Graphic Design CoursesMany professional photographers work with Raw image files within Photoshop. We show you how to use Photoshop’s Camera Raw feature in our Photoshop courses.
Firstly, why work with Raw images? The big advantages are the higher dynamic tonal range and greater details captured in the image.The slight disadvantages are the larger file size and the fact that you can’t process the image directly in Photoshop. However, when you open a Raw image file in Photoshop it automatically opens up the Camera Raw extension. Each camera manufacturer has their own type of Raw file, for example Canon’s format is CRW, Fuji’s is RAF, Nikon is NEF. But they all open within Camera Raw.
There are nine tabs on the right-hand side of the screen – most of your work will be done in the first one, the Basic tab. First we’d adjust the White Balance – this is done by clicking in an area of the image which you want to be a neutral white.
The Temperature is next – here we can make the image warmer or cooler in tone, which in turn affects the emotional response of the viewer. Tints, as the name suggests, allow us to subtley change the mood of the image by adjusting the overall colour range.
The Exposure slider allows us to correct an over or under-exposed image. Other options are available for even more subtle variations. Black allows us to moderate the depth of pure black in the image, whilst the Brightness slider lets us raise or lower the amount of overall light. Contrast will make the darks darker and the lights lighter, whilst redistributing the mid tones. Clarity adjusts the sharpness of details and Vibrance is more gentle on your colours than the Saturation slider.
Many of the settings are a subjective decision since a perfect numerical balance of any slider may not give the best effect aesthetically. Many more tips and techniques can be found at the Adobe website. And see many examples of our clients’ work on our Facebook page.
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Photoshop camera raw
Jan18
