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I don’t mind calling myself a photographer, as photography is such a big part of my life. But I’ve started saying “Reacreational Photographer” lately as I feel it’s a much more accurate description of what I do. It’s for fun. I don’t know enough about it to do it professionally, but I am learning, every day. I thought I’d tell you a little about something new I’ve been doing the last several months: Shooting in RAW and JPG Fine. It’s an option on my camera (Still using the Nikon D80) that I switched permanently to months ago. RAW files are quite large so when I transfer the photos to the computer, I go through each one and unless the photo is something I want to use but the JPG exposure is blown out, I just delete the RAW file. And this is quite tedious, some would assume. But I’m trying to learn so I keep shooting in RAW so that once in awhile – when the photo is blown out – I can correct it in Photoshop.

The photo on the left is the original JPG the camera gave me. If I hadn’t also had the RAW file, this is the only copy of that photo I would have had. But when I went to open the RAW file in Photoshop, it gave me a bunch of sliders first to adjust the RAW image before I opened it. I tinkered around with the “Exposure” and also the “Contrast” slider until I got what I wanted. What you see on the right above is the result. Viola! Photo saved. I just did my preferred cropping and ended up with a much better result than I would have had if I hadn’t shot in RAW.

I’m still not completely positive I understand the mechanics behind the adjustments on a RAW file, but I’m no longer scared of them and I just don’t want you to be either. RAW files (if you have Photoshop) can save you if you’re a newbie and tend to end up with photos exposed incorrectly. I wouldn’t suggest losing the JPG if you’re a newbie, because you don’t want to have to process every photo, but hopefully your camera allows you to shoot in both. I love that mine does.

One other thing – I’m still using the hell out of some Pioneer Woman Photoshop Actions. This photo below was fine before I gave it some PW treatment, but I am absolutely in love with the “AFTER” version.

I use the “Slight Lighten” Action the most of her set and the “Boost” often as well. I don’t use much from the second set of actions because I don’t do a lot of the “effects” type photos. Mine never turn out looking professional, it just looks like some moron with Photoshop went a little crazy.

I also use her B&W actions a lot. I like what they did to photos that were so dependent on color. Who knew Autumn Foliage photos would also look great on a grayscale?

All of these photos I took on the side of a very busy road in Huntsville where there is this GORGEOUS red tree the kids and I love talking about. Half of the photos I was actually on the ground, flat on my back, taking pictures. With cars driving by constantly and wondering what the crazy lady in the leaves was doing. But if there’s anything I’ve learned taking pictures of my kids? Is that usually you get the best pictures when you get a little dirty. Being on the ground gives a good perspective AND often makes your kids giggle.

So…photographing Fall Foliage shots of your kids this week? Those are my tips. 1) Shoot with RAW & JPG 2) Play around with some free actions from Pioneer Woman and 3) Get on the ground! Roll around in the leaves! This is a great time of year to take photos and kids loves leaves. Makes for natural smiles and gorgeous colors. I love Autumn.