Hello fellow photographers. Let’s dive into gaining an appreciation for the difference between RAW and JPG files in black and white street photography.
Is there really a difference between setting your digital camera to JPEG or Raw for file storage in street photography? Does it matter? Some people swear by RAW files, and some people don’t really care. Lets get into it and understand why…
Fayetteville, NC, 2021 - This was shot in JPG format. I had to commit to these exposure settings because limited editing latitude.
What is a RAW file?
A RAW file is nothing more than an uncompressed digital image, which is not yet ready to be printed, as it is not processed yet. (Thus it is raw, as in unused, unprocessed). Each camera manufacturer has their own version of a Raw file. For example, Leica uses the ‘*.DNG’ format, meaning Digital Negative. An another example, Canon uses either ‘*.CR2’ or ‘*.CR3’ meaning Canon Raw version 2 or version 3. This uncompressed digital image retains the most information from the digital camera’s sensor.
In editing, RAW files offer a full experience. For example, if an area needs to be much brighter, and you would like to, you have latitude in har FAR you can go. Consider this image.
NYC, 2019 - RAW Image which had lots for editing.
I was able to bring this image from something very dark to something more artistic. This is an extreme example, but drives the point home. If this was originally shot as a JPG, I wouldn’t have been able to push the whites in this image this far with some considerable distortion. This should always be a consideration.
What is a JPG file?
A JPG file is is a compressed digital image created by the Joint Photographic Expert Group in 1992. The compression gives the photographer a decrease in file storage size as compared to Raw images. This, in turn, represents less image quality. Beyond less image quality, there is another disadvantage/drawback to JPG formatted files. Once the photographer considers the sittings in his camera (clarity, contrast, monochrome vs black and white), these settings are written into the image, permanently. You will not be able to change what you’ve shot when you are done.
My father and step-father were both film photographers in the 1970’s through the 1990’s. A concept they both expressed and emphasized to me was that you make each image count. No matter what. You won’t have much latitude in the darkroom afterwards. Of course, some areas can be lightly dodged or burned in the darkroom while making a print. I argue that JPG images work very similarly. You have to nail that shot in camera, and can only expect to be able to make very small changes afterwards, in your editing program of choice.
DC, 2019 - Another JPG Image….no editing needed.
Bottom Line!
At the end of the day it’s up to the street photographer to decide which to use. Which is right for you? I argue that you should determine which route (JPG or RAW) you are going to use for the day and STICK WITH IT! Find out which works for you.
If you have any questions, please add them to the comments below.
Remember, keep shooting, find your definitive moment, and share your work. Put yourself out there.
*Maurice D Masdeu*.