Why You Shoot JPEG Instead of RAW: Finding Freedom in Instant Photography for Hobbyists

As a photographer, I've often found myself at the crossroads of choosing between shooting in RAW or JPEG. For many, RAW is the default choice—offering unparalleled flexibility in post-processing. But for me, there's something incredibly liberating about shooting in JPEG. It allows me to immerse myself fully in the photography experience, free from the burden of extensive editing.

When I'm out with my camera, I want to be present in the moment. I want to see the world, pass through it, and capture the essence of what I’m experiencing right then and there. Shooting in JPEG enables me to do just that. It's about finding images as they are, appreciating the beauty in the everyday, and knowing that what I see through my viewfinder is what I’m going to get. There’s a simplicity in this approach that I find incredibly satisfying.

To me, shooting JPEG is like buying a premade cake. For 95% of the time, it’s more than enough. It’s convenient, it’s delicious, and it does the job. Sure, there are times when I enjoy the process of baking a cake from scratch, savoring the careful selection of ingredients, and taking the time to perfect each step—this is my approach when I shoot in RAW. But honestly, for my daily pictures of family life, spontaneous outings, or candid moments, JPEG is just right.

I love capturing candid moments—those genuine, unplanned slices of life that tell a story all on their own. Shooting in JPEG allows me to focus on these moments without the lingering thought of how much time I'll need to spend at the computer later, tweaking every little detail. The image is done, it’s real, and it’s ready to be shared or enjoyed just as it is.

That being said, there are exceptions. When I find myself in a once-in-a-lifetime situation, like traveling to a place I may never visit again or witnessing something truly extraordinary, I’ll switch to RAW. These are the moments when I want the full creative control that RAW offers, where I’ll relish the editing process to bring out every nuance of the scene.

But for most of my photography—especially the candid, everyday moments that matter to me—JPEG is perfect. It’s okay to embrace this approach, to enjoy photography for what it is, and to feel satisfied with the images you create. After all, the best camera is the one that’s with you, and the best image is the one you enjoy taking.

So, if you’re like me and find more joy in the act of photography itself rather than in hours of post-processing, don’t hesitate to shoot in JPEG. It’s more than okay—it’s a choice that can bring you closer to the heart of why you fell in love with photography in the first place.