7 situations when you should shoot and edit JPEG instead of RAW

If you read and listen to a lot of photography advice online, you will often hear people telling you to shoot in RAW. And of course, doing so is beneficial for performing deeper photo edits. However, there are some situations where you should shoot and edit in JPEG instead of RAW.

JPEGs take up much less space than RAW files and are generally more flexible when editing images from a computer. On top of that, you'll often find that JPEGs are easier to upload online.

Shooting and editing in the JPEG format can also have a number of other benefits, such as providing the flexibility to quickly try out different editing styles. In this guide, you'll discover 7 situations where you should use this file format instead of RAW.

1. Edit photos on the go

Thanks to advances in mobile technology and improved Internet speeds, it's easier than ever to edit photos on the go. For example, Adobe Lightroom CC lets you continue your workflow from your computer on a tablet or smartphone. You can edit RAW files, but you need to upload them to your computer. In situations where this is not possible, JPEG is a better choice.

Even if you only edit JPEG images, you can still access many of the most useful color correction tools. So if you're not too bothered about high-level editing, you might find that this is a better option.

You can also use tools like Photoshop Express to edit JPEGs on the go.

2. When you are new to photo editing

You can try many easy-to-use photo editing tools for beginners, and you may want to start with JPEG files once you get the hang of the basics. Doing so allows you to figure out how to control the colors in your photos from a solid base, and can use sliders like vibrance and saturation to achieve the results you want.

JPEG editing also allows you to better understand how lighting adjustments, such as contrast and exposure, work. Once you've learned the beginner steps to photo editing, you can use RAW files for editing and won't have much trouble learning.

3. Send photos to others

Adjusting your photo can take a lot of time. So you should make sure you really want to edit your photos before you do - especially if you're working with other clients.

Sometimes, you may want to send your photos to others and see their reviews. An example would be when you are taking a portrait of someone and allowing them to choose their favorite photo for further editing.

Before making more detailed edits to the RAW files of their choice, you can quickly adjust colors and choose from a number of presets for your JPEGs. And if you want to take better photos for your clients, consider learning more about how to improve your portrait photography.

4. Upload images to social networks quickly

While you can access platforms like Instagram from your computer, you may prefer to use these apps on your phone. And if you want to quickly share images with your friends, using JPEG files will be more suitable.

You can use Bluetooth to share images from your camera with your smartphone or tablet before quickly editing them if needed. Once that's done, simply upload the photo to your profile.

The ability to quickly upload photos to social media can come in handy if you're starting a blog on Instagram. It's also useful in many other situations, such as when you want to share a quick update about a trip.

5. When you don't want to spend a lot of time editing

Once you've at least become an intermediate photographer, you'll have a better understanding of your likes and dislikes. Many people find that they don't enjoy editing, and in those cases, spending as little time as possible on these tasks can help you do more of the stuff you love.

When editing JPEG files, you may find it easier to get the look you want. You can use tools like Lightroom, but even Apple Photos is a good choice if you have an iPhone. If you choose Apple Photos, you can explore some of the app's hidden features to take your photo organization to the next level.

6. Once you've added a filter to your photo

Many camera manufacturers, including Nikon, Canon, and Fujifilm, allow you to add camera profiles to your photos. In essence, these work like the filters you'll find on platforms like Instagram - and in some cases, you may find that you like what you see more than what you can edit.

If you already like the look of your images, then you don't necessarily need to delve into RAW file editing. Instead, you can save JPEG images and make small adjustments as needed. After doing that, you can distribute your images wherever you want.

7. Experiment with different genres of photography

Are you new to photography? If so, trying out different styles will help you determine which genre you like faster. And once you know that, you can spend more time photographing subjects that interest you.

During the beta, you may not want to spend a lot of time editing and sharing your photos. This is especially true if you try a genre you don't like. Shooting in JPEG makes it easier to determine which style you prefer, reducing the amount of time you need to spend searching for the right style for you.

Lesley Montoya

Update 24 July 2023