A practical, software-independent workshop in purposeful RAW development.

DATE

Saturday, 10 October 2026

TIME

12 pm to 4 pm

VENUE

Gartrell Church

Cnr Alexandra Ave and Prescott Terrace

Rose Park

Download a PDF version of this by clicking HERE

About the workshop

This four-hour workshop is for photographers who understand the basic idea of RAW development but are uncertain about how to process an image to its best effect. It presents methods you can use in any mainstream RAW-processing program, rather than teaching one particular application.

Participants will learn how a RAW capture becomes a visible image, how to assess what a photograph needs, and how to develop it purposefully from the first interpretation to an appropriate finished output. The method begins with a provisional intention, then uses deliberate checkpoints so that the intention can mature as the image takes shape.

The workshop includes a guided demonstration, an extended practical exercise using a supplied RAW file, and a constructive group review. The emphasis is on making and explaining visual decisions, not copying the tutor’s settings.

What participants will learn

• What a RAW file contains and how the camera sensor records data.

• The role of Bayer and X-Trans colour-filter arrays.

• Why the camera screen and RAW software show rendered previews rather than the RAW data itself.

• How previews are regenerated as adjustments are made while the original RAW capture remains unchanged.

• How to assess an image and define a useful provisional intention.

• A logical, iterative sequence for global and local RAW development.

• How to review the result, decide when further editing is justified, and prepare an appropriate output.

The tutor - Alan Bevan AAPS

Alan Bevan is an SAPF judge and an experienced educator with particular interests in landscape, seascape, bird and wildlife photography. Before retirement, he managed major national educational technology projects for the Commonwealth Government. He previously spent 20 years as a secondary school teacher in South Australia.

Requirements

A working understanding of the basic principles of RAW processing is assumed. This is not an introductory computer course, but no expertise in a particular software package is required.

• A laptop with the participant’s preferred RAW-processing program installed.

• The ability to open a RAW file and find basic exposure, colour, crop, masking and export controls.

• A mouse or graphics tablet.

• Course files downloaded and confirmed as working before arrival.

• Due to the requirements of the Gartrell Church Hall, please bring your laptops fully charged.  The position of the power points does not allow for the safe connection of several laptops during the workshop. Power boards and extension cords are not permitted due to OH&S requirements.  Limited charging may be possible during breaks.

Cost

Course fee: $80

The SAPF cannot cater lunch for this workshop.  Please have lunch before you come, or bring your own.  Tea, coffee and a light afternoon tea will be provided.

Parking

There is plenty of parking available.  The main car park entrance is off Prescott Terrace.

Payment

Payment may be made via PayPal. Register by clicking the ‘Add to Cart’ button.

Agreement

Participants should read the SAPF Workshops and Courses Terms and Conditions available HERE. Registering and paying for the course indicates acceptance of those terms.

Enquiries

Contact the SAPF Course Coordinator, Margaret Phillips: coursecoordinator@sapf.org.au