The RAW Truth About RAW Files

Let’s address the elephant in the room: RAW files. Occasionally, clients ask if I provide them. Like 99% of photographers, I don’t. RAW files are the digital equivalent of half-cooked bread—unready and unrefined. Editing is a critical part of creating the final image. Without it, the photos wouldn’t reflect the true beauty of the day.

Think of it like ordering a dish at a Michelin-star restaurant: you don’t ask for the leftovers from the kitchen’s prep work. You want the finished dish—the one that’s been carefully crafted, seasoned, and presented. The same goes for photography. RAW files are the ingredients, but the final, edited images are the beautifully plated meal.

In my years working within the industry, I’ve always had the support of post-production departments and creative directors who know exactly how to handle RAW files. Even then, we always discussed the process upfront to ensure the end result met the vision. But when it comes to personal or event photography, my responsibility isn’t just to deliver images—it’s to curate, edit, and present the most flattering and authentic version of the day.

Besides, RAW files can be… well, emotionally overwhelming. Even some professional models aren’t prepared to see every single shot—unflattering angles, blinks, or those awkward mid-laugh moments can be jarring. And trust me, I’ve worked with actresses who won’t watch their bad takes; it’s the same principle. After all, we all have those moments that don’t quite align with the image we’d like to see of ourselves.

So trust me when I say: you don’t want to see those raw, unfinished images… unless, of course, you’re looking to blackmail your guests with them. Hmm… now that’s an interesting idea. Let me think on that one.

Just kidding!