When i begin taking picture back several years ago, I never wanted to edit my picture...
I only use RAW converter in Photoshop and what i convert is the final result.
Why? because i want my picture to be original from what the camera shoot.
Until i begin to realize that the RAW file from the camera (or NEF in Nikon) is simply: RAW...and that's why it is called RAW.
Different camera tend to produce different tone, even if it is from the same manufacturer (with different type ie: D700 and D200)
Even the pro camera usually create a RAW picture which is dull (less contrast), but they really preserve huge details --> what that huge file is for? the answer is to be post processed!.
The latest camera from Nikon already support Picture Control capability, which may produce many different color tone from single camera...and it is fully customizable. You can create dozens of picture control in your camera, which create various tone result...so if you still think that what you get in the camera is original, think again pals:)
Our friend in Canon also has it, but i don't remember what it called...you can turn your blue colored sky into twilight color, make the green leaves popping etc.
If you want to edit your picture...from RAW file, we need to convert it into semi RAW (which usually TIFF format) by using OEM's RAW converter before editing in Photoshop.
Can we use Photoshop to convert those picture??? Why should we bother OEM's RAW converter which is double handling?
Below is the comparison between Photoshop RAW converter and Nikon Capture NX as RAW converter:
PS direct convert
Capture NX convert
Those picture is taken as is, no editing, no cropping, only resize and save in JPEG from NEF
The difference is the 1st picture is converted directly in PS, resized and save as JPEG
While the 2nd is converted in Capture NX, saved in TIFF, converted into 8bit, resized and save as JPEG
Different??? for me yes
Nikon Capture NX is very powerful, not only converting the RAW file...but you can also edit the picture in NEF format, and save it as NEF file! You can dream about it in Photoshop:)
The editing is also very simple...the U-point technology allow you to edit the picture by zone.
No more layer required, no more selection, masking bla bla bla....
I always edit my picture in Capture NX, and use Photoshop only for noise reduction, sharpening and image resizing...very simple indeed.
The U-point smartly detect and edit only the similar color tone. Therefore you can edit pictrue background, without effecting the skin tone.
Then maybe another question...why I convert into TIFF instead of JPEG during processing in Photoshop?
If you convert from NEF into TIFF, you will find a huuuge file size. This is because TIFF is saving the picture in 16 bit format. Preserving more data (color, smooth gradation etc.) so we can save it without degrading it's quality.
When you satisfy with the result, convert it into 8 bit to be able to save it in JPEG format...
You will get optimum result
By the way...sharpening must be done on the very last step (after converting in JPEG)...why? because you will reduce the sharpness if you do conversion or resizing after sharpening.
After you read my opinion, maybe you'll ask: So if photo need to be edited, then what's the difference between photographer and photoshoper...???? Here's my personal opinion:
A photographer try to maximize the picture result from their camera (good detail, sharpness, depth of field control, correct exposure etc.) so when they need to fine tune their photo...it would be minor (saturation, contrast, sharpening etc) no need hundred of layers like photoshopers did. They enjoy taking picture, and not to sit in front of their computer a whole day only to edit one picture.
A photoshoper usually don't really care about the technique...bad exposure, reckless aperture setting, weird composition etc. but they try to make it good using photoshop.
They usually also add something which actually do not exist in their shot...ie. additional Ray of Light, Additional bird in the sky, fake fog above the lake and many more.
Well...that's my personal opinion
So...does picture editing is required? For me...Yes, but you should now the limit between Photographer and Photoshoper above:)
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