When I shoot photos
, I want full control. That’s why I choose RAW.
RAW is the full, unedited version of a photo. Nothing is cut out, nothing is compressed. It’s like a digital negative.
JPEG is edited and shrunk by the camera—it throws out some details to save space. RAW keeps everything. I want everything.
Why I Use RAW
- I can fix my photos later.
Bad lighting? Wrong color? RAW lets me fix all that without ruining the picture. I adjust the exposure, shadows, or color tones how I want. - More detail in every shot.
RAW files hold onto things that JPEG deletes—like details in bright skies or dark corners. - Colors are more real.
I can change white balance perfectly. JPEG locks it in. RAW gives me freedom.
- I don’t lose the original.
When I edit a RAW file, the original stays safe. I can try again anytime.
How I Shoot and Edit RAW
- Set the camera to RAW mode.
I go to the settings and change image type to RAW. - Take the photo.
Same as always. RAW just stores more info. - Open the RAW file in editing software.
I use Lightroom, Capture One, or a free one like Darktable or PhotoScape X - Edit how I want.
I change the lighting, fix colors, sharpen faces, or recover skies. I do it all after the photo is taken. - Export to JPEG.
Once it looks perfect, I save it as JPEG to post or print.
My Tips
- Use RAW + JPEG together at first.
That way, I get a backup JPEG and a RAW to edit. - Keep extra storage.
RAW files are big. I always use a fast SD card and back them up. - Editing is where the magic happens.
RAW isn’t just a file. It’s power. It lets me shape the final photo the way I imagined it.
- I don’t let the camera decide how my photo should look. I shoot in RAW so I decide.
- Do you want better control and better photos? Start using RAW.