RAW Workflow

[Niche]

I'm a recent convert to RAW and PSCS2 (coming from Elements) and I have a question about RAW workflow.

Right now I put all my RAW images in a folder and use FastStone to batch create jpegs from them. Then I use ACDSee 5.0 to make a first cull and exposure adjust to each one. The purpose is to create images that can quickly and easily be used to evaluate the images before editing in PS or Elements. Even with a fast computer, viewing the RAW images is a slow process. After culling I open the original RAW image in PS or Elements for additional editing and conversion to the final jpeg image.

I'm happy enough with the editing but I would like to streamline the batch conversion to jpeg. What would really be great is if I could tell a RAW converter to apply auto levels, sharpening and color during the process. That would save me considerable clicking and fussing while culling the shots. I have the latest ACDSee and it can do some really nice auto adjusts to the pics but it is a pain to use since it demands multiple verifications to just replace the #!%# file. (at least if I haven't found the magic method yet)

Some additional info. I don't process huge numbers of files - typically 50-100 images three or four times a month. Of that 50-100 I usually only PP ten or twelve so manually converting for editing is not a big deal and Adobe's RAW converter has adequate quality for my needs.

How do you handle RAW images? Do you mass convert and then PP the jpeg? Or do you convert to some other format? What software do you use?

Thanks,

Jim

[Ron Lacey]

If you use CS2 you can use Bridge to evaluate RAW files without converting to jpeg. It may be wise to keep in mind when evaluating RAW files that the dynamic range can be addressed in ACR particularly at the hight end so what looks like a blown out overexposed image may be salvageable.

Another option depending on your camera is to shoot RAW+jpg, shooting medium or small jpegs will not add a whole lot to your memory card and will save you having to convert for evaluation purposes as welll as providing a quick copy to post to a website or for email.

For my part I open all my new RAW photos in Bridge then proceed to delete any that are obviously flawed. I browse through and process the best ones or ones I need for a specific purpose be it printing or posting to my website and leave the rest for cataloging and archiving in the RAW format. I don't keep any converted images but rather rely on the XMP data if I need more copies. Most to all my adjustments are done in ACR short of resizing and sharpening.

Ron

[Niche]

Thanks for replying. I'm using a D70 so can't do the RAW + jpeg thing. Another reason to upgrade to the D200, I guess :). Just got CS2 about a week ago so haven't had a chance to do more than play a little with Bridge. It does seem to be a bit faster than other RAW viewers.

Jim

[Ron Lacey]

Just got CS2 about a week ago so haven't had a chance to do more than play a little with Bridge. It does seem to be a bit faster than other RAW viewers.
Jim

Check out Bridge, you can either launch it as a standalone or call it up in PS CS under File>Browse, you can preview your RAW files without converting them and delete the ones you don't want.

Ron

[MiriamJ]

Thanks for replying. I'm using a D70 so can't do the RAW + jpeg thing. Another reason to upgrade to the D200, I guess :). Just got CS2 about a week ago so haven't had a chance to do more than play a little with Bridge. It does seem to be a bit faster than other RAW viewers.

Jim
Jim, your D70 should be able to do RAW + jpeg. Try holding down the qual button, (bottom button), and rotating the rear command dial. When it's set right, the box in the bottom left of the top display should have both the words RAW and basic.

Or maybe I shouldn't have said anything so you'ld have a reason to upgrade to the D200. :)

[David Cramer]

Hi Neighbor. I don't batch process my files so I can't really help with streamlining the process, other than noting I believe Photoshop and/or Bridge should do what you want.

My process is to cull through the images in Nikon View (not the best, but it works), pick the ones I want to work with, open them in Nikon Capture (I recommend this first over Photoshop as Capture is much more accurate in color and white balance with NEF files than Photoshop), size, adjust all tone and color settings, and if that is enough, finish with sharpening. If it needs more work, I save the sharpening until I take it as a tiff into PS, adjust as needed, then sharpen. If I use PS, I keep the master file in layers as a PSD file.
When you get a chance, drop in on the New Members section and introduce yourself. It's nice to have another New Mexican aboard.

[Niche]

Jim, your D70 should be able to do RAW + jpeg. Try holding down the qual button, (bottom button), and rotating the rear command dial. When it's set right, the box in the bottom left of the top display should have both the words RAW and basic.

Oops. Revisited the manual and you're right. I'll try it.

Or maybe I shouldn't have said anything so you'ld have a reason to upgrade to the D200. :)

Not to worry. I've got more "reasons" to "need" a D200 than you'd believe. The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger is that the D70 is still far better at photography than I am.

[Niche]

Thanks for the suggestions.

NM is a great place for poppin pixels, ain't it?