What does iPhoto do to my RAW photo when exporting to web as jpeg?

Not sure if this question will make sense, but here it is:

I would prefer to shoot RAW, and I also like to upload a copy of all my photos to my online site (on smugmug). Smugmug won't accept RAW files, but it works out when I export RAW photos from iPhoto to my smugmug site, as smugmug receives them as jpeg. That means iPhoto must be converting the RAW to jpeg for the export, but afterward, there is no sign of a jpeg on my hard drive. This leads to several questions:
1. Am I correct in assuming that iPhoto is just creating a jpeg while exporting, and that jpeg isn't actually stored anywhere on my computer?
2. What is iPhoto doing to the picture when it converts it from RAW to jpeg without my input? Is there some default setting for white balance, contrast, sharpening, etc which it applies?
3. Since I would prefer to have control of the various settings when converting RAW to jpeg, if I do this by editing and then clicking Done, am I doing it? I'm confused, because when I edit a RAW photo this way in iPhoto, and click Done, if I right click on the photo afterwards, and click file info, it shows only a raw photo (CR2) in the library, not a jpeg. I'm not clear on whether iPhoto can in fact be used to create a jpeg version of a raw photo, that I can save along with the original. I guess I'm also unsure if I should use something like photoshop elements to convert the RAW photos, instead of iPhoto.

sorry for the long-winded post;)

macbook, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Jul 5, 2008 1:50 PM

Reply
1 reply

Jul 5, 2008 4:06 PM in response to GadgetNeil

GadgetNeil:

When iPhoto imports a RAW file it creates a jpg version of it for viewing and editing by iPhoto. Those are the files that are edited and exported. If you select the option to edit the RAW file itself in an external editor like Photoshop then a new file will be created which will have to be saved to the Desktop (or anywhere outside of the iPhoto Library package) and imported as a new file.

In the creation of the jpg file it will be created with a color profile. With RAW files I find that the Adobe RGB profile is the one used. It hasn't always been that way so take a close look at them. Export to th That's not the best for books, calendars or other items from Apple. Also it may not be the best to print using an ink jet printer. The sRGB profile is better suited for those applications.

Yes, when using the Show File option in iPhoto it does take you to the original file. But if you open the library package and go to the Modified folder you'll find the jpg file in a subfolder of the same name as the Event the file is in.

If there's a color problem, the Web generally prefers sRGB or sRGB IEC61966-2.1. You can use ColorSync Utility to change the profile to one of the two RGB profiles.



User uploaded file

TIP: For insurance against the iPhoto database corruption that many users have experienced I recommend making a backup copy of the Library6.iPhoto (iPhoto.Library for iPhoto 5 and earlier) database file and keep it current. If problems crop up where iPhoto suddenly can't see any photos or thinks there are no photos in the library, replacing the working Library6.iPhoto file with the backup will often get the library back. By keeping it current I mean backup after each import and/or any serious editing or work on books, slideshows, calendars, cards, etc. That insures that if a problem pops up and you do need to replace the database file, you'll retain all those efforts. It doesn't take long to make the backup and it's good insurance.
I've created an Automator workflow application (requires Tiger or later), iPhoto dB File Backup, that will copy the selected Library6.iPhoto file from your iPhoto Library folder to the Pictures folder, replacing any previous version of it. It's compatible with iPhoto 6 and 7 libraries and Tiger and Leopard. iPhoto does not have to be closed to run the application, just idle. You can download it at Toad's Cellar. Be sure to read the Read Me pdf file.
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Note: There now an Automator backup application for iPhoto 5 that will work with Tiger or Leopard.

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What does iPhoto do to my RAW photo when exporting to web as jpeg?

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