RAW vs. JPEG: Which Format Should Photographers Use?

September 23, 2025

Choosing between RAW and JPEG formats is one of the most important decisions photographers face when starting their journey. The choice of format significantly impacts your image’s quality, file size, and editing capabilities. Whether you’re capturing portraits in a professional studio or documenting life’s moments, understanding these formats will elevate your photography game.

What is a RAW file?

A RAW file contains all the uncompressed and unprocessed image data captured by your camera’s sensors, it holds all the original detail your camera captured when you pressed the shutter, completely uncompressed.

RAW files are significantly bigger than JPEG files because they contain all the raw image information captured by your digital camera’s sensors, so you have complete control over what you do with it. This makes RAW ideal for sharing in large-format settings but shooting RAW means you’ll need larger memory cards and they’ll fill up quickly, so you might not be able to shoot as much during your studio session.

What is a JPEG file?

JPEG files are compressed images where your camera has essentially “developed” the photo for you. The camera’s image processor applies white balance, tone curves, noise reduction, and sharpening before saving a much smaller file to your memory card.

JPEG files are much more manageable in size because the data they contain is compressed. Their smaller size enables you to store more files in one place on your camera, computer, or storage device.

When shooting in JPEG, the camera’s image processor has essentially developed the image already. While the compression makes the file smaller, you will lose some of the data and detail from the photograph, and the image could appear grainy or pixelated.

What is the difference between JPEG and RAW files?

The main difference between any JPEG and RAW file is its size. This becomes particularly important when you’re working in a professional studio environment where time is money.

Image quality

The main advantage of shooting in RAW during studio work is that you end up with high-quality files to edit into the best possible image. Capturing and storing all the details from your studio lighting setup means RAW files contain a wider dynamic range and far greater color spectrum than JPEGs.

If a RAW image from your studio session is under or overexposed, the wider dynamic range makes recovery much easier, with greater control over sharpening. Because RAW files are lossless, unprocessed, and uncompressed, they maintain their original high quality and don’t experience any drops in resolution.

When your camera compresses a RAW file into a JPEG image, it undergoes a lossy compression process. While this makes the file smaller, the image quality could be compromised. Because JPEGs are 8-bit, there are also color limitations compared to RAW files that can be 12-bit and 16-bit.

Editing and sharing

You need to process and convert a RAW file into a JPEG, TIFF, or another relevant format before you can easily share your studio work. Software such as Adobe Lightroom enables you to process RAW files, edit, and export as a JPEG or PNG, making a copy so you still have the RAW file with all its detail.

Because RAW files are so large, sharing them with clients can be challenging. Plus, whoever is receiving them will need the appropriate software to open RAW files. That’s why many clients, printers, and designers request JPEG files so they can easily open and preview your studio work first.

JPEGs are one of the most widely used digital file formats, supported by many modern devices and software. You can easily open JPEGs with many programs, share via email, social media, and other channels. The main drawback is the quality difference compared to RAW files, and having less flexibility when editing your studio images.

Speed

JPEG images are already processed, so they can be quickly transferred from the camera and opened with editing software, or sent directly to clients with no post-processing. Their smaller size makes transfers fast and avoids any camera slowdown when shooting, which is crucial during paid studio time.

With RAW files, you need to factor in the time it will take to process and convert the file into a JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. This means storing two versions of the same studio image, which uses up more storage space, and leads to longer backups and transfers. It can also cause camera slowdown when shooting RAW, meaning your frame rate may fall during fast-paced studio sessions.

Making the right choice for studio work

Choose RAW when:

Image quality is your top priority
You’re doing high-end portrait or fashion work
Planning extensive retouching and post-processing
Creating images for large prints or commercial use
Working with controlled studio lighting that maximizes RAW benefits

Choose JPEG for studio work when:

You need quick turnaround for client previews
Shooting high-volume sessions like headshots
Working with tight deadlines
Images are primarily for web or social media use
You want to maximize shooting time during your studio rental

Many photographers shooting at FD Photo Studio find success with a hybrid approach. Shooting RAW + JPEG gives you immediate preview files to share with clients during the session, while maintaining high-quality RAW files for detailed post-processing later.

Conclusion

The choice between RAW and JPEG for studio work isn’t about finding the “better” format, it’s about matching your file format to your creative goals and workflow needs. RAW offers maximum image quality and editing flexibility, while JPEG provides speed and efficiency.

Understanding both formats helps you make the most of your studio rental time. Whether you’re capturing professional headshots or creating artistic portraits, choosing the right format ensures your photo studio rental is both productive and creatively fulfilling.

The most important thing is to understand your post-processing workflow and client expectations before you book your studio time, so you can shoot in the format that best serves your specific project needs.

Ready to put your newfound knowledge to work?

Rent studio space at FD Photo Studio in Los Angeles or New York City and experience how the right environment enhances your creative process.

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Call us at +1 (323) 454-2323, or email us at info@fdphotostudio.com. We also have a live support chat on our website where you can get directions, request help, or ask questions.

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RAW vs. JPEG: Which Format Should Photographers Use?

What is a RAW file?

What is a JPEG file?

What is the difference between JPEG and RAW files?

Image quality

Editing and sharing

Speed

Making the right choice for studio work

Conclusion

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?