First RAW

[Paranormalist]

Today was the first time that I've shot in RAW. The extra detail etc compared to jpeg is noticable to say the least.
First though I had to download RAW ACR 4.2 update from the adobe website because Elements 5 wouldn't import my pics.
Once I got my photos imported and went to full edit mode I was met with so many adjustment sliders that I didn't know where to begin!
I hadn't really much idea so instead I followed a guide in a photography magazine which guided you through converting your RAW images to B&W. It involved combining two RAW images - one exposed for the sky and another for the land. I then merged the two and converted to B&W.
C&C very welcome and and any tips about RAW and pp.
Oh yeah, and here's the photo..

I'll post some more later once I do some pp on them.

Edit - can someone please explain what clipping is?

[dazza74]

Things I like about RAW is being able to alter the white balance. I agree though I'm a bit bamboozled by how much you can change in the raw editor in photoshop (quite frightening if you've got CS3!!)

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

Well that's a pretty good start

Cliping is when you adjust the tonal ranges too highly so that detail in the bright or dark parts of the image are lost as they become outwith the displayable range. Often, before clipping occurs you may get crushing of detail where graduations of brightness are compressed closer together making them harder to see. This is what gamma is all about. Curves affect gamma response, Levels affect clipping.

[Paranormalist]

Originally Posted by dazza74

Things I like about RAW is being able to alter the white balance. I agree though I'm a bit bamboozled by how much you can change in the raw editor in photoshop (quite frightening if you've got CS3!!)

Originally Posted by Gordon @ Convergent AV

Well that's a pretty good start

Cliping is when you adjust the tonal ranges too highly so that detail in the bright or dark parts of the image are lost as they become outwith the displayable range. Often, before clipping occurs you may get crushing of detail where graduations of brightness are compressed closer together making them harder to see. This is what gamma is all about. Curves affect gamma response, Levels affect clipping.

CS3 sounds like a frightening prospect!
Thanks very much for that, Gordon.

[dazza74]

[QUOTE=Paranormalist;5654230]Today was the first time that I've shot in RAW. The extra detail etc compared to jpeg is noticable to say the least.
First though I had to download RAW ACR 4.2 update from the adobe website because Elements 5 wouldn't import my pics.
Once I got my photos imported and went to full edit mode I was met with so many adjustment sliders that I didn't know where to begin!
I hadn't really much idea so instead I followed a guide in a photography magazine which guided you through converting your RAW images to B&W. It involved combining two RAW images - one exposed for the sky and another for the land. I then merged the two and converted to B&W.
C&C very welcome and and any tips about RAW and pp.
Oh yeah, and here's the photo..


I did the same thing in the picture below, think I've over tangoed it a bit though with changing the white balance :

[Paranormalist]

I quite like the pic, dazza. A firey sky and molten lava like sea give me an idea for a title - 'Until Hell Freezes Over'.

[Paranormalist]

Shot in RAW this morning too. An abandoned chocolate factory. Would have been an ideal location for the comp. The place is a treasure trove in my eyes. I'll definitely have to go back.
I made the background out of focus using Av mode.
I once again combined two images for sky and land but didn't convert to B&W this time.

Cheers