Why Don’t Photographers Share RAW Files?

There is often a debate about whether or not photographers should share RAW files with their clients. RAW files contain all the data the camera’s sensor captures. This means the file sizes are usually large but in return you have much more to play with when it comes to editing your photos.

Here are a few common reasons why photographers might not share RAW files with their clients.

Raw photos are not the final product

RAW files are not finished products; they are completely unedited. They are the starting point for the editing process and can require a lot of work to be turned into a finished photograph. Sometimes, photos are purposefully shot a little lighter or darker to bring out certain details so to some clients, they might think you’re a bad photographer if the RAW images are shared before editing. Photographers often spend a significant amount of time editing and processing their RAW files to create the final image that they present to their clients.

Before

After

Control over final images

Photographers often want to maintain creative control over the final product. Every photographer will have a unique way of digitally altering their images and that specific style may be what defines them. By sharing RAW files, you may be giving up control over how your work is presented. It opens up the possibility that someone might post your RAW photos online (believing them to be ready to post) or share them with a friend or potential future client. Now you’re stuck with your unfinished photos representing your style/brand.

People may not understand RAW files

Sharing RAW files can be confusing for someone who hasn’t come across them before. A RAW file format will not open on most standard photo viewing software. Plus the expectation might be for a finished polished image and a slightly underexposed photo you took to protect your highlights could disappoint.

Before - taken in our photography studio

After - taken in our photography studio

Large files

RAW files are large, uncompressed files that contain all of the raw data captured by the camera’s sensor. Most of the time they will need to be processed and edited in specialised software before they are suitable for printing or sharing with others. At the very least they will need converting to a more user friendly format like a .jpg

Ownership

RAW files are a form of negatives owned by the photographer. RAW files help to prove that the photographer took the photograph and owns them, and therefore owns the copyright unless discussed otherwise with their client.