If you shoot and save your images in the JPEG format then you have already thrown away some of the original information that the camera captured when the shot was taken. This cannot be retrieved.
In most circumstances, this will not matter and the vast majority of high quality JPEG images produce highly acceptable and pleasing results.
Your camera itself may save the image as a JPEG in which case, its internal processing has already discarded some of the original information. If you then subsequently manipulate the file on your computer and then re-save, even more information is lost. As the file loses information, so the image becomes progressively degraded.
Things are worse with JPEGs over some other formats as the process also compresses the file when it is saved leading to even greater potential degradation of the final image. With a TIFF image, not so much data is lost.
If you want to avoid loss of image information, then shoot in RAW format. Then make a copy of the resulting file and save the original as a “master”. Use the copy to work on and save as a JPEG. You can then always go back to the original RAW (don’t forget to make a copy!) and regain the original information once more before working on it further.
Eric Hartwell runs the photography resource site http://www.theshutter.co.uk and the associated discussion forums as well as the regular weblog at http://thephotographysite.blogspot.com
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation whilst innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation.
There are other useful definitions in this field, for example, creativity can be defined as consisting of a number of ideas, a number of diverse ideas and a number of novel ideas.
There are distinct processes that enhance problem identification and idea generation and, similarly, distinct processes that enhance idea selection, development and commercialisation. Whilst there is no sure fire route to commercial success, these processes improve the probability that good ideas will be generated and selected and that investment in developing and commercialising those ideas will not be wasted.
Good Thinking
Leaders should be wary that good thinking remains at the top of the agenda. Good thinking helps focus problem identification, idea generation and the following drive through the innovation process. Some factors that inhibit good thinking include:
a) Leadership battles. Often the competitive urge for leadership causes some participants to prioritise their position in the hierarchy rather than focus on the best outcome.
b) Ineffectual group dynamics such as core and peripheral groups stop the exchange of information and enhance parochialism, path dependency and competency traps, resulting in inferior outcomes.
c) An emphasis of competition over collaboration. Again, this restricts information flow as opposed to encouraging intellectual cross pollination.
These and other topics are covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity & Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com/
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Kal Bishop, MBA
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Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com/