How To Manage RAW and JPEGs Images in Lightroom
LIGHTROOM CLASSIC
1. Introduction
Back in the days when I used the Canon cameras, shooting in Jpeg was just not my vibe, not even once! Almost the totality of camera manufacturers is still offering those basic (boring) in-camera profiles that, let's be honest, lack that inner original soul and character.
Now, even though Jpeg has never been my go-to for professional work, being part of the Fujifilm family has its perks. We're spoiled with these incredible Film Simulations that have turned a whole bunch of photographers into Jpeg enthusiasts and the Fujifilm ecosystem.
On top of Fujifilm's proprietary Film Simulations, a quick Google search opens up a treasure trove of free custom recipes that recreate the magic of old films right in your camera.
Some of them are downright amazing, I would say.
I have a soft spot for playing with these film recipes, especially when I'm out and about traveling (and using my beloved Fujifilm X100V). But, if you're anything like me, you probably want that RAW file handy, just in case you decide to spice things up with some significant edits or take your image on a different creative direction.
Here is the recipe I use 70% of the time: Kodak Portra 400 v2 by Fuji X Weekly.
One of the questions I’ve been asked a lot is about how to handle both RAW and JPEG versions in Lightroom for each photograph smoothly. So, I figured, why not spend an hour putting together a short and easy guide on how you can effortlessly organize your RAW and JPEGs without causing chaos in your catalog?
Let's make Lightroom work for us!
2. Working with RAW+JPEG Imports
The first thing I recommend if you want to work with RAW and JPEG files in Lightroom Classic, you have to adjust a setting in the Preferences.
Just head over to Lightroom Classic > Preferences and choose the General tab, and on the Import Options section check the box that says ‘Treat JPEG Files Next to Raw Files As Separate Photos’.
This is a handy option if you want to work with the JPEGs in Lightroom Classic.
I use it when I want to check out the film simulations from my Fujifilm cameras with the RAW files. It shows me the JPEG file that the camera created next to the RAW file and makes it easy for me to decide which one to keep.
3. How to Lacate Hidden JPEG Files
If you've imported RAW+JPEG files without selecting the 'Treat JPEG Files Next to Raw Files As Separate Photos' option, you can easily locate the JPEGs on your hard drive. Simply right-click on one of the RAW thumbnails and select 'Show in Finder'.
This will open a window displaying the folder where both the RAW and JPEG files are stored.
4. How to Add JPEGs that aren't Visible
If you imported RAW+JPEG files earlier, and currently only the RAW files are visible in Lightroom Classic, you can include the JPEGs with a few simple steps.
First, go to Preferences (Lightroom Classic > Preferences), open the General tab, and ensure 'Treat JPEG Files Next to Raw Files As Separate Photos' is checked.
Then, in the Library module, right-click on the folder in the Folders panel and select 'Synchronize Folder.' A dialog will appear, indicating how many files in the folder are not in the Lightroom catalog.
Click 'Synchronize' to add the JPEGs, allowing you to view both RAW and corresponding JPEG files.
Once the process is complete, the initial view will be the temporary collection for the Previous Import, showing only the JPEGs. Right-click on a thumbnail and choose 'Go to Folder in Library' to reveal both the RAW and JPEG files.
5. Differences with Lightroom CC
In Lightroom's cloud-based version, there's no need for a special workflow when bringing in photos taken in RAW+JPEG mode. If you decide to import all your shots, you'll see both the RAW files and JPEGs once the import process is finished.
Your thoughts…?
Do you sometimes dabble in shooting JPEG, or are you firmly on Team RAW?
Let me know in the comments!
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