processing

Having a solid workflow in place is key for any kind of photos, but when RAW comes into the picture, the software you pick can make a big difference. Corel is hoping their new AfterShot Pro software will make its way into the fray with other big boys like Aperture and Lightroom.Despite its $99 price tag, AfterShot Pro is aimed at enthusiasts and, well, pros. The software is a product of Corel's relatively recent acquisition of photo management company, Bibble.

The photographer's quick RAW conversion and use of a preset made this image shine.Photo: Jessica Thew/One WillowDigital cameras can produce images with incredibly accurate color and neutral white balance. While that can be a good thing, it is wise to consider a RAW file, shot with neutral tonality, as just a starting point. With RAW files, it is so easy to make good-quality color transformations that each image has tons of potential.

 One of the most frustrating parts of buying a new camera just as it becomes available is that Photoshop and Lightroom lack support for the RAW files until the new version comes out. But, the latest version of Lightroom and Camera Raw are almost ready for public consumption, which is why they've been deemed "release candidates." That means Adobe has tested them thoroughly, but they want a little feedback from the community before they make the release official.