"You don't need to edit them."

Ah, one of our favorite questions and one we get practically every time.

The short answer is "No!"

"But why?" 😏 Well, you're in for a treat because explaining "why" is what we do.

*Cracks fingers*

If you've ever hired a professional photographer, you might have wondered why they don't give you the RAW files of your photos. After all, you paid for them, right? Forrealsies, did you pay your photographer, though? 👀 If not, we got other issues to address first.

There are several reasons why photographers don't share their RAW files with their clients, but before we answer that question, do you know what a RAW image is?

Here's a clue, it's not a JPG/JPEG.

Unlike JPG/JPEG files, RAW files are proprietary. Without suitable applications and software, you can't open them on your phone or computer. Each camera manufacturer produces a different file type. For example, Canon cameras produce files with a CRW, CR2, or CR3 at the end, Nikon's have a NEF or NRW, and Sony's have an SRF or SR2. We promise we're not using pig Latin here to throw you off.

Imagine you go to your favorite local spot to get a burger and place your order, salivating as you wait patiently. Your server brings a hunk of meat that still has a heartbeat. 🤮 "Oh no, they didn't." 💁🏾‍♀️ Negative 5-star Yelp review.

Like that piece of RAW meat, RAW files are unfinished, uncooked, and unseasoned. They must be developed to bring out the best colors, contrast, sharpness, and other flattering aspects of the image, AKA the "final work(s)," which our contracts indicate you will receive. You did sign a contract, right? If not, "Houston, we got another problem."

Size matters.

An average RAW file is 6-12x larger than a JPEG. Unlike JPEG files, which are compressed and edited by the camera, RAW files preserve all the information and details, giving photographers more flexibility and control during post-production to reflect their vision and style for optimum image quality.

Copyright protection

Amongst the details preserved with a RAW image are who took the photo, when, and where. Suppose any information is stripped from a photograph or altered; RAW files prove ownership.

We hope that helps! Please let us know if you have any other questions.

J. Le Hardy

Lead Photographer

WHOLE HARDILY

Carrboro/Chapel Hill, NC

Published 2023 04-12

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