opening a photo in RAW

[terilynne]

Hi---how do I go about opening a photo in RAW. The only way I know to do it, is when I first upload my photos from my camera to my computer--then open my Elements 9, they automatically open in RAW---but what if there is a picture that someone wants me to edit for them --how do I open it in RAW??

 

[tirediron]

"RAW" is a term used to descirbe the cameara's native image format, which is propietary to each camera manufacturer and one which is essentially as "pure" an interpretation of the raw sensor data as the camera can create. Therefore, if an image isn't a RAW image to begin with (.nef for Nikon, .CR2 for Canon, etc) than it can't become one ('though some software will allow you to save other formats to raw file formats). In plain English, you cannot open a .jpg or .tif file as a RAW image.

 

[terilynne]

OK thank-you so much! I just read where someone asked for C&C on their image--and the one that answered them back had re-edited their photo--they said they opened it with in camera raw?? So I didnt know if I could

 

[tirediron]

Camera raw refers to "Adobe Camera Raw" the RAW editing software that is built into Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop). Most good editing applications (PS Elements, PaintShop Pro, The Gimp) have some form of RAW editing built in. For the best RAW editing capability, you really need to look at a stand-alone application meant for that task. Adobe's Lightroom is one of the most popular choices.

 

[terilynne]

Yes I have Elements 9---I have no problem opening my images in RAW when I am taking them straight from the albums that I uploaded them in off of my camera---my question was --can I open a file up that someone else gives me to edit-in the RAW format like I do mine??

 

[joealcantar]

Yes I have Elements 9---I have no problem opening my images in RAW when I am taking them straight from the albums that I uploaded them in off of my camera---my question was --can I open a file up that someone else gives me to edit-in the RAW format like I do mine??

-
For the most part if you have done an update on the software you are using it will open the file. When you try to open it as you normally would it should open. Just remember new cameras keep coming out and if your friend ended up with one of these you may have to update.
-
Shoot well, Joe