Working with RAW

[OFD678]

I have Scott Kelby's book and trying to starting working with RAW Files with PSE 4.0. I understand making some adjustments in the RAW area (WB, ect...). Then saving to DNG?? Some type of universal file. What I mainly do is print my pictures. Should I save it in JPG2000 for the best JPG format?

Then do I go into the editor to work in the color and other layers?

Does this sound like a decent work flow? Or is it a bit crazy?

I have tried to read previous post, still just a bit confused on the workflow.

Thanks.

[Carbone]

I don't save in DNG, I only export my converted files to TIFF or JPEG, depending on the need. TIFF for printing and long term storage. JPEG for web sharing. My RAW files can be read by 3 apps so far (Photoshop / Photoshop Elements, Capture One and Canon's own software), so I don't see the need for another "universal" format, yet.

Ray

[gez]

Hey Ray!

If I may ask,which app do you use most to do your raw converting. I have just dabbled with raw and do like its flexibility in fine tuning (correcting) an exposure. Right now most of my work is in PSE3. I have stepped up to CS2 but I'm just learning to use it. I've loaded the Canon software and didn't like it. Could have been I was just uncomfortable with it. I've heard good things about Capture One. I think I'd rather spent that money on another lens though. I'd be interested in hearing about your workflow and what works best for you.

Anyone else with an opinion? Please share.
Thanks

[Carbone]

I use Capture One SE. However, it's been discontinued. Now there's LE or Pro. LE is fine, by the way, I had SE (middle of the line) because at the time LE didn't exist for the Mac.

I tried Adobe's but to me, C1 is more intuitive. And Photoshop takes long to load (on any platform, that is, it's not a PC or a Mac thing.) C1 is faster. And, most of the times, I don't Photoshop my images. They go directly from the camera to C1 to iPhoto.

Here is my workflow :

- Copy the files from the memory card to the Capture One library folder

- In C1, convert, correct white balance and exposure, saturate a bit (because 10D pictures are too neutral) adjust sharpness (C1 does a better job imho). If many pictures from the same environment, then adjust one and recopy settings over the others.

- Export as TIFF 8 Bits but if further enhancement are required (really messy shooting session, for example), then 16 bits for salvaging in CS2.

- With exported TIFF, create a thumbnail version to import in iPhoto. It's actually a short Automator action I created for that task which converts, resize and import. It's a one step action for me.

- Copy TIFFS and RAW to a temporary folder for saving on a DVD (when the folder will have reached 4.0 GB)

That's it!

Ray

[OFD678]

So, I save it in TIFF if I want to take the pics to be printed off? (walgreens, walmart, ect).

I have a few resizing questions, but I am going to reread the book first, so I don't ask a million questions I can figure out with a little thought.

Thanks for the help. Brent

[Carbone]

Not a lot of on-line and in-store printing services will accept TIFF. Most will only work with JPEG, so check out with them first!

Ray

[MikeH]

Walgreens will take jpegs and zip files containing jepgs. Walmart I'm pretty sure accept TIFF though.

Mike

[Norm F]

which app do you use most to do your raw converting. I have just dabbled with raw and do like its flexibility in fine tuning (correcting) an exposure. Right now most of my work is in PSE3. I have stepped up to CS2 but I'm just learning to use it. I've loaded the Canon software and didn't like it.

George,

I have read a number of rave reviews for RAW Shooter. They have a free version at http://www.pixmantec.com/.

[OFD678]

So, you don't use PSE 4.0 for your RAW conversions? RAw shooter? Is that because you like how it works better than PSE 4.0?

Thanks

[Norm F]

So, you don't use PSE 4.0 for your RAW conversions? RAw shooter? Is that because you like how it works better than PSE 4.0?

Thanks

I think many of the people here do use Adobe Camera Raw which is the Raw processor in PSE. I like it just fine. Some of the others were discussing alternative programs and I was just throwing out Raw Shooter as one that I'd heard good things about. PSE works fine for me. I don't shoot that much in RAW. I'm still a beginner and I don't need the extra process at this point. When I learn to take a good JPEG, I'll experiment more with Raw.

[kwsanders]

I have Scott Kelby's book and trying to starting working with RAW Files with PSE 4.0. I understand making some adjustments in the RAW area (WB, ect...). Then saving to DNG??

I cannot see where to choose DNG as an output format in PSE4 (Mac) although it clearly mentions it in the help.

[Wendy]

Hi Kerri ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

I think that Ray answered your query in another thread ... do let us know if that solkves the problem and it would be interesting to know what you think of PSE4 :)

Wendy

[Norm F]

I cannot see where to choose DNG as an output format in PSE4 (Mac) although it clearly mentions it in the help.

Kerry,

The "save" button in Camera Raw allows you to save as a dng. Alternatively, Adobe offers a DNG converter as a download on their site that allows you to "batch process" your raw files to dng.

[kwsanders]

Thanks. Another forum member pointed this out as well. I appreciate the help. :)