Hi - As already explained in a previous post I am a student wishing to take up Media studies and Photography.
I am trying to learn how to process Raw files and with this in mind have downloaded trial versions of Photoshop CS5, Aperture (Apple) and also have the Canon DPP software that came with my camera.
However I have little knowledge on how to process Raw files or the best way to proceed with regards workflow.
I have tried reading various books, magazines etc but most seem to assume a certain knowledge that if i'm honest I don't have at this stage.
I have 101 questions but don't want to bore everyone so a little help with getting me started would be very much appreciated.
In particular I would like help with the following -
* Processing - At the moment at least I am opting to shoot in both Raw + Jpeg. However I do not understand how to process a large number of photos taken at any one time.
How can I batch process lots of photos which although taken on same day probably require different exposure & sharpness adjustments etc.
* Camera Raw 6.0 - When I open a photo in CS5 it opens in CR 6.0. This allows me to adjust exposure ( not sure that it does sharpness) - before opening in CS5. My question is whats the purpose of this when you can open straight away in CS5 and make adjustments then ?
* With doing the above I then create an XMP file which then clutters up my folders. Whats the purpose of these and do I need them as I'l end up with 1000's of extra files.
* I'm guessing for best quality I should save ( best ones at least ) in TIF format. Does Jpeg developed from Raw offer better quality than working from Jpeg in the first instance.
* Previously when working with Jpegs the adjustments I made were normally 1/ Exposure & contrast 2/ Cropping 3/ Sharpness 4/ Cloning or dust specks etc.
I never used layers but believe I should probably be doing so.
When using the above adjustments is there a correct sequence these should be done in ?
Apologies for such a long winded post but I want to start off on the right foot regarding Raws and can't find info written in simple terms that a beginner like myself can understand.
I would be grateful for help on any of the above or where I can obtain easy to understand info to help me start.
Pete
I am trying to learn how to process Raw files and with this in mind have downloaded trial versions of Photoshop CS5, Aperture (Apple) and also have the Canon DPP software that came with my camera.
However I have little knowledge on how to process Raw files or the best way to proceed with regards workflow.
I have tried reading various books, magazines etc but most seem to assume a certain knowledge that if i'm honest I don't have at this stage.
I have 101 questions but don't want to bore everyone so a little help with getting me started would be very much appreciated.
In particular I would like help with the following -
* Processing - At the moment at least I am opting to shoot in both Raw + Jpeg. However I do not understand how to process a large number of photos taken at any one time.
How can I batch process lots of photos which although taken on same day probably require different exposure & sharpness adjustments etc.
* Camera Raw 6.0 - When I open a photo in CS5 it opens in CR 6.0. This allows me to adjust exposure ( not sure that it does sharpness) - before opening in CS5. My question is whats the purpose of this when you can open straight away in CS5 and make adjustments then ?
* With doing the above I then create an XMP file which then clutters up my folders. Whats the purpose of these and do I need them as I'l end up with 1000's of extra files.
* I'm guessing for best quality I should save ( best ones at least ) in TIF format. Does Jpeg developed from Raw offer better quality than working from Jpeg in the first instance.
* Previously when working with Jpegs the adjustments I made were normally 1/ Exposure & contrast 2/ Cropping 3/ Sharpness 4/ Cloning or dust specks etc.
I never used layers but believe I should probably be doing so.
When using the above adjustments is there a correct sequence these should be done in ?
Apologies for such a long winded post but I want to start off on the right foot regarding Raws and can't find info written in simple terms that a beginner like myself can understand.
I would be grateful for help on any of the above or where I can obtain easy to understand info to help me start.
Pete