Raw Shooter Essentials Tips/Workflow?

[EOSAddict]

Have just started to explore the world of RAW now I have a PC and software that can handle the processing. Have got PSE3, PS6 and RSE. RSE looks a good interface and lots of easy to handle controls but, to be honest, I don't realy know what I am doing with it!

Any experts out there willing to share their wisdom on RSE.... what should I adjust first? Can I apply the same settings to a batch of pics? etc etc all info gratefully received..

[iwatkins]

RSE is my favorite tool for "developing" RAWs. Just so quick and slick.

Only advice really is to read the User Guide. Seriously, most manuals tell you how to do stuff. This one tells you how to do stuff and why you might want to do it. It also explains how to use it in your workflow. Really very good.

Best bet is to sit down with that User Guide and work through it on a couple of your images. You will pick it up very quickly I promise.

As for what to do, well, I adjust everything in the order it progresses down the control panel. I.e. white balance first, then exposure etc. I will then make a second pass to adjust these items again for fine tuning. Learn to use the Snapshot feature, it is a god send. E.g. you can make your adjustments for a well exposed etc. image. You can say, "yep, that's good". You can then take a snapshot of this setup and then try some different settings, e.g. changing the white balance and reducing saturation for a different look. You can then choose which of these ones you like best and then "develop" it to your TIFF/JPEG.

Also learn the hotkey combinations as well, will save you a lot of time. Especailly for ranking images.

I come back from a studio shoot with 400-500 images. I will make a first pass through "moving" the mis flash, blinkers, horrible images to the trash. I then put all the ones I like into level 3. I'll then go through the level 3 and select the ones I like a lot into 2. I'll then go through 2 and pick out the ones I really, really like into level 1. I'll then work on the level 1 images for developing. the whole system works like a lightbox of old but much easier to find the images you like.

Only other thing to remember is that no matter what you do you are not damaging the original images. So go wild and experiment. :)

Cheers

Ian

[EOSAddict]

Ian,

Thanks - I got my copy from the recent Dig Photo Cover Disc so no manual - found a good tutorial on outbackphoto http://www.outbackphoto.com/artofraw/raw_18/essay.html There are some videos on RSE on the same cover disc I must get round to watching!!! So much to do and learn, so little time!

Thanks for your tips on workflow.

[PhotosGuy]

If you hit F1, you should get the userguide, which seems to be DIFFERENT from the guide that's online.
If the file you got from the CD isn't RawShooterEssentials2005-113.exe, then I recommend that you download the upgrade (which they may still be calling RawShooterEssentials2005-111.exe).

[EOSAddict]

Just downloaded the 1.1.3 upgrade and pored over the user guide - fantastic - have also processed my first RAW properly - now I feel invincible!

Thanks.

[shoot_a_star]

Is this RSE really free? Or do you have to pay them after 30 days? How much?

thanks

[PhotosGuy]

FREE FOREVER!
There's a pro version coming out soon though. From their email:
Is It Really For FREE?

The most commonly asked question we receive at Pixmantec concerns our strategy for a FREE product, after all nothing ever comes for FREE, does it? Well, yes it does. RawShooter | essentials 2005 will be FREE forever more. There are no hidden catches and no expiry date; it is quite simply a superb FREE gift to the digital photographer community from one of the most exciting and innovative teams in the world of digital imaging. We understand that some users have been given the impression that the product is only FREE for a trial period, as eluded to by the messaging received during product download. However, we can categorically state that RawShooter | essentials 2005 will be FREE for ever and that messages received to the contrary are merely a function of the services of our e-commerce partner.

[shoot_a_star]

Photoguy:

Thank you buddy!

[PhotosGuy]

De nada! ;-)