Can We Have the Raw Images?

This question makes many great photographers quake in their boots. But fear not, it’s time to learn why and make sure you know what exactly you’re asking for. Don’t fret, this is not a nerdy technical article, it’s just filled with nuggets and action points for getting what you need in a timely fashion from your next photoshoot

Part 1: The nerd talk.

Now, at this point you’d have to be completely unfamiliar with digital photography to not know that most consumer level or better cameras have the option of shooting in “RAW” - here’s all that means, it’s an uncompressed and unprocessed file with a strange format like CR3, NEF, or ARW. It’s just a big file with extra information in case something needs to be fixed, adjusted or changed. The key take away is it is UNPROCESSED. 

Part 2: Do I need this? 

Short answer, no. 

Long answer, what are you going to be doing with these files? First, most (not all) applications now are small print and digital and we really don’t need the size and color depth of these raw files in a final application. We shoot with them because it’s easier for us to control tone, white balance, etc. on set. There are applications where a printer might need high color depth format for a tradeshow booth or large banner but, in those instances the printer or designer is building a file that they will compress to a press ready format anyway. 

Part 3: What should I be asking for then?

Ok, so a lot of time when people ask for “raw files” they just mean unedited, so they have a backup copy without modifications. Again, I do wonder why people ask for this “just in case” but it’s an easy enough thing. Ask for what you know. Most needs have a specific format, and one that you know your team can handle. JPG, Tiff, PNG, whatever - just talk to the folks loading the website, printing the fliers, or sending the art work to that trade publication, they’ll have a specific need.

Extra tip:

a lot of times, that raw file is kind of ugly compared to the final shot - just let us process them out for you and you’ll be happier in the end.