Working with RAW using iPhoto

[Nicole]

Thanks for sharing that wulf Was just curious since Linux is the one area I've yet to delve into much.

jdepould: I still wonder why you had those problems since I've used RAW files back with iPhoto 5 and 10.3 and it still worked (granted, not nearly as fast, but still). Strange

[hora]

Wow, so many replies overnight! This is truly a global community!

So iPhoto does do RAW then? Hmm... When I imported a few RAW images, to test it out, iPhoto shows them as DSC_whatever.NEF
I'm not really sure what to understand by that... I've never worked with RAW before, and I assumed the file extension would be raw... Is NEF the same thing just for a Nikon D80 camera?

And one thing I don't quite understand about iPhoto and raw images, is how does it import them and where, and when I edit it, does it convert the image? What happens to the original? (I'm also quite a Mac newbie too, I've only had it for a few months now). Thanks for the help everyone.

[Nicole]

.NEF is the RAW file extension for Nikon, so no worries there.

When iPhoto imports your photos it copies them into the iPhoto library folder. When you edit the image in iPhoto, it either converts it to a jpg (the default) or .tiff if you've selected it in the preferences of iPhoto. iPhoto never (as far as I know) touches the actual original file and the original is kept in a folder something like "Pictures->iPhoto->Library->Roll 1->Originals" (note, that might not be 100% accurate since I moved my iPhoto library to an external drive and I'm just on my way out so I don't have time to confirm that right now ). Hope that helps Keep asking if you've got questions

[ToddC]

Hello hora,
I also use iPhoto and CS2 to process and view RAW photos.

You won’t have any trouble loading RAW into iPhoto; however, you’ll be extremely limited on post-processing your images. Your best choice for processing RAW images is PhotoShop. Here’s how:

1. Open the RAW photo in PhotoShop. The RAW converter will automatically open.

2. Make the following settings in the RAW converter dialog box:

a. Make sure the Preview, Shadows, and Highlights checkboxes are selected.

b. Space: Adobe RGB (1998)

c. Depth: 16 Bit/Channel

d. Resolution: 360

4. If you see “Blue” in your photo, this represents very dark areas with little detail. Slide the Shadows bar to the left to remove the “Blue”. Note the change in the Histogram...

5. If you see “Red” in your photo, this represents highlights with little detail. Slide the Exposure bar to the left to reduce the highlights.

6. Leave all of the other settings just as they are. You can make color adjustments with Curves and adjust the brightness and contrast with Levels. If you need help in these areas, just let me know...

Good Luck...Todd

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by Nicole

Thanks for sharing that wulf Was just curious since Linux is the one area I've yet to delve into much.

jdepould: I still wonder why you had those problems since I've used RAW files back with iPhoto 5 and 10.3 and it still worked (granted, not nearly as fast, but still). Strange

Not sure, I've been using LR since the first Beta though, so I didn't really give it a second thought. If I were to do it again today I'd probably get Aperture, but LR was a free public beta and came out first. Once I started using the beta I was committed and didn't bother looking back, sort of like making the Nikon/Canon decision.

[Nicole]

Yup, understandable jdepould I never really got into lightroom, though I hear great things about it and everyone I know who uses it wouldn't give it up.

[hora]

Thanks Todd, that was really helpful! I'm just wondering, what do I do once I finish making the adjustments to the RAW image? Do I click Done, or Save Image?

You guys have been super helpful, thanks a lot!

[Feisty]

I've developed a workflow using iPhoto, RAW images, and CS2 that works well for me. (My budget does not allow for the software and hardware requirements of CS3, but one can always wish. Besides, if I had disposable income, I'd probably go for an additional L-series lens first. )

I shoot all my pictures in RAW. I like having the full digital information for any required adjustments. I load all my pictures into iPhoto after a day's shoot. It's effective and easy for viewing, cataloging, saving, and e-mailing pictures. If there's a simple edit, I'll use iPhoto.

When I want to do something more complex (capturing the full dynamic range, adjusting shadow or highlights using curves, tweaking skin tone, etc. etc. etc.) I edit and print using CS2.

For some large but simple batch conversions, I may switch to GraphicConverter, a great free-to-low-cost software program.

My challenge is to spend more time taking and sharing images than I do sitting at my computer. So much to do, so little time ...

-Jerry

[henryws]

I have been interested in the exchange of messages on this topic but woulod like to be even more basic. I now have a Nikon D200 and want to shoot in RAW but have no idea how to convert. I have ADOBE PHOTO ELEMENTS 5 and have also got the Nikon Picture Project software but every time I try to use these I seem to get lost in the process !! Can anyone reccommend a good book or pamphlet on RAW cconversion that I can understand ! Thanks

[hora]

Hey everyone,

I'm still a bit confused about one thing... If I import my RAW images into iPhoto, and use Photoshop CS3 to edit the RAW files, when I change my RAW file what happens if I click Done? Does it overwrite my initial RAW file?

And do I need to convert the image to a JPEG myself? Thanks.