Ever wondered why a photographer will never send you all of the photos taken after a photo shoot? Here is an insight as to why!
What Are Raw Images?
A photographer will often shoot their photos in RAW. RAW is a file format which means the images taken are unprocessed or minimally processed data meaning they retain the best quality. JPEG which is the alternative shooting format compresses RAW files into smaller files. Whilst also compressing the file JPEG creates a more ‘finished’ looking image. For example, in JPEG photos the white balance is done for you unlike RAW files. But what does this mean for photographers? If your photographer has shot in RAW it will likely mean they are planning on editing the photo in a software like Lightroom or Bridge. This does also not mean they are planning on distorting or changing the way you look. Software like Lightroom allows photographers like me to enhance the colours of an image and make the overall image look ‘finished’. Lightroom is where I make the photos feel like my own work. It’s also where I am able to colour grade them to have a certain look or feel.
Why Can’t You Have The Raw Files?
There are many reasons why a photographer may not want to give you the raw files, here are some examples.
- If you were to share or post the raw files online, it would not feel like an accurate representation of their work.
- If you sign a contract stating how many images you receive, you can’t have all of them. For example, for a client wanting 50 photos I may take 300 pictures (if not more!)
- The file size of transferring hundreds or thousands of RAW photos would be huge and take hours to send. For a client to download all of them would be just as difficult. They also may not have a device for enough storage for them.
- Your photographer will spend hours selecting the best shots. If you were to be sent all of the photos, it would be a waste of time and effort.
- If your files were shot in RAW, it is unlikely that you will be able to view them. Photographers have certain software to open and view RAW files that most people who aren’t photographers, won’t have.
- To put it simply, RAW files are similar to a first draft. Have trust in your photographer and they will do their best job to get the photos you need.
