Is this raw edit better than the jpeg equivalent?

Compaq · Jun 30, 2011

I wanted to get some depth in the face, and make him more alive. Subject was light sided, but there wasn't many shadows. Perhaps the unedited RAW file would be the correct one to look at for a comparison?
I was just snapping him, and caught this expression. I liked it, and the focus isn't too bad, I think.

IMG_0587 edit jpeg by Bokehliciousness-ness, on Flickr

IMG_0587 edit rå by Bokehliciousness-ness, on Flickr

Thanks for helping me.

Raian-san · Jun 30, 2011

The raw file I see more details on his face. You can also see more details in his hair compare to the jpg which is completely dark on the right side. I think it's better than the jpeg cause the shadow on the right face is a bit more balance to the light hitting his nose and left side.

Compaq · Jun 30, 2011

Ahh, okay. Anyone else?

480sparky · Jun 30, 2011

As already stated, there's far more details in the shadows.

Compaq · Jun 30, 2011

Yes, but did I achieve my goal? How is this as a portrait?

iolair · Jun 30, 2011

Technically, the raw edit is better ...

BUT ... I prefer the JPEG ... because it's lighter around his eyes compared to the surrounding areas, creating an area of high contrast that my eyes are drawn to, and making it IMHO a stronger image.

Tkot · Jun 30, 2011

I agree with iolair.

nickzou · Jun 30, 2011

Holy crap, this is the first time I've really looked at a side by side comparison of raw vs jpeg. I can see the difference (didn't think I would be able to tell)! That discrete cosine transform really did a number on the kid's hair.

Raian-san · Jun 30, 2011

I see what iolair is talking about. I think you lighten his side a bit too much and it doesn't show as much contrast as the jpeg one especially at the corner of the right eye. Maybe tone down a bit, the hair is fine though.

Derrel · Jul 1, 2011

I like the top shot better. The bottom one looks overly flat for that kind of lighting.

Compaq · Jul 1, 2011

Thanks. I will give it another go and post here.

vbn_in · Jul 1, 2011

I am new to Digital photography. We have been told by the Profs that Raw edits are much preferred as they have the capacity to hold more colors and details...
As in the above pic...i noticed that in the raw edit there is a cut on the left side of the lips on the face....In the Jpeg its hardly visible...now if you healed that in photoshop intentionally then its a different story....

The portrait is fabulous just for the reason that it is a candid shot and not some professional posing for the camera..u got the natural expression!! Kudos

Compaq · Jul 1, 2011

Thanks vbn

One technique I've found that gives nice expressions is to aim the camera at someone without them knowing, then saying "hey, xxxx" and they turn like that. Anyway, Here's another edit that I think is better. What do you think?

IMG_0587 rå edit 3 by Bokehliciousness-ness, on Flickr

AgentDrex · Jul 1, 2011

Watch your background, this background you chose produces what seems to be a lump off his forehead but its just a OOF point from the lamp? behind him...