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Interpretations of Steam and Fields of Corn.

RAW Digital photography is about interpretation.

The RAW file serves a roll akin to a black & white negative.

For years, I made black & white photos using film, carefully processing to maximize data capture with a special emphasis on retaining highlight and shadow detail, then interpreting the negatives during the print making process.

Today, I can apply similar visual philosophy when working with my RAW files, interpreting the images during post processing.

Below are four images. The top is a scaled version of the NEF RAW file as it appears out of the camera, but without adjustment or interpretation.


I’ve included on color interpretation and two as ‘monochrome’ images (black & white).

Scaled directly from the NEF RAW without interpretation. Exposure aimed to maximize data capture.
Interpretation of the NEF RAF file aimed to replicate the scene as I saw it.
Monochrome interpretation.
More dramatic monochromatic interpretation with higher key tonality.

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