Nowadays, almost everybody can take pictures of acceptable quality by simply using state-of-art cameras. Many photographers take pictures, download lots of images into a CD using the commonly known JPEG file format, and give the CD to their customers. If you are only familiar with JPEGs, this offer may look attractive because it would give you the illusion that you have control over your budget. However, you may end up getting little value for your investment.

Professional Photography requires more than just JPEGs. It requires the ability to enhance the image to achieve artistic results. There is a format called RAW that satisfies the needs of demanding photographers. Unlike JPEG format that compresses the pictures by discarding information determined to be unnecessary and reducing a file to almost one twentieth its original file, RAW formatted files offer the artist more opportunities to refine the images because all of the information is saved in a RAW file.

JPEG file format has its advantages. With such a small size, it saves space in your computer. It is easy to transmit images electronically as well. Unlike many professional labs, most retail labs require JPGs over other file formats because of the huge amount of images these labs process daily. Thus, JPGs not only are acceptable, but recommended for your everyday pictures. However, there is a better way to treat your special memories.

As an example, the photographer caught the image in RAW file format and transformed it straight into JPEG without any retouching. Because the model is pretty, you may think that the image does not need additional work.

However, transforming a simple image into a work of art requires vision, knowledge, and dedication. At your wedding or special event, each moment is unique and deserves all the necessary care, attention, and expertise to bring up its best. That is why RAW is the format of choice by the artistic photographer who then spends all the necessary time enhancing it.

In this image, the artist transformed it into a special, more inspiring image by removing small nuances and distractions, by subtly adjusting tonal values, by warming up or adjusting skin tones, by making the eyes and hair shine, and much more. The artist can then use these beautiful images for inspiring wall portraits, memorable albums, and a wide variety of products. Rarely does a professional give away digital images, unless there is a compensation for the time she or he spent enhancing the images, as well as her expertise.

Can you perceive the difference? I hope this article helps you understand what it takes for Professional Photographers to meet your demands. I also hope it empowers you to make the right choice because, most likely, you will receive from Professional Photographers what your investment is worth.

Again, do you really want JPGs for your special memories?