How to master non–destructive Raw editing skills

PART 2 of 3

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS TEND to shoot in their camera’s Raw format rather than capturing images as JPEGs. This is because a Raw file contains much more information about the subject’s colors and tones than a compressed JPEG version. The extra information in a Raw file enables a photographer to develop their photo to achieve a better–looking shot that is free from visual artifacts such as noise or jagged bands of color.

Affinity Photo’s Raw editing workspace is called the Develop Persona. You can use its powerful tools to overcome problems with exposure and noise and even counteract lens–induced distortions. You can then take the Raw file into the standard editing workspace (the Photo Persona) and enjoy using other tools such as masks and filters. If you then decide you need access to the full Raw version then you can pop back into the Develop Persona, tweak the Raw file, and the changes will be updated in the layered version in the Photo Persona. This round– tripping gives you the best of both worlds: Raw editing and compositing tools such as layer masks. GEORGE CAIRNS