Understanding RAW Files
What are RAW files?
Every now and then, couples ask me the same question: "Can we get the RAW files?" I get it! The idea of having the original, unedited images might sound like a good one, but let me clear up a few things about what RAW actually is and why I don’t provide them.
Why Professional Editing Matters
Think of RAW files as the ingredients to a beautiful dish — they’re full of potential, but they need a little work to become something truly delicious! RAW files are like an unfinished recipe — unprocessed data straight from the camera. They’re not quite ready to be shared, printed, or posted anywhere. You can’t just pop them into a frame or onto Instagram. They require professional processing to turn them into the stunning photos you’ll treasure forever. As a professional wedding photographer, I take pride in delivering the highest quality images. You can see examples of my finished work in my portfolio.
And here’s the thing: I shoot a lot of images at each wedding—often hundreds or even thousands—and each RAW file is a massive chunk of data (we’re talking several times larger than a typical image!). It would take up a ton of space on your personal computer, and you’d need special software to even view them! Plus, since they’re unprocessed, they’re nowhere near ready to be printed or shared in their RAW form.
Now, imagine you hired a baker to make your wedding cake, and then you asked for just the raw ingredients without waiting for the cake to be baked, frosted, and beautifully decorated. Seems a bit odd, right? That’s exactly how I see RAW files—unfinished. You invested in me to capture and edit your memories, and I want to deliver the very best, fully baked photos that showcase my style and the magic of your day.
Before & After Examples
Just take a look, on the right you’ll see a copy of what comes straight out of the cameras and all you would get from a RAW file. On the left you’ll find the finished product.
Post-production editing is where a lot of the magic happens. It’s a huge part of what gives my photos their signature look! Each RAW file goes through a careful editing process to acheive the stuning results you see in my portfolio. You wouldn’t want to receive a photo that’s still in the middle of being edited, would you? Just like you wouldn’t want to see a wedding cake before it’s iced and ready for the big reveal!
In short: RAW files are not ready for prime time. I deliver only the finished, polished images that truly capture your wedding day in all its glory. If you’re looking for something specific with the editing or feel the need to re-edit, I’m probably not the right fit for you. But if you’re looking for beautiful, final images that you can print, share, and treasure—then I’ve got you covered!
So, don’t worry about those RAW files. Trust me, you’re going to love the final product!
Want to learn more about my professional wedding photography process? Contact me to discuss your wedding photography needs.