Bob Crum

I'm overwhelmed with so many readers' questions that I'm contemplating taking a three month vacation in Hawaii. Between Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Moloka'i and The Big Island there are at least 23 mermaids at last count. Paradise! But I digress.

Again, the most asked question lately is about photo editing, aka post processing. Though challenging, it's an important question because as I'm want to say: No photo straight out of the camera is as good as it can be.

Relax. Photo editing might seem daunting because it's not quite zippity-doo-dah easy. But I'm not going to get technically wonky. If you can drive a car... you can learn how to create awesome photos with some editing knowledge and the appropriate computer programs.

Ever since I (reluctantly) went digital , I capture images in the RAW format. RAW is a file format that includes all the image data from the camera sensor unprocessed by the camera. While RAW provides for greater editing flexibility in a non-destructive way, I have to start with RAW photos because the majority of my clients require high resolution photos. My Canon 7D MKII produces 300ppi (pixels per inch) RAW images. After editing, I adjust the resolution to meet client's requirements.

Jpegs are processed and compressed by the camera's computer. In the compression process, the camera throws away a big chunk of the photo pixels. Ouch! Camera companies claim that their camera is optimized to produce lovely looking jpeg images. Really? Try this: A skunk (a camera) is a beautiful black and white animal whose byproduct (jpegs) is odorous... and not in a good way.

I dramatize! Don't misunderstand me. While jpegs are compromised images, I don't mean to imply that all jpegs stink. They don't! A fairly good camera can produce very good jpeg images. My 7DMark II produces very nice jpegs. Some cameras only produce jpegs... RAW not an option.

There are some advantages to shooting jpegs. Jpegs are less stressful. For snapshots of Johnny's BD party, or Dirk and Susie's anniversary, or snapshots of a turtle race, jpegs are the cat's meow. No editing... shoot and immediately share on social media. For the creative urge in you, many cameras provide jpeg “picture style” options. Oh joy! Learn them and apply when appropriate. BTW, the images I submit for publication were RAW converted to jpegs, albeit high resolution jpegs. There you go!

However what if you crave something a little better (you know you do)? Hello photo editing. Of course the granddaddy is Photoshop. It's powerful. So powerful it scares me. I seldom use Photoshop because I seldom need it. Photoshop Elements, a baby Photoshop, is a great editing program. It's what I mostly use.

For the frugal among you, there are free photo editing programs. Gimp is the most popular. Many say that Gimp is an exceptional photo editor, rivaling premium software. Never used it so can't vouch for the hype. Other free programs include Paint.net, Photo Pos Pro and Photoscape among others. Google them for details.

Which one to choose? Depends on your requirements. Different tasks require different tools. Check the websites, reviews, and decide. Check youtube for tutorials on the various programs.

Photoshop Elements is good but better with NIK plugins (secret sauce) installed. They're free from Google. I use Color Efex Pro 4 and Viveza 2. Caution: Google quit supporting NIK plugins. Ugh! Thus, not guaranteed to work in an Elements version higher than 12. I am still using Elements 11 on Windows 7 Pro because it works! Version 11 is cheap on eBay! Once you learn and use NIK you'll be a photo editing genius.

Photo editing is not without a learning curve but well worth the time and effort if you have any interest in producing the best photos possible. Just sayin'.

Happy photoing.

Send comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com