Why Photographers Don’t Give Clients RAW Files (And Why You Don’t Actually Want Them)
- Kendra McClain
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever hired a photographer or are thinking about booking a session, you might wonder:
“Can I get the RAW photos too?”This is one of the most common questions clients ask me, and it’s an important one! But before we dive in, let’s clear something up: RAW files are not the same as finished photographs. In fact, there’s a really good reason most professional photographers don’t deliver RAW files to clients. Let’s break it down.
What is a RAW File in Photography?
In simple terms, a RAW file is the unprocessed image straight from the camera. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a film negative.
RAW vs JPEG: A JPEG is like a ready-to-print photo — polished, compressed, and easy to use. A RAW file, on the other hand, is more like cookie dough. It has all the ingredients, but it still needs to be baked (edited) to become something delicious.
That’s why when you open a RAW photo, it may look dull, flat, or even unfinished — because it is!
Why Photographers Don’t Deliver RAW Files
Here’s why professional photographers usually provide edited JPEGs (or sometimes TIFFs), but not RAWs:
RAW photos are unfinished – They need editing to bring out the color, contrast, and emotion of the moment. Without that, they don’t represent the final artwork.
They require special software – RAW files can’t be easily opened or printed without editing programs like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop.
They’re massive in size – RAW files are 5–10x larger than JPEGs, making them difficult to share, download, or store.
They don’t reflect the photographer’s style – Professional photo editing is half the art of photography. The polished look you see in a photographer’s portfolio comes from this process.
Quality control matters – Sharing RAWs could lead to misrepresentation. If someone edits a RAW file poorly and posts it online, it could still be credited to the photographer, even if it doesn’t reflect their professional work.
Why You’re Better Off Without RAW Photos
As a client, you might think getting RAW files gives you “more,” but in reality, you’d end up with files that:
Don’t look like the stunning images you expect
Can’t be easily shared on social media or printed
Take up unnecessary space on your devices
Instead, you’ll always receive beautifully edited, high-resolution images that are ready to print, post, and cherish forever.
The Photographer’s Promise
When you book a session with me, you’re not just hiring someone to press a button. You’re trusting me with your story, your memories, and your most important moments. My editing process is where the magic happens — turning a RAW capture into a photograph that’s full of life, color, and emotion.
So no, I don’t deliver RAW photos. What I deliver is something far better: finished, professional images that you’ll be proud to display, share, and keep for a lifetime.
✨ Looking for a photographer who delivers more than just photos? Let’s work together to create images that feel authentic, timeless, and uniquely you. Looking for a photographer who delivers more than just photos? Let’s work together to create images that feel authentic, timeless, and uniquely you. Contact me today to start planning your session!
