#99 - 5 Professional Replies to Client requests for RAW Files without losing their trust

As professional photographers, we've all been in situations where the client asked for RAW files. It’s pretty common, actually.

Clients often ask for RAW files because they want all the photos, not just the selected ones. They might also believe that since they paid for the photos, they own them. These requests stem from not fully knowing how ownership laws and licensing work.

The good news is we have the opportunity to educate our clients professionally about RAW files without losing their trust or jeopardizing the chance to work with them.

Here are five reasons you can share with clients to explain why providing RAW files is not best practice and that too in a professional tone sensitive to their point of view.

1. Explain What RAW Files Are

Clients often don’t understand what RAW files mean. Explain that RAW files are like film negatives; they need to be developed to become the final photo. RAW files are the ingredients, not the cooked dish. They are not a finished product and in your professional opinion, won’t serve any purpose for the client.

2. Emphasize the Cost Implications

Clients hire photographers for their quality of work, which heavily relies on the photographer’s unique style of editing. RAW files are unedited, so to achieve the desired quality, the client will either need to outsource the editing, incurring additional costs, or spend their own time doing it. By providing edited photos, we save them time and money while delivering the high-quality images they expect. SO, it would not be efficient or cost-effective for clients to work with RAW files.

3. Highlight Technical Challenges

RAW files are large and require special softwares like Photoshop or Lightroom to view and edit. These files might be too heavy for the client’s system, requiring investments in software and potential system upgrades. By providing edited files, we ensure they receive images that work seamlessly on their current systems without additional costs or technical hassles.

4. Point Out the Sorting Hassle

Educate the client about the process that photographers take more photos than needed during a shoot. We then select the best ones for the client, saving them time and effort. Sharing RAW files means the client has to sift through hundreds of photos to find the usable ones, which is inefficient. Allowing us to handle the selection process is much more efficient for everyone involved.

5. Clarify Legal Aspects

Clients might think paying for the photoshoot means they own the photos. However, by law, the photographer retains ownership of the photos as intellectual property and the proof of that ownership are the RAW photos. This is a huge reason for photographers not sharing RAW files with clients.

While being understanding of the client’s point of view, let them know that providing RAW files can lead to copyright infringement and breach of contract, if not specified in the contract. Explain the concept of copyright to the client and also assure them that licensing the edited photos for their intended use gives them all the necessary freedom to use the photos as they desire without the need for ownership.

Conclusion

When explaining why sharing RAW files isn’t best practice, position your explanation from the client’s perspective. Emphasize how providing edited photos is more cost-effective, technically manageable, and efficient. Highlight the importance of the legal aspects and reassure them that licensed, edited photos will meet all their needs.

By professionally educating our clients, we build trust and establish long-term working relationships. If a client insists on RAW files, ensure your contract reflects this and price it appropriately, as this should be a premium service.

Remember, presenting your case from the client's perspective shows that you have their best interests at heart, which is key to maintaining their trust and building a successful photography business.