raw processing
the beauty with raw processing is that it is non-destructive {this means the pixels in your image are moved around instead of being stretched or damaged--which is what happens to a file processed in photoshop}. you also get results FAST and efficiently. according to bruce fraser in real world camera raw "jpegs offer fairly limited editing headroom--large moves to tone and color ...and while jpeg does a pretty good job of preserving luminance data, it really clobbers the color, leading to problems with skin tones and gentle gradations. when you shoot raw, however, you get to control the scene interpretation". the only on- camera settings that have an effect on the captured pixels are "the ISO speed, shutter speed and aperture"...basically your exposure.
my RAW presets were designed using perfectly exposed photographs {photographs that don't need the exposure tab adjusted in lightroom or ACR}. depending on the exposure of your photograph, you may need to adjust the exposure tab accordingly. you may also want to increase or decrease the "blacks" and adjust the "temperature" tab slightly. just a few small adjustments can mean a world of difference.
i love shooting and processing in RAW format. i believe that it produces a cleaner image for print and, once perfected, actually saves editing time because you can quickly apply the settings to your entire session at one time--and just adjust exposure and temperature to only the photos that need it. i have worked with my presets on many photographs to ensure that they provide consistent results. i hope you enjoy them and get as much use out of them as i do. enjoy!!