larryepage Loc: North Texas area

In reality, this is the same inane argument that it always is.

The only answer that is completely correct is, "It depends."

Some of my artist friends see potential value in post processing to occasionally add artistic content to an image. Personally, since one of my primary objectives with photography is to render the invisible or the 'hard to see' visible or more visible, post processing can be very helpful or even necessary. Sometimes that requjires working with raw files. Many times it does not. On the other hand, those pursuing photography as craft tend to want to give their work as much "craft" content as possible. Keep in mind also that one of my closest (artist) friends has not made up her mind that photography even is or can be art. Another (the illustrator) is willing to accept photographs as art, and even uses photography extensively to create her reference image library. She has a quite nice camera, but uses her cellphone extensively to capture opportunistic images. She had not one whit of care about the "totally unacceptable digital noise" in my eclipse photo, but was quite fascinated that my image concept and composition was very similar to hers. Our very nice conversation about our images offset the snide comments received here many times over.

So this will be my last comment here. There are way more important things to think about in photography, whether art or craft.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

So you're saying that 99 44/100 % of VIEWERS (however many that is ) don't or can't appreciate the difference between a so-so image and an exceptional one? Sorry - I don't agree (unless 99 44/100 % of VIEWERS means hardly any).

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Said by any True Photographer: lower your expectations to match your results.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

Jpeg is an 8 bit per pixel file. Yes, the camera does good in translating what you give it to work with with but you are limiting yourself, however, if you don't have the skills, time or anything else go with the Jpeg, cameras like the D850 is a lot smarter than me.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Absolutely. Some of our most iconic photos are technically very flawed. But what remains a simple truth is that a raw file is a better starting point for editing, and the more extreme the editing, the greater the advantage. What "depends" is the significance of that fact. For some people the potential advantage is of no significance and for some the advantage is trivial. And let's not forget that there are those who are incapable of appreciating the advantages. However, whether the advantages are insignificant for some or unappreciated by some, that doesn't stop them from being real.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

With modern digital equipment, auto-focus lenses, and modern editing software, excellent compositions and technical excellence are not either-or / mutually exclusive expectations.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

If quality is judgmental (and I agree), then it can't be "one man's" truth, only his preference.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

Never sell yourself short, you deserve better.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

The compression algorithms are, and I’m guessing most cameras don’t do much compression when creating JPEGS. It is the camera settings and camera processor that create the “look”.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Just go look at his stuff in the gallery. Most of it would benefit from better editing.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If a photo is worthy we should be willing to see past any technical imperfections....

....mind you, I'm left wondering if we're hearing a plea to re-assess our priorities or hearing lame justifications for not bothering to make an effort to improve.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

That’s your most ridiculous assertion yet. If you’ve properly processed a raw file there’s no need for special JPEG tools. And while those raw tools work on JPEG’s they’re not nearly as effective because the data is gone. When your camera creates an 8 bit JPEG it throws away 98% of the data in a 14 bit raw file.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

No amount of editing will improve your picture taking skills, but editing can improve your final product no matter what your picture taking skill level.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, we DON"T agree ....

RKastner Loc: Davenport, FL

Agreed....the only photos that I do very little processing on are some low light situations, but even then I like bump up the saturation and vibrance some. I can't imagine not doing some processing of my images.