model of camera, the free online downloads should update the package. 

The Raw images I have shot so far include landscapes with a range of colours and textures and colourful skies with deep colour detail. I have also taken a few images of people with the sun behind them creating a halo effect. On a normal setting, this results in a dark image of the person contrasted against the bright sun. If the original image is in Raw though, you can draw out much more detail of the figure while retaining the halo effect created by the sun behind them. 

As always, the important thing is to get out and have fun taking photos.