Most modern digital cameras enable you specify whether you want to save images as Raw files, Jpegs, or both at the same time. Some photographers, however, experience difficulty opening Raw files, and if that sounds familiar the tutorial below is for you.

It’s generally accepted that the conventional Raw format delivers optimum results as compared to Jpegs, with far more flexibility during the editing process. It turns out there’s another format that’s less familiar, and it delivers the benefits of Raw without any complications. It’s called DNG, which is an acronym for Digital Negative, and that’s what you’ll learn how to use today.

Instructor Paul Farris of the Photo Genius YouTube channel has been teaching workshops and posting free tutorials for over a decade. He specializes in helping amateurs achieve more professional results, and in this episode he explains everything you need to know about converting files to DNG in barely five minutes.

Farris explains that a problem with opening Raw files typically occurs when using a new camera if your software hasn’t been updated. He notes further that Raw is not a standard format like Jpeg, and it differs from camera to camera— with regular updates being the norm. Thus, “when a new camera comes out, it often takes time for Adobe to catch up and release the appropriate updates so that Lightroom and Photoshop recognize the files.”

The solution is quick and simple: All you have to do is convert your Raw files to DNG and then proceed on your merry way. Farris explains how the DNG format works its magic before demonstrating how to make the conversion. One benefit is that you don’t need a subscription, a license, or even an Adobe account to get the job done.

In fact, it’s not even necessary to edit with Photoshop or Lightroom because many other image editors are compatible with DNG. Farris says that another benefit is that DNG files are smaller than their Raw counterparts, “without any noticeable difference in image quality.” And unlike with compressed files like Jpegs, you can go back and re-edit the DNG images without any loss of data.

In short, you get a compressed file with no loss in quality—and you’re not tied into using any particular software to process your work. Best yet, you’ll never experience difficulty when opening the DNG files. It sounds like the best of both worlds, right?

With all these explanations out of the way it takes less than two minutes for Farris to explain the simple conversion process. Then you’ll be able to start saving images to DNG as soon as today. You’ll find more helpful tips and tricks on the Photo Genius YouTube channel, so don’t forget to take a look.

We also recommend watching a tutorial we posted from another expert recently, explaining why you should use Bridge—Adobe’s recently updated file browser.

A couple days ago we featured a tutorial explaining three standout features in the latest Lightroom update, with straightforward tips on using these tools to advantage. Today we’re taking a look at the new version of Bridge to keep you up-to-date on how this software has evolved.

Adobe Bridge is a popular file browser used by many photographers who edit images in Photoshop or Lightroom. As you’ll see, this week’s update includes two relatively small features that can make a big difference. Instructor Matt Kloskowski explains why some Lightroom users use Bridge as their entire photo-management system, and if you’re unfamiliar with this software you may want to consider doing so yourself.

The first new feature is pretty simple and is found under the File menu, where you can now create a new window and have multiple windows open at once. If you’re wondering why you would want to do this, here’s the deal: Kloskowski explains that this option is particularly useful for photographers who organize images with more than one finder window open on their computer.

As Kloskowski says, working in Bridge with multiple windows on the screen “is an easier way to visually  take images and move them around, drag and drop them, and even view multiple folders at the same time.” Previously this option wasn’t available, and all you had was Bridge’s main interface that involved a more cumbersome process.

The second new feature that Kloskowksi considers very useful is found under Bridge’s Edit menu. This option is called Customizable Keyboard Shortcuts and can save you a lot of time. In fact, he says “this is a something that Bridge users have wanted  for a long time. Now you’ve got it.”

As you’ll see, it’s now possible to go in and customize the shortcuts in a way that works best for your particular workflow. Whether you use Bridge for organization—or just to copy, rate and move around image—there are a variety of options for using keyboard shortcuts to make these tasks easier and more efficient.

Bottom line: the latest update to Bridge is neither huge nor earth-shattering. But if you regularly use this software the two features mentioned above will definitely simplify your life. And if you haven’t used Bridge in the past, this is the perfect time to give it a try. You may just discover that it’s exactly what you need.

After watching this three minute lesson don’t forget to check out the helpful Lightroom tutorial mentioned above.  And then head over to Kloskowski’s instructional YouTube channel to see what else he has available.

This Saturday, October 14, we’ll all be treated to an annular solar eclipse that will provide a great opportunity to capture some impressive images. With that in mind we’re featuring the five-minute tutorial below that explains how to get in on the fun.

This impressive spectacle, known as a “ring of fire” occurs when the apparent size of the moon is somewhat smaller than the size of the sun’s disk. That’s why only the outer ring of the sun remains visible to the eye—appearing as an otherworldly brilliant ring.

This time around everyone will in America will observe at least a partial solar eclipse, as you can see in the map below created by GreatAmericanEclipse.com. The eclipse kicks off in Oregon at 9:13 am Pacific time and ends in Texas at 12.03pm CDT. In this episode from our friends at Mango Street you’ll learn  the necessary photo techniques as well as important methods for keeping your eyes and your camera safe.

Instructor Daniel Inskeep founded the channel, along with his wife Rachel, as a source of merchandize, the occasional freebie, image-editing presets, and “tutorials that don’t waste your time.” First on the agenda today are safety precautions that, while simple, are very important to understand. As most of you know, the former President notwithstanding, it’s important to never look directly at the sun.

All that’s necessary to protect your eyes is a pair of affordable Solar Eclipse Safety Glasses. Your camera’s sensor is deserving of protection too, so be sure to use the specific type of filter that Inskeep recommends. You may have heard that a 16-stop ND filter is sufficient, but Inskeep explains why you run the risk of damage by using one of these. He also prefers to use the camera’s Live View mode, rather that the viewfinder, when composing your shots.

It’s a given that the longer your lens, the larger the sun will look in your photos, so a powerful telephoto is your best bet. Inskeep also discusses a technique known as digiscoping for those of you who own a spotting scope or telescope. All that’s required here is the appropriate adapter, specific to the brand of camera you own.

With gear out of the way, Inskeep turns to shooting techniques that are equally straightforward. He suggests shooting in Raw to preserve as much detail and dynamic range as possible. He advises setting the camera to ISO 100 and taking a few preliminary test shots to determine the appropriate shutter speed for getting the exposure right.

There are a few other important tips, like bracketing exposure and using a remote trigger (with the camera mounted atop a tripod), to minimize vibrations that will cause unsharp results with slow shutter speeds. Inskeep also provides a few tricks so you’ll be prepared for a total eclipse that will occur in April of next year.

After watching the video pay a visit the popular Mango Street YouTube channel for more great photocentric stuff. We also suggest watching another brief tutorial we posted earlier, explaining a powerful three-minute tip for creating eye-catching landscape photographs with more depth and dimension.

If you’re wondering if there’s anything new of substance in the updated version of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), take a listen to image-editing expert Blake Rudis who says this: “There’s an epic color theory tool that I never knew I needed, and now that I have it I’m stoked.”

Rudis is the brains behind the f/64 Academy YouTube channel, and he’s not given to hyperbole. So when he get’s so excited about a new image-editing tool it’s time to stop and pay attention. The topic of this eye-opening episode is a color range feature that Rudis says represents “next-level color theory at play.”

The enthusiasm in this 16-minute tutorial is contagious, so prepare for a WOW! moment as you learn how this game-changing feature works. In fact, if you’re like Rudis you just may want to go back to all of your images and redo everything—or at least use it for all of your edits from now on.

Rudis begins with a quick overview of the new features in ACR 16.0, while catching his breath and before revealing his favorite “amazing” new feature. He discusses a new HDR capability, a powerful feature for enhanced bokeh, changes to light and color, and a few other enhancements for improved productivity.

Once he calms down, Rudis is ready for the big reveal; namely, ACR’s new Point Color feature that he now can’t live without. As you’ll see, when compared to the old Color Mixer, this really is a big deal. He pulls up a beautiful autumn landscape photo captured last week just outside Telluride, Colorado and jumps right in.

He begins by using the Sample Point Color tool to select the yellow tones of a tree in the foreground. As you’ll see, the tones aren’t particularly bright, and accentuating colors is Rudis’ goal. He says that in the past he’d brighten up the image by using the Color Mixer and/or Exposure slider.

Now, however, “I don’t need to do that because I can control all of my colors with the new Point Color feature.” You can either do this with sliders or by clicking within a color panel above. We simply can’t match Rudis’ rabid level of enthusiasm, so we’ll skip summarizing the necessary steps and let you enjoy watching him demonstrate the power of this new tool.

Rudis provides a wide variety of image-processing tips on his popular YouTube channel, and we suggest paying a visit after watching this video to see everything else that’s available.

And be sure to check out another helpful tutorial we posted earlier with an easy way to fix converging lines in Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw for better landscape and cityscape photos.