Do I provide my original RAW files to Clients?

Do I provide original RAW files to Clients?

Do I give my clients the RAW files from shoots?

Quick answer: No, I do not deliver RAW files to clients. 99% of my clients don’t know what a RAW file is, but they may feel it’s a question worth asking. They might also assume that the original RAW files my cameras produce are of higher quality than the final product (JPG).

The truth is, a RAW file is not a usable image. It’s a very large file that requires editing and conversion before it can be viewed on standard devices or printed. While RAW files are not suitable as finished image products, they are preferred by most photographers because of their capacity for colour accuracy and dynamic range. Think of them as the ingredients in a recipe, not the final dish served at dinner.

As an artist, I ensure that every image leaving my studio is representative of my brand. RAW files are simply the starting point for the final image.