Let’s Be Honest: Speed Matters

RAW files are powerful—but they’re also big, slow, and not always necessary. Many photographers, especially those working fast (think: weddings, street, events), shoot JPEGs to keep their workflow snappy. And that’s okay!

JPEG vs. RAW: A Quick Rundown

• RAW: Uncompressed, full data from the sensor. Tons of flexibility in editing, but large file size.
• JPEG: Compressed, edited in-camera based on preset settings. Smaller, faster, ready-to-use.

The Case for JPEG

1. Faster Editing: You don’t need to spend hours color-correcting if the camera’s already done 80% of the work.
2. File Management: You can store and transfer JPEGs more easily.
3. Client Delivery: Sometimes, good enough is good enough—especially for social or web use.

But Doesn’t RAW Give Better Quality?

Sure, RAW gives you more latitude for heavy edits. But not every project needs it. If you nail your exposure and white balance in-camera, JPEG can look amazing straight out of the box.

Finding Your Balance

Think of RAW as your sketchbook and JPEG as your poster print. There’s a place for both. It’s all about choosing the right tool for the job—and your creative rhythm.