Tiff to jpeg

When I convert from RAW I usually save in a .tiff format. If I do all my post processing work..flatten the image and then save as a jpeg am I losing alot of what I did or is it suffceint for printing

JPG Q12 is good enough for printing, I print 20*30 pics from JPG. I only save as TIFF when i've made significant changes to the picture, otherwise I leave it as RAW and convert to JPG just for printing.

I save all of my images in PSD format as MASTER copies which includes all work except resizing and sharpening (I keep all layers for this file). When I am ready to print a copy, I will flatten, resize, and sharpen. I don't bother converting to JPG for print. Only time I convert a photo to a jpg image is when I'm going to post it on the web or send via email. When I convert to jpg, I will convert the color space to sRGB, reduce to 8 bit, resize to convenient size in 72 ppi, flatten, and sharpen.

Yes you are. Keep it in TIFF unless it's just for web viewing or something that will never get printed.

That was my concern. I was hoping the difference was slight, because it would make it a whole lot easier for uploading to Mpix.

I shoot RAW, then convert to TIF with tweaks along the way. Virtually everything that has come to my computer for editing is in TIF format. Then, if anything is getting published to the web site or sent anywhere, it is converted to JPEG then and only then.

TIF is a very portable format, whereas PSD is not. JPEG is portable, but it can develop problems from saving over and over, depending on what quality is used.

---Bob Gross---

I like the idea of PSD file as it includes all layers which makes it easy to redo something. Where as flattening the image means any changes you have to start over?

I think PSD is a fine format for keeping everything together while you are doing heavy editing, and especially for compositing a collage.

However, once you are done with it and you've rechecked it, then flatten and go to TIF for permanent storage. PSD files can get huge.

---Bob Gross---

So will tiffs if you set that parameter when saving.

So can tiffs with layers, though adjustment layers are very small.

For the simple shots, RSE saves the conversion info so I can delete the big 3X tiff file & save a lot of hard drive space in the long run. For instance, use the Snapshot feature & you can save several versions if you need a light & dark exposure for contrast control.
I'll save complex tiffs with a lot of layers & selections, too.