Whether you are a new photographer or are just curious why some photographers choose to shoot in RAW vs. JPEG, we believe it’s important to educate yourself on the pros and cons of each. These two image formats are not created equal, and both come with pros and cons.

With this in mind, we asked our online community of Mastin Labs users to answer the following question:

Why do you choose to shoot in RAW or JPEG? 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this article. Based on the feedback, we compiled this blog highlighting some pros and cons of shooting in RAW vs. JPEG.

What Does RAW or JPEG Mean?

In short, RAW and JPEG refer to the format in which your images are stored. RAW files capture all the data from your camera sensor and save it for a wide range of adjustment opportunities post processing. JPEG files save a web-optimized and compressed (smaller) file that saves less photo data and provides fewer editing options in post processing.

When we polled our community, we weren’t surprised to be met with controversy. The best argument for shooting in JPEG is that it results in smaller images that are easier to send and share online. The primary case for shooting in RAW is that it allows a photographer far more control over editing an image. While we could pretend like the argument was evenly split, the reality is that the case for shooting in RAW is much stronger, especially for professional photographers. Before delving into the reasons why shooting in RAW is preferred, we’ll first explain why (and when) some photographers choose to shoot in JPEG.

Shooting in JPEG

As we mentioned above, JPEGs are smaller compressed files that are optimized for immediate sharing and sending. This file type is ideal for posting on social media or quickly emailing images to a friend. Why? Because JPEGs don’t require special software or advanced sharing programs for processing. In addition, JPEGs are smaller files that take up less room on a memory card, computer, SD card, or other storage device.

With that in mind, who uses JPEG?

News and Photojournalists Use JPEGs

When we posed this question online, Mastin Labs user and community member, Ragi Boctor made a strong point; “A lot of professional news and photojournalists shoot in JPEG for the speed and convenience of uploading and sending images quickly.” He then drove his point home: “If you get paid to be the first to have the shot, you want to be fast, and the smaller file size and lack of 'major' editing needed in those professions make JPEG the clear choice.”

Well said, sir!

Bloggers and Social Media Influencers Shoot in JPEG

JPEG files expedite the workflow for people who take photos primarily for the purpose of sharing them online. People who post on a daily basis, or simply want to share images with family and friends appreciate the simplicity of handling JPEG files. 

Mobile-Only Photographers

Many phones store your mobile images as JPEG. For mobile photographers, be they travel photographers or casual hobbyists, JPEG files are most convenient and readily available. There are now some phone models/apps that offer RAW image storage, but this is a more recent feature.

Some Professional Photographers (hear us out…)

Fellow Mastin Labs user and photographer, Lucas Mobley questioned the dichotomy saying, “Why choose? I shoot both!”

He refers to his JPEG files as backup, and says they’re most convenient for “sending a favorite image or two to clients as a sneak peek instantly.” He goes on to point out that he uses a Fuji camera, so he has the ability to apply a classic film look in-camera and send the client a polished JPEG.

Win-win.

(L) Raw unprocessed, (R) Processed with Mastin Labs Fuji Original Presets by Megan Lawson, edited with Mastin Labs Fuji 400HN preset

Shooting in Raw

RAW files are, in essence, “digital negatives." This means they capture and preserve all the data from the camera sensor, giving you all the information you need to adjust an image and perfect it in post processing.

The term, “get the photo right in-camera” is idealistic, but not always realistic.

Ragi relays a personal story from a time when he shot for a photographer who refused to shoot RAW. He shares, “One particular wedding had crazy purple uplights everywhere […] Due to the fast-paced environment of weddings, the lighting isn’t going to be perfect in every shot. So there were hundreds of images where the couple looked purple and there was nothing that could be done to adjust it. JPEG just didn’t have that information. RAW, on the other hand, gives you a fighting chance to change things that might not have been in your control while shooting. It gives you a bit of a safety net.”

As a wedding photographer, or any other kind of photographer, who must shoot in variable lighting scenarios, it’s nearly impossible to get every shot right (and consistent) in-camera. When creating a cohesive and gorgeous photo gallery is important, it’s necessary to shoot in RAW.

Mastin Labs user, Ashlie Neumeier shares her story,:

“I only shot JPEG up until about two weeks ago […] RAW has simply changed. My. Photography. Life. I see a quality difference straight out of camera, and JPEG doesn’t hold a candle to it. I’m kicking myself for not doing it sooner!”

RAW gives you a wide dynamic range and color tonality, allowing you to make adjustments in editing software without affecting parts of the image that you want to preserve as shot. Below are a few of the benefits of shooting in RAW.

Shooting in RAW Offers Better White Balance

For still photos in a studio or landscape shots outdoors, finding the perfect white balance is not a big hurdle—but for wedding photographers, street photographers, and travel photographers, white balance can be a challenge. Thankfully, white balance can be easily altered in post processing when an image is shot in RAW.

RAW Offers More Dynamic Range

When shooting in RAW, details are saved that wouldn’t be visible or retrievable in a JPEG file. Wide dynamic range allows you to salvage details after an image has been taken. For example, you can restore details in the shadows or highlights independently of one another (without risking blow outs, or muddy shadows).

Most Presets Are Optimized for RAW Files

Mastin Labs presets, and most other Lightroom presets are optimized for RAW photos. When asked if it’s possible to edit JPEG files using Mastin Labs presets, Mastin Labs user, Amanda Wohlfelder relays her experience with a second shooter who shot a wedding in JPEG. She admits, “It was so much harder to achieve the look I normally get with my RAW files when using them on her JPEGs.”

Mastin Labs user, Kristi McMurry Woody, echoes her saying, “It works, but it doesn’t actually match the film it’s supposed to [because they’re made] to work with RAW.”

If you plan to use presets on your photos, you have the best chance of achieving the look you desire if you shoot in RAW.

That being said, Mastin Labs now has an option for editing JPEGs, as well! Our mobile profiles are optimized for JPEGs and are available as an add-on to our regular desktop preset packs. This is a great option for photographers who shoot in both RAW and JPEG, and enjoy having the option to edit JPEGS on their mobile devices or on-the-go.

RAW Images Can Be A Lifesaver

Yes, you should always try to get your images right in-camera, but when you fail, shooting in RAW gives you a second chance to salvage your images. You can’t relive a client’s wedding day, a family reunion, or the birth of a baby. Shooting in RAW gives you room to make (and fix) mistakes when taking once-in-a-lifetime photos.

RAW Allows for Non-destructive Editing

Editing a RAW file, unlike a JPEG file, is non-destructive. This means that after you edit a photo, you can always retrieve your original file; you can never permanently alter or destroy your photo. With RAW files, you will also maintain your original photo quality, giving you the opportunity to make large photo prints.

Why Shoot in RAW

Shooting in RAW makes the most sense when shooting in challenging lighting conditions, delivering valuable images to a client, taking images for high-quality print, or anytime you want full control over the final product. JPEGs also have plenty of uses and benefits; they’re great as a small file size backup; for, taking casual, everyday photos; for quickly sharing a preview of a photo shoot with a client; or for expediting your workflow.

The really important thing to consider when choosing to work with RAW or JPEG files is what you plan to do with the images afterwards. Shooting in both RAW and JPEG is a great choice for many photographers. And, since Mastin Labs now offers packs that include both desktop presets optimized for RAW and mobile profiles optimized for JPEGs, you can achieve the same great look on both file types.

Although the pros and cons of each are evident, one fact is indisputable: RAW will always be the safer choice.