Why I Don’t Share RAW Files

RAW files are the uncompressed and unprocessed image data captured by digital camera sensors. Most photographers, me included, do not share RAW files with their clients, even if they ask - and they frequently do!

Here are a few reasons I don’t give out RAW files:

1. RAW files are typically very big (20-40MB) and are difficult to share/transfer.

2. People hire me because they like my style. RAW files are imperfect and the real magic happens in the editing. Clients are paying me to do the editing.

3. The client pays for a finished product - that doesn’t include the the tools I used to create it.

4. I don’t want the client poorly editing my work and that sub-standard edit being associated with me.

5. I need to protect the rights to my work and maintaining consistency in my portfolio. Trust my process - the results are worth it!

Thank you for understanding.