8 RAW-image-file capture
Along with a strong belief in your own inner voice, you also need
laser-like focus combined with unwavering determination.
—Larry Flynt
The most important thing to keep in mind when reading this
chapter is that we have tried to provide enough information about
the choices you can make while working with RAW fi les so that
you can make up your own mind about how to produce the best-
looking images from your photographs. This is no “my way or
the highway” approach here. Every reader’s image fi les and
needs are different—and out of necessity, your choices and deci-
sions will be different from ours. From time to time, we may tell
you how we prefer to do something, but this in no way represents
the only way to accomplish that particular task; it’s just our pref-
erence. Yours may be different. Our advice is to use all of the
information that’s contained in this section to explore the capa-
bilities of RAW-image fi les to create your own unique vision.
Paper or plastic?
As we’ve mentioned in previous chapters, digital photography
has made life so much better. The ability to select an accurate
White Balance, choose the most favorable ISO speed, view
