Weddings. Do you give customers the RAWs ??

Weddings. Do you give customers the RAWs ??

No...theyd have to pay serious dough for that. They cant even open, process, upload or share raws so whats the point? (well unless they know how of course)

Edit: if they want/need RAWs then they probably dont trust you, and you really shouldnt be working with high maintenance clients who dont trust.

I probably would if they paid a little extra and had a legit reason. Most couples wouldn't know what to do with the raws, unless they're a photographer themselves. But then the question is if they want to do their own editing, that may indicate they don't like or trust the photographer's style, thus the couple should probably find someone's style that fits well with their vision.

^Fantastic point. I too would read a request for RAWs as an indication that the couple might not be on board with, at the very least, how I process. If I had this request at an initial meeting, I'd try to determine if this was true. If so, I'd probably decline booking them and suggest finding a photographer that produces work more in line with their aesthetic preference.

In general, though, no, I obviously don't return RAWs with any of my packages. I don't think my photos, however, are so precious that the originals must never see the light of day. For the right price and with the right agreement in place I'd absolutely sell my RAW images.

I have them as an optional extra if people want to buy them.

I get a lot of clients who are interested in photography and they know exactly what raws are and how to process them. My clients are low maintenance.

Thanks guys

The only time anyone gets one of my RAW files is if they are a Graphics Artist working on behalf of one of my clients. In this case they are doing the post work and I allow them "temporary" access to the RAW file. Once they are done with it, they are required to delete it. Also in this case my agreements with my client specifically talks about the use of the RAW being for convenience and I retain all rights to the photo.

I’m a photographer and I got married a little over 3 months ago and guess what? I requested RAW’s from my local photographer who’s my age and I got them. Personally me? I probably wouldn’t give them RAWs

I wonder... of those who wouldn't give raw files at any cost... what is your SOOC standard like?

I wouldn't hire a photographer that would't give me RAWs...

I'm inclined to agree, I think that is a disservice to clients to give them the raw images. I mean let's go through some scenarios

They want an archive - If you're a professional you'll do a much better job archiving their images on multiple hard drives, locations, etc

They want digitals - They don't need the raws for this, you can sell/provide better sized/quality images for them to share online

thedcmule2 wrote in post #16666504
No...theyd have to pay serious dough for that. They cant even open, process, upload or share raws so whats the point? (well unless they know how of course)

Edit: if they want/need RAWs then they probably dont trust you, and you really shouldnt be working with high maintenance clients who dont trust.

What about the photographers that don't shoot raw? (Not that I advice this). They would have no Rawls to give.

My contract states how many JPEG photos hi or low Rez , depending on the contracted agreement, the client is to expect. I usually shoot for 10 to 20% above that number for a "wow" affect. I always duplicate my cd's so if they need a duplicate made it can be done very easily...another "wow". And I bring protein bars for the clients as they usually forget to eat the day of the event...another "wow". They don't need my raws.

The only way raw would be given is if I did no post processing and was paid to walk away from the project. To me the raw file is my negative ... Or the roll of film.

This is touchy because there could be multiple intentions by the client. I wouldn't mind a client wanting them so that they could have the "originals" for their safe keeping.

If they don't trust me to edit and I have my own look that is my "product," I wouldn't do it. However if I didn't have a specific look that I liked to be associated with my brand, then I would price accordingly and not charge them for editing. I would charge for increased rights to edit my file instead.

You can choose to get paid to shoot and move on. It's all about communication and getting these arguments settled up front. Discuss their plans for the files and pictures which can include how they plan to archive them and display them on the front end. Some clients probably aren't interested in the tech jargon of the file types etc, but you can at least try and get them to open up about their expectations to minimize these situations.

If you are at a spot where you need to package the shooting and editing together to put food on your table so be it. Look at how much work you have lined up and how much you make shooting vs. editing by the hour and come up with your own decision.

Never have. And haven't been given a request for RAWs after they see the images I shoot for them. I've been asked for it before the wedding a few times and just say "It would be so expensive, you would say no" and that is as far as that conversation goes.

One point |I have always wondered about is the decline in quality of jpegs after being opened may times. I can attest that they do decline, as I'm a graphic designer and see many 'used' images that begin to show artifacting after being opened fifty or more times (even at highest quality settings).

This means that the grandchildren or whoever (assuming jpegs are still used) will see lowered quality images of their most prized photos. Are we perhaps doing a disservice to clients by not providing lossless formats along with jpegs? (Edited tiffs, for instance).

Perhaps this is why some knowledgeable clients ask for RAWs?

Would love to hear opinions on this.