I have been getting enquiries from some prospective clients lately about the possibility for them to receive all the raw files from their session. Below, I would like to explain why it is my policy not to give out unedited raw files.

Raw files = Raw materials = Unfinished products

Raw files are unfinished products and require digital editing process to make them usable. Not only most of them require special softwares to open and edit, you will need the knowledge about editing in order to bring out the beauty of the picture. What might seem at first glance to be a failed shot like the raw file below might turn out to be a great photo with the right editing, and it takes photography and editing knowledge to distinguish that. Asking for RAW files to photographers is akin to asking the chef of a restaurant to give out the raw ingredient of their dish.

Failed Shots

For 1 selected photo like shot 4, there are dozens of failed shots which are not usable; Blurred photo, unwanted people on the shot (shot 1), imperfect pose (shot 2), half closed eyes/ hair on face (shot 3). I spend lots of time combing through these similar shots, doing side by side comparisons until I find the best one, to give you the professional quality photo you need. Why would you need those unusable photos?

Please do not worry that I will skip the better photos. I will never have two different photos that are both great and give you only one of them. If I’m ever in doubt in selecting between several similar shots (eg. same scene but slightly different microexpressions), I will give those photos to you, fully edited, so you can choose the one you like personally.

Photographer’s vision

The way that I edit is an important part of my photography, and part of the reason why you hire me. As an artist I want to ensure that the final products represent my vision, how I intend the photos to be. This is also a reason why I do not outsource the editing process outside for my direct clients. Below are some real examples of how a raw file look, and the photos after edited by a photo platform I work with, versus how it looks when I edit the file myself. Even with the same raw material, depending on the editor a photo can look totally different.