YOU Shouldn't Give RAW Photos to Clients - Here's Why

Hey there, welcome to my channel! In today's video, I want to talk about a topic that's been on my mind for quite some time – sharing raw files with clients and fellow photographers, I recently had an encouter with a client who requested raw photos after the job was finalised. As a professional photographer, I've had my fair share of experiences in the industry, and I believe it's essential to have an open discussion about this practice.

In this video, I'll be sharing my personal reasons and experiences for why I don't recommend giving out raw files. While some may argue that providing raw files fosters a sense of trust and transparency with clients, there are several important considerations that often go overlooked.

Some important points to remember and consider;

1. Quality Control: One of the primary reasons I discourage sharing raw files is to ensure the quality and consistency of my work. Raw files require specialized software and knowledge to be processed correctly, and inexperienced handling might lead to subpar results. By delivering edited, final images, I can maintain the artistic vision and style that my clients associate with my brand.

2. Intellectual Property: Raw files are essentially the digital negatives of a photograph, containing all the unprocessed data captured by the camera. As a photographer, these files represent my creative vision and intellectual property. Giving out raw files might risk potential misuse, alterations, or re-edits that could harm my reputation and artistic integrity.

3. Professionalism and Value: Providing only edited images demonstrates professionalism and showcases the value of my skills as a photographer. Clients hire me for my expertise, style, and post-processing techniques, which contribute to the final result. By delivering the finished product, I can ensure they receive the best representation of my work.

4. Data Privacy: Raw files often contain additional data, such as camera settings, GPS coordinates, and other sensitive information. By withholding these files, I can safeguard the privacy of my clients and subjects.

5. Efficiency and Time Management: Editing raw files can be time-consuming, and sharing them might lead to unnecessary back-and-forth discussions. By delivering edited images, I can streamline the workflow, provide a faster turnaround, and focus on creating more captivating content.

6. Filters. One of the worst I've seen (simply due to ignorance than anything else), is clients chucking filters on already edited photos! I've learnt to brush this off and not get offended and let it be. If they do put a filter, I do ask them to remove my tag as that isn't genuine to my work or my edit anymore.

Please keep in mind that this is my personal perspective, and different photographers may have varied opinions on the matter. I encourage you to join the conversation in the comments below and share your thoughts on this topic.

If you find this video informative or if you have had similar experiences, don't forget to hit the like button and consider subscribing to my channel for more photography-related content. Thank you for watching, and I'll see you in the next video!