Raw Shooting and Digital Workflow

[Nick F]

Guys, for the first time in ages I actually gave shooting in Raw a real test, I was limited at only having a 256MB memory card although I have a 2GB card on the way.

It was great to be able to edit the pictures ever so slighlty but I have a couple of questions about workflow and the type of programs I should be using.

I currently use Photoshop CS2 to edit all my images and Adobe Bridge to view them in folders etc. I know that PS can't process RAW pictures so I got a copy of Nikon Capture Editor with my Nikon camera which I installed, this does the job fine although the interface seems a little dated.

So my question is - whats the best way to convert RAW files on a MAC?

Also do any of you guys have tips on digital workflow? At the moment all my pictures are in different folders under different months but if I'm going to start shooting in RAW I'm sure there is a better way to organise them?

[Bobster]

PS CS2 will happily convert your RAW files if your camera isn't supported on your version of PS, Update will take care of it

oh my, going to start shooting RAW all the time? get yourselft a few more 2GB cards

i currently have 3x2GB, 4x1GB and 2x512MB (3x256MB (for my 300D))

after a shoot i backup all cards onto my workstation, these then get sorted into folder (named the shoot) then backed up onto my external HDD, then written twice to DVD/CD depending on the amount of pics

i then use Pixort to select keepers once i've chosen my files i then rename the files for easy recognition usually 001 Name of Shoot.CR2

i then open Capture 1 and then go through tweeking the RAW files - setting white balance by clicking the netrual grey card i've shot on location and selecting all the shots from that local and bam every shot is now balanced

then i go through tweeking curves etc, if more than 1 shot is under the same light i select those as well and one more click and they're changed as well - i then set those shots converting to 16bit TIFF depending on the size of the required output - if weddings then they're output @ 18x12in @ 300DPI, then while they're converting i'll work on the other files and duplicate the above, once all shots are converted i back the conversions up on HDD/DVD/CD etc and then the editing process starts - removing dust spots, further tweeking of colours / curves etc

once each shot is tweeked i then save and save as a low res JPG for proofing

once all shots are edited and approved, a client DVD/CD is written and 2 more DVD/CD's made and backed up to HDD and the shoot is deleted from my workstation and its onto the next project

why so much backing up? can never be too carefull with photos

[IBM]

What did you do when you shot on film? Worry a lot?

[Bobster]

when i shot film i developed it myself, but that was back at college..