That’s where shooting in camera RAW comes in. When you shoot in RAW format several things come into play. First, the camera does not add any corrections to your digital file (this is also why you need to post-process your photos to get that “punch” you are looking for). What you see is what you get… No scene modes where the camera adds predetermined filters to improve the photo.

Second, there is no loss of image data like there is in JPEG format. When your camera records images in JPEG, there is a compression algorithym (that I don’t understand) that takes place. Essentially what happens is that the camera software “throws away” unnecessary pixels when the picture is saved. Then every time you open the image and save it again, more pixel data is lost. It’s crazy, but you can end up with a really grainy image if you do this enough times. That doesn’t usually happen, but it is possible.

Here is a photo I took using Raw with Photoshop. All I did to the original (on the right) was to add a bit of levels adjustment, crop, and burn the edges to draw the viewer’s attention into the center of the picture. You must admit that the left image is more dramatic than the right one.

After and Before Photoshop

You can open your photo in RAW format, but you can’t save it in RAW format. Once you make edits to your photo, you will have to save it in a different format. When using Photshop, you will definitely want to save it using the photoshop format which looks like this: ichybug.psd. The psd extension tells you it is a photoshop file. Now, unless you delete the original RAW file, you will always have it so that you can go back and start over. One really cool thing, too, about psd files is that there is no pixel loss in those either. You can open and save as many times as you wish without fear of “lossy compression”.

I know it’s nice to set your camera on “auto” and let it do your editing, but try camera RAW. It will give you a new appreciation for Ansel Adams (just kidding). It will give you more control over the final image as you decide how you want if to look and make the changes yourself. You can even take the same photo and create two totally different images using different editing techniques.

By the way, Photoshop Elements has many of the same capabilities as the CS4 software. There is also Adobe Lightroom 2.5, which many pros use for their editing. You can learn to use any of these software applications at Total Training by paying a monthly fee for total access to their video training. Try it for a month. They have some of the best teachers on the planet.

Don’t forget to visit www.digital-photographic-resources.com if you are looking for great choices in cameras, lenses, or photography tips.

Black Swallowtail on Zinnia

With digital cameras at their most affordable, anybody can be a photographer these days. Problem is, it takes more than a camera to take good pictures. But with the right training, you can learn to take better pictures.

It takes a certain eye, a way of seeing things, to take pictures that make people go “Wow!”. Fortunately, it can be learned. And the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

If you’re interested in becoming a good digital photographer, I recommend the “Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros,” a free report.

Start by taking a look at these most common mistakes people make when taking digital pictures:

1. Not knowing your camera – If you never read your digital camera’s manual and learn its features and how to use them, you won’t be able to make the most of it.
2. Not using a tripod – Tripods allow you to take the sharpest pictures even in low light. Use one as often as possible.
3. Not giving the camera time to focus – Digital cameras need time to properly focus and get the right exposure. It can take a fraction of a second or a couple of seconds. Account for this when taking pictures.
4. Relying too much on zoom – Using the camera’s zoom feature makes the picture grainier. Get as close to the subject as possible.
5. Taking pictures against the light – This makes the subject dark and the background too bright.
6. Relying too much on the flash -Natural light gives the best pictures, so use it as much as possible. Flash tends to make images look harsh.
7. Not taking enough pictures – It’s almost impossible to take the perfect shot at one try, so take many pictures. With digital photography, this doesn’t cost you extra. Try different angles and compositions.
8. Always putting the subject dead center – Learn the rule of thirds in composition, and you’ll have more interesting pictures.
9. Forgetting to check the horizon – When taking pictures with the horizon showing, make sure it’s level.
10. Selecting a low-resolution setting – Your camera will allow you to select different resolutions. Don’t be tempted to choose a low resolution just to save on memory space. Instead, buy additional memory for your camera and always take your pictures in high resolution.
11. Trying to take too much – Don’t try to include too many things in one picture, such as people and scenery. A picture is more effective when it’s focused on a single subject.
12. Not using the camera – You’ll never know when a good photo op will come up, so have your camera with you at all times.

It may seem like a lot to think about, but with practice, these things will become second nature.

For those who want to learn even more digital photography techniques, check out the free report, “Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros.” It’s a short but info-filled guide that will have you shooting digital pictures like a pro in no time.

Find out more about “Shoot Digital Pics Like the Pros” here:
www.learndigitalphotographynow.com. Or, if you are still in search of the best camera for YOU, go to www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

Happy Shooting!