Some professional photographers end up with near-perfect RAW files Straight Out Of Camera (#SOOC FYI) all day, every day.

The rest of us (mere mortals) are not quite as lucky technically proficient or quick on our hand dials and feet. 

Instead, our photo files need some good post-production lovin’ to really bring ‘em to life and up to par with both our vision and our brand.

So what are your options when a client casually requests or *face palm* demands all of the unedited RAW files from their shoot or wedding day (assuming you’ve not fainted on the spot from the mere thought of handing over your RAWs)?

You can:

A) Say yes and hand ‘em over
B) Say yes and charge appropriately
C) Jack up the rate to intentionally act as a disincentive; or
D) Hold firm, say no (and risk losing the job)

Say Yes - RAW Files On A Silver Platter

I am so confused because I’m getting more and more people asking me for the RAWS in my inquiries

- Chelsea Morrison

Just hand ‘em over. 

It’s an option.

If you need the work or it’s a shoot you really want to experience and have in your portfolio or resume`, chances are you’ll relent and hand over your RAW files…though perhaps under normal circumstances you may not.

It’s understandable - ‘desperate’ times call for desperate measures and if you’re the sort of photographer who has flexible policies or weakens upon heavy client demands (no judgment - happens to us all at some point) it might just be easier to say yes and get on with the job.

Just make sure in this instance to pay extra attention to getting your exposure and white balance as correct as possible in-camera.

Maybe your client doesn’t have the skill, experience, knowledge and ability to correct the RAW files the way you do (ya think?!) so you’ll want to arm them with the best, most immediately usable files you can.

Say Yes - And ‘Show Me The Money!’

I’m shook that anyone is giving away their intellectual property! And if it’s worked into your pricing - you better be charging into a luxury range.

- Alison Slack

Maybe keep it on the down low from your photographer friends and colleagues if you decide to give away your RAW files - it’s likely they’ll throw you some (well intentioned) shade for doing so.

But charging a premium for RAW files? 

That’s fair game - and highly recommended. 

If a client wants to insource or outsource the post-production process and put their own or someone else’s spin onto your creative IP, then they best be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the privilege.

You don’t ask a top-rated chef for access to her finest ingredients…but for the right price, it becomes a less offensive, more workable request.

I price my raws at some high amount per image and put that in the contract. If they want them, they can buy them.

- Dimitiry Lapidus

Price ‘Em High To Lower The Interest

If you’re still feeling protective over your RAW photo files and shudder at the mere thought of delivering them (or, worse, refusing the request entirely) consider quoting a rather large sum for the access to them. 

Find a sweet spot between what they’re realistically worth - which in itself will be pricey - and what is ridiculously OTT and so far beyond the scope of realistic that it borders on rude or offensive.

You’ll have to aim high if you really want to disincentivize your client and have them determining maybe having the RAW files isn’t worth it in the end.

And make sure you are actually prepared to say yes to the final figure you land on. 

Some clients - especially in luxury markets - may still say yes.

Stranger things have happened. 

Hold Firm And Say No

You don’t need anyone’s permission to flatly - all the while politely - refuse to part with your RAW files (for a princely sum or otherwise).

Handing over unedited files is, after all, only half the job; only half the creative process and that may feel grossly insufficient or beyond the scope of your personal and professional values.

It may have you reputationally painted as a prima donna ‘arty-farty’ type or instead, a reputable, confident professional with boundaries and policies that can’t be flexed. 

Or anything in between.

Who knows and who cares? 

Not you remember, you’re sticking to your guns on this one and keeping those RAW files to yourself.

Not every photo is representative of my best work. I don't care if other people sell [RAW files] or give them away. It's not what I do. Plus I don't want my unedited, less-than-brand-representative work floating around out there. Not to mention I definitely don't want someone to edit an image I took and then share it as my work.

- Gretchen Willis

Other Considerations

Sometimes a request for RAW files isn’t exactly that.

You know how sometimes prospective clients ask for copyright of their photos where all they really want (and need) is actually ongoing usage rights?

It can be a bit like that; a misunderstanding, lack of industry knowledge, or misuse of jargon more than anything else.

So before you choose what your stance is on the matter, be sure to check-in with your client as to why they’re asking for RAW files and what they plan on doing with them. 

Then take it from there.

I have conversations explaining what RAW is. So far no issues… Conversations go a long way.

- Jenny Harvey Farrell

All Shall Be Revealed

For the majority of photographers, giving, selling or releasing RAW files is a big deal.

Pardon the pun but it can feel like a major over-exposure; a proverbial pants-down situation where all your technical vulnerabilities as a professional photographer are to be revealed and of course, we tell ourselves, called into question.

Firstly though, have a conversation with your client to find out what they’re thinking; what they do and don’t understand about RAW files, and if they’re actually needed.

If your client’s holding firm and insisting RAWs are a must, go over the relevant options we’ve shared, see what feels right to you - both morally and fiscally - and make a call from there.

May the force - and the RAWs - be with you.