focal length: 18 mm
shutter speed: 1/1600
aperture: f/3.5
ISO: 200
flash: none
I took this photo in Korea a couple years ago, back when I used to shoot only in JPG and barely processed my photos. So I took another stab at it using Lightroom to give it an old world feel. After working exclusively with the RAW file format, I can now see how much better it is compared to JPG. RAW file format contains so much more information than an in-camera compressed JPG so that when it comes time to processing, with RAW data, I’m able to recover a lot more detail. White balance is definitely easier to adjust as well as exposure. If you don’t shoot in RAW, try it out sometime and see the differences for yourself. I should add though that you do require software to process RAW files. If you don’t have one, a quick Google search will find you some free ones. Most PC’s don’t have a built in RAW file viewer either. Apple computers have no problem viewing them and processing them with their own built in iPhoto or even Preview software.
I always thought it amazing how quickly Korea developed. I love how there are solid remnants of ancient Korea still in existence among the hustle and bustle of the business district in downtown Seoul and other highly urban areas.
Laura is a Vancouver wedding and portrait photographer. Visit laurahana.com.
[n.] a resource for beginners who wish to take sweeter pics.
Copyright © 2012 Dolce Pics. All rights reserved.
Shelli
Jun 13, 2008 at 4:19 am
Great photo! I’m shooting in RAW now with my new camera! hee hee!
Christy
Jun 13, 2008 at 7:52 am
Love the feel of the photo! Would look great blown up on a wall
I was so hesitant at first to shoot in RAW, don’t know why, guess it just kind of scared me a little. I do most of the time now. Sometimes I revert back to jpeg because I don’t want the post process :0
Abra
Jun 13, 2008 at 10:25 am
Question though, doesn’t shooting raw take up a LOT more space on your memory card??
laura
Jun 13, 2008 at 10:53 am
@Shelli: Yay! I’m looking forward to seeing your new photos!
@Christy: Thanks! I hear you about not wanting to post process all the time. Sports photographers generally shoot in JPG because they take so many shots - as far as I know.
@Abra: Yes, RAW files do take up more space. For example, if your camera is a 6 megapixel camera, then your RAW files are usually about 6MB compared to 2MB or 3MB for a large compressed JPG (in camera). When I switched to RAW, I went from 500 to 100 pictures on my 1GB card. Took some getting used to and I had to train myself to avoid the ’spray and pray’ method of shooting. hehe. However, unless your exposure, white balance, highlights/shadows are always spot on, then RAW can really save the day. Also, memory is so cheap nowadays, I’m not really afraid to fill up my memory cards or my computer hard drive. You do need a fairly fast computer in order to process them all though. When I jumped up to a 12MP camera I had to upgrade my computer. Very slow to load on my old laptop.
So, it depends on your situation and your preferences. If you do a lot of post processing, then I’d recommend RAW. If not, shoot JPG.
Hope that helps explain my thought processes a bit. Thanks for asking! 
emily
Jun 13, 2008 at 11:09 pm
beautiful. i love the old and new together.