RAW vs raw - Why I shoot RAW and why I don’t give unedited files
Why I Don't give RAW/raw files - before and after - Nik Majid
TL;DR — the short version for busy people
RAW = camera’s unprocessed sensor data (digital negative).
I shoot RAW, edit, then deliver finished images.
I don’t give RAW/raw/unedited images by default because they’re unfinished, technically awkward for clients, and can harm your brand.
Want RAW/raw? Tell me before the shoot; we’ll put it in the contract and agree on fees/rights.
“Why won’t you give me the RAW files?” she asked, folding her arms. “Isn’t it bias - you’re keeping the good stuff to yourself?”
That stuck with me.
The client assumed RAW = better photos and felt I was hiding the “real” images. As a corporate photographer, I see this often — so here’s a clear, simple explanation of RAW vs raw, why I shoot RAW, why I deliver edited images only, and how you can request RAW files properly if you truly need them.
What is RAW (all caps)?
Nik Majid - before (RAW/raw) and after editing. Which one would you prefer?
RAW is the camera’s unprocessed sensor data — the digital negative. It holds far more color, brightness, and tonal information than a JPEG. Shooting RAW gives me the flexibility to recover highlights, pull detail from shadows, and correct white balance accurately in post.
What I mean by raw (lowercase)?
When I say raw in casual conversation, I mean unedited - straight-out-of-camera images that haven’t been processed or color-graded. Both unedited JPEGs and RAW files are unfinished; RAW simply contains the most data for editing.
Why I shoot RAW (for better final images)
As a corporate photographer, I always shoot RAW. It’s the best starting point for high-quality edits that present your business professionally. RAW preserves detail and color, which helps me create final images that look great on websites, annual reports, press releases, and LinkedIn.
My workflow - I edit and deliver finished photos
I shoot in RAW.
I edit and enhance (exposure, contrast, color correction, subtle retouch).
I deliver client-ready images (high-quality JPEG/TIFF).
This is the product I provide: polished, usable images from a professional corporate photographer.
Why I don’t give RAW or unedited files
Short answer: RAW files are unfinished and often impractical for clients.
Practical reasons include:
The difference of file sizes of RAW files vs JPEG files
RAW is a digital negative. It needs processing to look right.
Clients will have trouble opening RAW files unless they have an in-house graphics team or the right software (Lightroom, Capture One). Getting RAW files is unnecessary for most clients.
Quality control & reputation. Unedited images can look unflattering; publishing them can harm your brand.
Copyright & creative control. My edits are part of the creative work. Releasing RAW files can lead to versions that don’t represent the intended style.
File size & format issues. RAW files are large and often proprietary.
Exceptions - how to request RAW files properly
If you truly need RAW files (for archiving, in-house editing, or legal reasons), we can arrange it — but only with written agreement before the shoot. That agreement should include fees and rights transfer terms.
My terms: If you request RAW files, I will relinquish all rights to the photos only after an agreed fee is paid and a signed contract transfers rights.
Read full terms here: https://www.imagesbyhafiz.co/faqs-headshots-corporate-photography-malaysia
FAQ - quick answers from your corporate photographer
Q: Can I have the RAW files?
A: Not by default. Yes, if requested in writing before the shoot and included in the contract (fees and rights transfer apply).
Q: Why not give unedited photos?
A: Unedited photos often look inconsistent or flat. I deliver edited images so your brand always looks professional.
Q: Will I own the final photos?
A: You receive usage rights for the edited photos as agreed in the contract. RAW delivery and copyright transfer are negotiated separately.
