During every photographer’s career, it’s inevitable they’ll come across clients who ask for access to all the photos from a shoot – including the raw, unedited photos. The request might often be borne out of nothing more than curiosity – after all, that’s an inherent trait within many – and of course, the decision is always up to the parties involved. However, what should one consider in making such a decision, and ultimately, in the case of declining said request, is there a ‘best practice’ response?
In coming to a decision and responding, one needs to establish what is driving the underlying curiosity of the client. While there’s every chance it is merely curiosity, delving a little bit deeper could help us understand if it involves concerns around: the number of photos provided; the desire for more shots from a certain scene or moment (e.g. the wedding reception); disappointment with the quality of the photos; or a lack of trust in the photographer’s ability to pick the best shots.
What is clear however, is that for each of these scenarios one can mitigate such feelings by managing the client’s expectations. And how can you manage a client’s expectations? Through a personal discussion and contract that ties up exactly what the client is looking for. Accordingly, education is the big piece here – and best handled during the early conversations with the client.
What clients often misunderstand is that a photographer’s job, much like an artist, involves a creative design component – not only while shooting the photos but in putting together the final package. Clients are also amiss to the fact that the unedited photos are not just ‘untouched’. They’re in a format that is of little value to the overwhelming majority of clients who have no experience with RAW files or associated software.
It’s best to explain that while there may be hundreds of photos taken, many of these never see the light of the editing room given they were experimental shots used to hone the process, or because of issues from the day – be it, wrong settings, bad angles, or unflattering moments involving the subjects. Do you really want a client’s self-esteem and fond memories of their wedding to be overshadowed by that photo of them mid-sneeze?
In communicating your response to the client, it’s important to emphasise that there is nothing to gain for either party in releasing the full set of photos. Not only is it likely to drag down the overall quality of the set, and in turn the client’s appreciation and/or sentiments of the moment captured (after all, 20 great photos out of 100 isn’t as impressive as 20 great photos on their own), but it is also an act that could compromise the photographer’s reputation. Whether intentionally or not, if unedited photos are circulated, they will only diminish the name of the photographer and their business. In a worst case scenario, it’s even possible for such photos to be used to blackmail the photographer.
Gaining the trust of your client is something that many experienced photographers might take for granted but this is what will ultimately help put the client’s mind at ease – in turn, satisfying their curiosity to see all the photos. Stand by your decision and avoid making exceptions. If you can manage their expectations from the onset, clients will understand that it’s your reputation, your career and your livelihood that makes you the best judge of what photos to provide.
