If you ever want to get a photographer stressed out, you merely have to utter the words “can I have the RAWs?” Since the dawn of the digital era it’s caused a bit of a conundrum. The general consnsus is a “heck, no!” and while it’s up to each individual how they operate their business, there are a few instances when it might actually be a good idea to give the RAW files.
In this video, Scott from Tin House Studio unravels this emotive subject and (hopefully) clears it up once and for all!
When you shouldn’t share RAW files
Personal Work
If you’re working on a personal or artistic project, RAW files should remain exclusively yours. These projects represent your vision, and sharing unedited files opens the door for others to reinterpret your work, potentially in ways that clash with your style. For example, during a recent test shoot, Scott made sure the RAW files stayed in his studio. Only his trusted retoucher accessed them, keeping the integrity of the images intact.
Editorial Assignments
Editorial work is closely tied to your professional reputation. If your name will accompany the published photographs, it’s crucial to control the final output. Sharing RAW files risks inconsistencies in retouching, which could undermine your brand. Keep those files between you and your approved retoucher.
The grey area: weddings and events
Weddings and events present a unique challenge. Here’s how Scott proposes to navigate them:
Clients Want RAW Files to Save Money
Politely decline. Clients often underestimate the complexity of editing, and handing over RAW files in these cases can compromise your standards. However, if you’re in a pinch and need to secure the job, a strategic approach can help. Offer to export the RAW files as massive 16-bit TIFFs via a service like WeTransfer. Most clients will find the file size daunting and opt for edited JPEGs instead.
Clients Want RAW Files for Longevity
If a couple wants RAW files for archival purposes, consider agreeing, but with conditions. For example, you could stipulate that only your edited images be shared publicly. This ensures your creative vision remains the primary representation of your work.
When you should share RAW files
In the commercial world, sharing RAW files is standard practice for several reasons:
In-House Retouching by Clients
Many ad agencies prefer to handle retouching in-house to maintain consistency across campaigns. Sharing RAW files in these cases ensures they achieve the desired results without compromising your workflow.
Client Briefs and Emergencies
Agencies often need RAW files to adhere to tight briefs or handle unexpected situations. By providing RAW files, you enable them to meet deadlines while maintaining professional relationships.
Usage Rights Protect You
Sharing RAW files doesn’t mean relinquishing control. Clients still need to pay for usage rights before using the images. This ensures you’re compensated fairly, no matter how the files are used in the future.
Practical tips for handling RAW file requests
We’ve all been asked for the RAW files so many times now that it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Therefore, we should have a solid reply, whichever way we are going to go. Scott suggests doing the following to protect your work:
Set Clear Terms
When agreeing to share RAW files, specify how they can be used. For instance, limit their distribution and require approval for any edits.
Provide Multiple Formats
A professional touch is to deliver a range of formats. For commercial shoots, Scott often includes:
- RAW files
- Graded RAW files for tweaking
- Converted TIFFs
- High-resolution and web-resolution JPEGs
Charge for RAW Files
RAW files are valuable, they are essentially digital negatives, so factor their delivery into your pricing. This reinforces their worth and ensures you’re fairly compensated for the additional effort.
Protect Your Work with Contracts
Include clauses about usage rights and restrictions in your contracts. This provides legal backing if files are misused.
Deciding whether to share the RAW files or not isn’t a soul twisting decision (or it shouldn’t be in any case). Ask if a client has a valid reason for asking for them, sometimes they just don’t understand properly what it is they are asking for. Othertimes (such as in the commercial photography setting) it’s entirely reasonable.
I noticed last year an uptick in headshot and portrait clients asking for the RAW files. I responded with curiosity, not defensiveness. I discovered that these particular clients wanted to try their hand at editing the photos themselves with an AI editing tool, it wasn’t about saving money at all but rather a misguided understanding of what they could achieve with AI better than my 15 years of Photoshop and photography experience.
In the end I let them have one RAW file to try it out, and the results were as you can imagine! They didn’t ask for any more RAW files after that! If in doubt, a calm conversation is always a far better option. In my opinion, a RAW file is not a hill I want to die upon.
Do you agree with Scott? Do you ever give RAW files to clients?
