Shooting raw digital files vs jpg’s

Shooting in the raw mode gives you almost twice the amount of data per shot compared to shooting in the JPG mode. This delivers better detail in all the images. Bright highlights that are overexposed in the raw mode are often times restorable, and that extra data also gives you nicer detail in darker shadow areas also. These are the most significant advantages of raw files. There are other adjustments in raw that are extremely useful, especially for adjusting skin tones. The color temperature adjustment panel allows us to tweak color balance easily and more precisely. The result is pleasing skin tones and accurate colors throughout. Many people comment that digital photography produces unnatural tones sometimes. This is due to either improper white balance, or often from multiple light sources hitting the subject. The raw mode can correct an improper white balance very well, and a jpg file can be a nightmare to correct. Multiple light source problems are much more difficult to correct, but the bottom line is that you have way more control, quality, and options with raw files.

In the raw mode, we can be a little over-exposed and restore detail in those critical bright areas (highlights). This is possible due to the additional data present in the raw files. This is a very wonderful benefit because shooting a live, outdoor wedding means it is easier to be a tad over or under exposed due to the sun’s light output changing very rapidly without notice.

If you are planning on purchasing all original images, and you want us to shoot in the raw mode, you will need to pay a little more. How much more depends on which option you choose. Option 1 is to shoot just your formal photos in raw, option 2 is to shoot your Ceremony and formals in raw, and option 3 is to shoot your entire wedding in raw. The additional cost is due to the considerable extra time it takes to transfer the huge raw files into the computer, work with these huge images which takes more time, and then converting the raw files to a file that you can work with. Our recommendation is to have us shoot whatever is most important to you in raw. Call or email us for more information and for a price quote. 591-2220 local or Toll-free at 866-591-2224