Q:

How do I take an image file and convert it into a raster and then access its data?

How do I take an image file and convert it into a raster and then access its data (RBG values) pixel by pixel?

A:

BufferedImage img = ImageIO.read(new File("lol"));
int rgb = img.getRGB(x, y);

Color c = new Color(rgb);

Now you can use Color.getRed(), getGreen(), getBlue() and getAlpha() to get the different values

