How to Explain RAW Files to Clients: 10 Creative Comparisons
As a photographer, you’ve likely encountered a client who insists on receiving the RAW files from their session. While it’s understandable that clients may want access to all the photos, providing RAW files can open up a host of issues, from compromising your artistic control to potential misuse of unedited work. Here are 10 creative comparisons you can use to explain to clients why RAW files are not meant to be delivered as-is and how they relate to the final, polished images:
1. RAW Files Are Like an Uncooked Meal
“Think of RAW files as the ingredients for a meal—they’re all there, but they’re uncooked. Just like a chef needs to cook, season, and plate the meal before serving it, I need to edit the photos to make them perfect and ready for you to enjoy.”
2. RAW Files Are Like an Unassembled Puzzle
“RAW files are like the pieces of a puzzle. They’re all there, but they need to be carefully assembled and arranged to create a complete picture. My editing process puts those pieces together to form the beautiful, cohesive images you expect.”
3. RAW Files Are Like a First Draft of a Novel
“Imagine reading the first draft of a novel. It has the basic story, but it still needs editing, rewriting, and polishing to become a book ready for publication. RAW files are that first draft, and my editing process turns them into the final, polished images.”
4. RAW Files Are Like an Incomplete Painting
“Imagine a painting where the outline is done, but the colors, shading, and details are missing. RAW files are like that incomplete painting—the editing process is where I add the colors and details that bring the image to life.”
5. RAW Files Are Like a House Without Furniture
“RAW files are like an empty house. The walls and roof are there, but it needs furniture, decoration, and personal touches to make it feel like a home.”
6. RAW Files Are Like a Melody Without Lyrics
“RAW files are like a melody for a song—it’s catchy, but it’s missing the lyrics, harmonies, and production that make it a hit. The editing process is like adding those elements, turning the melody into a full song ready to be enjoyed.”
7. RAW Files Are Like a Film Negative
“Remember film photography? RAW files are like the negatives—they capture all the details, but they need to be developed in a darkroom (or in this case, on a computer) to reveal their true beauty. The edited photos are the final prints, fully developed and ready to be shown off.”
8. RAW Files Are Like a Piece of Raw Wood
“RAW files are like a piece of raw wood in a carpenter’s workshop. It’s full of potential, but it needs to be sanded, shaped, and finished to become a beautiful piece of furniture. My editing process is the craftsmanship that turns that raw wood into a masterpiece.”
9. RAW Files Are Like Unassembled Furniture
“RAW files are like the pieces of a flat-pack furniture set. Everything’s there, but it needs to be assembled and finished before it’s ready to use.”
10. RAW Files Are Like an Undecorated Birthday Cake
“RAW files are like a birthday cake that’s just been baked. It still needs icing, candles, and decorations before it’s ready for the party.”
