Raw photo editing is the process of working with uncompressed and unprocessed image files captured by a camera’s sensor, allowing for greater control and flexibility in post-production. Unlike JPEGs, RAW files retain all the image data—such as color, exposure, and white balance—without any in-camera processing or compression. This makes them ideal for photographers who want to fine-tune their images with precision. Editing RAW files allows for significant adjustments without degrading image quality, including recovering shadows and highlights, correcting lens distortion, and adjusting tones and colors more accurately. Tools like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and Darktable are commonly used to manipulate RAW files and bring out the full potential of a photograph.
• Lightroom is designed specifically for photographers; it offers a streamlined interface for managing and editing large batches of photos. It’s non-destructive and catalog-based.
• Photoshop is a pixel-level editor used for detailed retouching, compositing, and graphic design. It’s not optimized for batch processing or photo organization.
• Lightroom:
• Imports and catalogs RAW files directly.
• Non-destructive editing: Edits are stored as metadata, not applied to the original file.
• Ideal for adjusting exposure, white balance, tone curves, and color grading across multiple images.
• Easily sync settings across batches of photos.
• Lightroom: Has a built-in catalog system to organize photos, add metadata, rate/tag images, and create collections.
• Lightroom: Best for global adjustments and light retouching (exposure, color, cropping, etc.). Includes masking tools and AI features for selective edits.
• Use Lightroom for:
RAW photo workflow, batch edits, photo organization, and general photography needs.
• Photoshop:
• Uses Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) to open and edit RAW files before bringing them into the main editor.
• Once opened in Photoshop, edits are destructive unless working with Smart Objects or duplicating layers.
• Better suited for precise, localized editing after global RAW adjustments are made.
• Photoshop: No built-in catalog. File management is manual and relies on external organization.
• Photoshop: Offers advanced tools like layers, selections, brushes, and masks for deep retouching, compositing, and graphic design.
• Use Photoshop for:
Detailed retouching, creative compositing, image manipulation, or when more control over specific areas of an image is needed.
RAW Editing Workflow in Lightroom – Outline
1. Preparing Files for Editing
• Save RAW images to a clearly labeled folder on your computer (not on USB drives).
• Avoid editing directly from external drives to prevent lag.
2. Importing and Navigating in Lightroom
• Open Lightroom and navigate to the image folder via the Library tab.
• Use the film strip view to see all images in the selected folder.
• You can also open images by right-clicking them and selecting Open with Lightroom.
3. Interface Overview
• Left Panel: Navigation, folder structure, and file organization.
• Top Toolbar: Zoom, navigation, and view options.
• Right Panel: Editing tools in the Develop module.
• Zoom in with the magnifying glass to inspect details.
4. RAW vs JPEG
• RAW files contain more image data than JPEGs.
• JPEGs are compressed and pre-processed by the camera.
• RAWs offer greater flexibility and better editing outcomes.
5. The Develop Panel: Workflow Overview
a. Histogram
• Visual representation of light distribution.
• Clipping indicators (black/white) show lost details.
b. Basic Editing Tools
• Exposure: Brightens/darkens entire image.
• Contrast: Increases tonal difference between lights and darks.
• Highlights & Shadows: Target bright or dark areas.
• Whites & Blacks: Fine-tune clipping points.
• Tone Curve: Custom tonal adjustments; optional but powerful.
6. Color Adjustments
a. White Balance
• Adjust using presets (Auto, Daylight, etc.) or the eyedropper tool.
• Temperature & Tint sliders fine-tune color balance.
b. Vibrance & Saturation
• Vibrance: Boosts muted colors; preserves skin tones.
• Saturation: Boosts all colors uniformly.
c. Color Mixer
• Adjust Hue, Saturation, and Luminance (HSL) of individual colors.
• Use targeted adjustment tool for precision (e.g., fixing skin tones).
7. Cropping and Composition
• Use crop tool to adjust aspect ratio or straighten image.
• Preset ratios available for video formats (16:9, etc.).
8. Effects Panel
• Grain: Add film-like texture.
• Vignette: Darkens image corners for focus.
• Clarity: Midtone contrast; use cautiously on portraits.
• Dehaze & Texture: Adjust atmospheric haze and surface detail.
9. Detail Panel
• Sharpening: Enhances detail, less aggressive than Clarity.
• Noise Reduction: Removes graininess; better for low-light images.
10. Optics & Lens Corrections
• Fix lens distortion or vignetting.
• Use built-in lens profiles when available.
11. Masking
• Use Select Subject or Sky Mask for targeted adjustments.
• Invert masks to edit background vs subject.
• Useful for brightening faces or reducing background highlights.
12. Presets (Optional Learning Tool)
• Hovering over presets shows potential edits.
• Useful for previewing Lightroom capabilities.
13. Exporting and File Handling
• Edits are non-destructive; saved in sidecar metadata files.
• Export to finalize and save copies with edits.
14. Additional Tools
• Camera Raw (Photoshop): Alternative interface for RAW editing with similar tools.
• RawTherapee: Free alternative for RAW editing (PC/Mac); more complex but powerful.