My wife recently got into photography and has completed more than a few sessions.
However recently she has a client complete a session, love the pictures, then request the unedited photos. The client claims that there are shadows and dark spaces in the photos. Basically they’re not happy it seems. Should she give them the unedited photos? Everything I can find shows that she shouldn’t. So should she redo them even though they were happy initially?
For “personal use” clients, I feel the “don’t give our RAWs” mantra is a holdover from not giving people original negatives. That was your only copy - so there is a good reason not to.
In the age of digital just make a copy and move along.
Ruining reputations is a bit of a red herring too - no one of any significant following is going to edit your RAWs badly AND credit you as the photographer AND lose you any business that you’d value.
Another commenter likens it to a chef just prepping the food - but that service exists. It’s called a supermarket. You can buy all the same ingredients and do whatever you like at home. There are no chefs complaining about you making your own beef stew at home ruining their reputation.
For business customers where there are different rates for different uses and licensing agreements etc - absolutely don’t part with your RAWs. But for a quick Karen + Kids photoshoot, or a wedding, save yourself the hassle and just give them what they ask for.
(You could price is differently - all photos + RAWS is $500, 5 of my “best edits” is $400)