Conclusion

Shooting for raw isn't tremendously different from shooting JPEG images, and the small bit of rethinking that you have to do is worth it to get the extra editing flexibility that raw provides.

If you're an experienced film shooter, you've probably already realized that shooting raw is pretty much just the opposite of what you're used to doing when shooting film. When shooting raw, you want to protect your highlights rather than your shadows.

Obviously, when compared to shooting JPEG images, working with the raw format requires more work and a more technical understanding of certain basic technological concepts. However, as you work with raw, you'll probably find that having to consider these basic issues and concepts makes you a better photographer. Sometimes, being forced to slow down and consider your shooting parameters or to weigh different variables forces you to visualize your scene more clearly. And if you take the time to consider the issues and guidelines that you've learned in this book, then you'll capture more robust image data that will allow for more editing power and flexibility.

Now you simply need to practice. As you spend more time shooting and editing, you'll get a better feel for what is possible to achieve with raw files. Remember that even the best photographers come home with a lot of bad pictures, so don't get hung up if every shot you take isn't a keeper. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, and your pictures will improve. In the meantime, don't get so concerned about the particulars and vagaries of raw shooting that you forget to enjoy yourself!