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)
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)