How to Edit Raw Pictures

Because raw files are not processed in the camera, you must process them yourself using computer software.

Raw images are pictures that bypass the normal in-camera processing used to create other file formats, such as jpegs and tiffs. Whereas most files undergo compression and lose a portion of their original data, uncompressed raw files contain all the original information captured by the camera, giving the photographer more data to work with in editing. These files cannot remain uncompressed and unprocessed, however. This processing must take place in editing, which makes editing raw pictures slightly different than editing other image formats.

Instructions

1. Open your raw pictures in an image editor that supports your camera's file format, such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.

2. Adjust the image's parameters in the editing window that appears. Don't be concerned if this window is not the window that normally opens when you launch your program. This is the raw processing window where you will manipulate the white balance, contrast, brightness, saturation, sharpness and other aspects of your image that were not controlled by the camera.

3. Open the file in the main window of your photo editor. Some programs may require you to save your photo as a jpeg or tiff first. Other programs will provide an option to open the file from the raw processing window without saving. Once you have opened the file, you can now access all of the program's photo editing controls.

4. Export your image as a jpeg, tiff, dng or other preferred file format.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that workflows will vary for different programs. Some of the steps above may be combined, altered or rearranged.

References

• Digital Photography School: Processing RAW Files in Adobe Lightroom
• Photo.net: RAW, JPEG and TIFF; Bob Atkins