If you want raw photos you’re not alone. Over the years we’ve had many customers ask us about raw photos or raw footage and I invariably say no almost 100% of the time. But why?
Of course, we understand why our customers want raw photos or raw footage. Many just want them because they want as many photos as possible. They want to see everything. Or maybe you’re worried you’ll miss a photo that the photographer might not think is good, but this photo actually means something to you. Or maybe you just want a naturalistic look and don’t want the photos to be over-edited. And I don’t blame them, they are valid concerns. But I still say no. Why?
Photography and Videography are not just about pointing a camera and shooting. It’s not just about finding the right light and the right angle. Of course, they are very important parts of the job, but it’s not just about that. Our jobs as photographers and videographers wouldn’t be complete without us treating and editing the photos and videos. In the days of film, it would have been in the darkroom. Today it’s on the computer, in programs like photoshop, or video editing programs like Final Cut Pro. To give someone raw photos, would be like giving you the original camera negative.
Each professional videographer and photographer has their own style, and look. They have their own distinctive brand. And each photo and video represent not only the customer but also the videographer and photographer as well. Their videos or photos are their brands. So if someone edits it badly, it reflects poorly on the photographer and the videographer as well. But will reflect poorly on their brand. Because editing photos and videos are a large part if videography and photography. And we want to see that job through to the end.
Now that’s not to say that I think that you or your friend or whoever is a bad editor. But in order to protect our brand and keep our high-quality product, we will edit our work ourselves, or work with editors who we are familiar with and who we know can do a good job.
Some companies don’t even sell their raw footage for any price. However, after many enquiries, we’ve decided to start providing raw footage or raw photos for $500 each. We feel that if you are willing to pay $500 for the raw photos than you must be very confident you know what you’re doing.
But for the majority of our clients, you don’t need raw photos or videos. If you want tonnes of photos, let us know and we’ll give you tonnes of photos. If there’s a special moment you want, let us know, and we’ll give you that photo or video of that special moment. And if you want it naturalistic, let your photographer and videographer know and they will edit it in a naturalistic style. If you want to get what you want, then communication with your videographer and photographer is key.