Why you should never ask for raw files

As a client, you may wonder why photographers are sometimes hesitant to provide RAW files. Raw files are unprocessed digital negatives that require post-processing to bring out the best in the image. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why many photographers choose not to provide RAW files to their clients.

Protection of Quality and Client Satisfaction

One reason why photographers don't provide RAW files is that these files are not print-ready and require specialized software and knowledge to edit. Photographers are experts in their field and want to deliver the best possible final images to their clients. By not providing RAW files, photographers protect their clients from the frustration of attempting to edit the images themselves without proper skills and equipment. Furthermore, photographers work hard to ensure that each image reflects their unique vision and style. Raw files do not represent the photographer's artistic vision and the final result of their work. Photographers put their heart and soul into each image they create, and they want to ensure that their clients receive images that meet their expectations and satisfy their needs.

A survey conducted by Professional Photographer magazine found that 74% of photographers do not provide RAW files to their clients. The most common reason cited for not providing RAW files was to ensure the quality of the final product and to maintain control over the editing process (Professional Photographer, 2014).

Protection of Copyright and Intellectual Property

Another reason why photographers do not provide RAW files is that they hold the copyright to their images. The owner of copyright in a work has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the work" (US Copyright Office, 2021). Providing RAW files would give their clients the rights to their work, which could lead to copyright infringement or unauthorized use. Photographers take great care to protect their copyright and the integrity of their work, and providing RAW files would compromise this protection.

A study conducted by VashiVisuals found that 60% of their clients preferred to have the final product delivered to them without the need for additional editing. This suggests that clients place a high value on the quality of the final product and may not have the skills or software to edit RAW files themselves (VashiVisuals, 2014).

Conclusion

In conclusion, photographers do not provide RAW files to protect the quality of their work, their clients, and their copyright. By delivering the best possible final images to their clients and ensuring that their work remains protected, photographers can maintain their reputation and build their brand. If you're a client seeking the services of a photographer, it's essential to understand the photographer's approach to RAW files and their reasons for not providing them. By working with a photographer who values their work and their clients, you can be confident in the final product and the quality of service you receive.

The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) recommends that photographers register their copyrights and use contracts to protect their intellectual property rights (ASMP, 2021).