Chicago Swans

Every digital camera takes a Raw file. This will capture all the information that can possible be retained by that particular camera, lens and silicon chip.When the quality of the Raw file is as good as possible, it will require fewer adjustments and the quality of the final image is better.Some users don’t save the Raw file but save only the JPEG. The JPEG can also be improved with a couple of settings prior to taking the picture.White BalanceTransparency film had a built-in neutral colour balance, either for Daylight colour or Tungsten colour. As long as the light was within a certain range, the greys would be neutral and colours accurate. Digital does not have such built-in colour balance; we have to set it for each circumstance and adjust the colour balance of the image during editing.Most cameras have a number of settings for the white balance, which aim to make the image neutr photography basics al and the colours as true as possible.One white balance setting to be avoided is ‘Automatic’. It is certainly convenient to have everything set automatically, but the results can be inconsistent. The colour balance will fluctuate from subject to subject. Photograph a group of people and there will be one colour balance setting. If someone joins the group wearing a blue shirt, the colour balance will change. This can make later matching of the images more awkward.Common alternative settings for the white balance are:IncandescentFlourescentDirect sunlightFlashCloudyShadeSometimes there are settings for individual Color Temperatures.If at all possible, select the most suitable setting for the conditions. The results will be more consistent and nearer to the final image.Checking the HistogramThe second action worth taking is to look at the histogram and then adjust exposure accordingly.