As a professional photographer, I take literally hundreds of images in one single session. RAW files are direct from our camera sensor. When I review them all, I want to choose between many fine differences in movement and subtle details that happen in fractions of a second. A bug flying by, a wayward strand of grass, a tiny eye movement, the length of the tongue (!): we’re looking for close to perfect, something that we can make slight changes to for the final awesomeness. It’s our starting point, or the very RAW material that we’ll begin our work on.

Images are initially photographed choosing specific settings that we know how to use and that will get the absolute best out of the moment. Viewed by the client, these images are far, far from what your final image will be. As photographers, we understand its potential, however unless you understand post-processing

RAW PHOTO FORMAT

Our cameras capture hundreds of megapixels to create one image - nearly 50. That’s a huge amount of information! We have specialized hardware and software to store all of these files, and it’s an investment for us, because we want to keep them safe for us to work on. These are not regular systems, like you’d have at home.

Imagine a photo session: I take 600-800 images for each 2-2 1/2 hour session. Each photo is roughly 50 megapixels. that’s 40,000 megapixels. Now multiply that by every client I have! Huge storage challenges.

INTERPRETING THE RAW PHOTOS

With all of the RAW images available, we carefully cull through hundreds of them to choose only the images that are optimal for the paid processing programs and our capabilities and skills to create with. We’re sorting for potential, selecting only the best of the best. By experience, training and an artistic vision, we’re able to know exactly what will work - and what will NOT. This takes years of professional development and is part of what clients are paying for. Photographers are choosing photos that will ultimately display our distinct style and what we know you’ll love. We have to know what we want to achieve ahead of import to post-processing programs.

why do photographers edit and process their raw images?

POST PROCESSING

It’s 2025. People expect more from photographers than just capturing the moment, and we train and practice using the very best programs to help us achieve the amazing final products that you’re expecting. This process takes literally hours per image to be beautifully completed:

Improving Clarity and Detail

This includes fixing lens distortions, bringing out detail in shadows or highlights, and removing unwanted elements like sensor dust.

Correcting flaws:
Photographers adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance to ensure the image captures the scene accurately.

Optimizing for output:
Images are edited to meet the specific requirements for different mediums, such as print, social media, or web.

Artistic Presentation

Expressing artistic vision:
Editing allows photographers to apply a unique style, tone, or mood to their photos, helping to tell a story or evoke emotion.
Achieving consistency:
For a series of photos, editing can ensure a cohesive look in terms of color grading and style, which is vital for narrative projects.
Style:
Overall unique elements that transform session elements into the final; unique dog photography

Enhancement

Removing imperfections:
Retouching can eliminate unwanted environmental elements, or dog features like tear stains, collars and other distracting elements.
Cropping and straightening can trim away distractions, create a stronger focal point, and ensure a balanced and level frame.

canadian copyright law and RAW/Final images

PHOTOGRAPHERS OWN THEIR IMAGES

By Canadian copyright law, we own both the RAW and final images. This prevents anyone to financially benefit from our work unless we sell the rights to those images, or we provide permission for the images to be used. Clients purchasing a high-resolution digital image may use these for social media, sharing and for their own enjoyment.

Professional photographers do sell their RAW and/or finished images (JPEG or TIFF formats) for Commercial use, however the cost is substantially more than social media images. This also requires a contract.

the bottom line

Professional photographers don’t sell their RAW images. They keep them safely stored for their own use or to back up an edited copy. RAW images represent only the beginning of each image’s ultimate journey to wonderful.

A photographer’s artistic integrity is displayed within each edited and enhanced image, to demonstrate consistency and protect their reputations. They are thrilled to show you how wonderful your dog’s photos can be.

PUP TENT PHOTOGRAPHY

OUTDOOR, FOUR SEASON DOG PHOTOGRAPHY

Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Diamond Valley, Okotoks,

High River, Red Deer, Olds, Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore, Drumheller and Southern Alberta

info@puptentphotography.com

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