A Year of Living Dangerously: Shooting JPEG Only for 365 Days
Imagine stepping off the beaten path of post-processing comfort and embarking on a perilous journey through the candid streets, shooting only in JPEG for an entire year. You read that correctly: no RAW, no touch-ups, and no room for error. It sounds daunting, almost blasphemous, in the contemporary digital photography world. Yet, this is the challenge I've set for myself: to embrace the pure authenticity of JPEGs straight out of the camera. Why? Because this could be my most profound step towards becoming a better photographer.
For those unfamiliar with the terminology, RAW images carry untouched data directly from the camera's sensor, allowing great flexibility in post-processing. You can tweak exposure, white balance and even salvage details from blown-out highlights or underexposed shadows. Alternatively, JPEGs are compressed, and some details are lost forever. The camera makes certain decisions for you based on its algorithms and your chosen settings, leaving you with a ready-to-use image. As such, shooting in JPEG is often seen as a risk since you forfeit the ability to correct mistakes post-shoot.
Indeed, there are inherent risks. A poorly exposed shot may lose details in the highlights or shadows you can't recover. If your white balance is off, your scene might turn out too warm or too cool, and correcting it could degrade your image. The latitude for editing is drastically diminished compared to shooting in RAW.
However, this very risk is the essence of my decision. By stripping away the safety net of post-processing, I'm compelled to be more present, observant, and meticulous in my approach to photography. This endeavour demands a complete understanding and manipulation of my camera settings, an intimate dance between aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. Each shot becomes a deliberate act rather than a happy accident.
Street photography is inherently unpredictable, and my JPEG-only approach amplifies this. I must anticipate light changes, rapidly adjust settings on the go, and make split-second compositional choices. Essentially, it's a journey back to the roots of photography, where every shot counts, and there's no 'fix it in post'.
And here's the thing: this risk and the requisite precision it demands will ultimately refine my skills and deepen my craft. It will force me to make mindful decisions about every aspect of the shot before pressing the shutter button, thereby honing my instincts and accelerating my learning.
Furthermore, shooting JPEG brings with it a distinct aesthetic. The colours, contrast, and sharpness that come straight out of the camera often bear a characteristic 'look' specific to the camera brand and model. Embracing this can lead to a cohesive and distinct style over time, something that's much sought after in street photography.
Over the next year, I expect to encounter challenges and frustrations but anticipate growth and a renewed passion for the craft. It's a year of living dangerously in the best possible way. I invite you to join me on this journey as we dare to explore the unadulterated world of JPEG street photography.