Shooting in RAW!?

OK so most of you are saying "What the heck does that mean?"  To tell the truth, I'm still trying to figure it out. RAW is a type of file used for photography.  Other picture files are jpg files.....when you take pics and save them in jpg files, the camera alters the light, shadows etc. according to what it thinks is best.  RAW files are basically picture files that are unchanged....basically what you shoot you get.

When I entered this picture of Drew in a contest I had a lot of people ask me if I shoot in RAW.

So I got curious and bought this magazine....it came complete with a DVD with video instructions for how to manipulate RAW files...

So 3 months later I just flipped the little switch to record my pictures in RAW files and started snapping pics....

Now keep in mind, I'm basically learning as I go here.....

RAW file....before editing:

After:

I adjusted the exposure and temperature of the picture (and maybe a few other things)  I can't remember...But I like the end result!
And yes, my silly son in wearing a winter hat when it's 90 degrees outside!!

RAW file before:

After:

Again I played with the exposure slider and maybe some fill light and before finishing I played with the saturation slider to give it a faded look.

Now this next one was a WOW picture....The picture you see is exactly how I saw this sculpture....

RAW file before:

After

And after playing with many sliders I played with the saturation (bumping it up and up) and lo and behold the octopus is colorful!!!!  Who knew!?  I was amazed because really, when I was taking the picture, I couldn't see any colors!!! 

I'm not sure if I will continue shooting in RAW.....we will see....
The greatest thing about digital  photography is that I have more freedom to try new things at low risk or cost (no film wasted).  So, I will keep experimenting and urge you to do the same..

By the way, MCP Actions Blog is a great resource for understanding photography. 

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Love,
Bronwyn