Selling Raw Images

[Caserz1986]

Long story short...
My contracted package included 30 edited images on a CD/DVD.


Sent client the 30 images, and they were not completely satisfied,
and are in need of many more images, and are asking for the RAW files (all 1500+ of them, or possibly less).


In all honesty, this is the ONLY situation where I would sell my RAW images.
I want to squash the whole ordeal and just move on.


Any ideas of how much I should charge?
I was thinking a separate price for each, such as:
$/per image
$/per CD
$ for release


The release brings me to another question...
how much to charge for that in regards to the large amount of images being asked for. Also, anyone have a "sample" written/typed release for this type of situation?



Lots of questions here, haha
But THANK YOUUU so muchhhh for any help and advice!
ALL is appreciated and welcomed!!

[Some Idiot]

It's so hard to answer these questions, a lot of it is up to you and your business model.

I wouldn't sell my RAW images (unless it was a very special reason, but then it would still be hard)

I would say................ $25.00 per image

[ChristopherCoy]

I'd clarify their request, and if they are actually wanting the RAW files... then I'd give them 'the finger'.

If you sell them the raw files, they could obliterate them, then post a blog about how worthless you are. See here.

Of course they could do that anyway, but having the raw files just gives them more ammo.


RAW files are NEVER negotiable in my book.

[ldelacruz]

Is this a wedding or portrait session? I ask because 1500 is a lot of pics. What are they not happy about? If it is a portrait session then 30 edited images is a lot. I usually only give 4-5 final pics and never the RAW file. Good luck because you can't make everyone happy!

[Caserz1986]

They viewed all images right after the shoot (sooc), and they loveddddd them, which brought me warm fuzzies, of course. After editing (slight adjustment in curves and levels) and delivering the 30 images as contracted, they expressed the images weren't coming far enough from a "fashion perspective." This is the reason, they are looking for further images, as well as 30 images not being enough in quantity.

This was for an upcoming designer, btw. The 30 images are clearly not enough for the amount of work done, but I was hired to produced 30 images, and all other edited images would be purchased at a separate cost. (the original set up was to shoot outside, but last minute demands (on their behalf) forced us into a studio shooting 2 shoots in 1, if that makes any sense, resulting in 1500+ images, and 4 hours of extra shooting time)


Sooo yeah, ultimately, I'm thinking the same. I'd reallyyyyyyyyyyyyy hate to part with my raw images. NEVER in fact. I think I just need to stick to my guns, and say no. It will prob benefit both parties in the long run, anyway. Thanks guys!


RAW images NON-NEGOTIABLE. EVER.

I think that's how it should be... for every photographer.


AGAIN, thanks sooo much!!

[rab3rd]

I wouldnt part with them. Did you show them the edited shots on your caled monitor or did they just look at them on their monitor.

[Caserz1986]

Rob, I did mention that only my comp monitor was calibrated accordingly, and they understood that agreement. They have not viewed them on my comp, but were in need of the images asap (as in less than 24 hours), leaving no time for me to print with my own personal printing house. <<<---- Also, understood by the client.

This is what I am thinking too, though... their screen calibration is wayyy off in regards to my own personal.


I am meeting with them on Monday, and will discuss this further.


Also, contract states that I do not release images which aren't deemed credible to my artistic standards. So I guess that in itself, says no to the raw files.

[ldelacruz]

Ooh! Fashion Designer. Good Luck!

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Caserz1986

This was for an upcoming designer, btw. The 30 images are clearly not enough for the amount of work done, but I was hired to produced 30 images, and all other edited images would be purchased at a separate cost. (the original set up was to shoot outside, but last minute demands (on their behalf) forced us into a studio shooting 2 shoots in 1, if that makes any sense, resulting in 1500+ images, and 4 hours of extra shooting time)

Speaking from personal experience.... it sounds like:

-you bit off more than you could chew
-they didn't have the budget to hire an experienced fashion photographer
-they now want the RAW files to send to a GD or other photographer to 'fix'.

And if the above is the case.... there is NO WAY I'd let the RAW files out.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Caserz1986

I am meeting with them on Monday, and will discuss this further.

Its not going to do any good. Trust me, like I said, personal experience.

They are going to want the RAW files at any cost, and if you dont deliver, you will be the scum of the earth. I'd cut your losses, tell them you delivered per your contract, and then contact your lawyer just in case.

[Caserz1986]

Chris, I completely agree! After it all, I figured I let the "idea" of the experience and exposure get the best of me, which resulted in me over working, over stressing, and well... now, this added raw files situation surely doesn't help.

Never again. I loveee the fashion photog world, but only as a consumer. I love the look and feel, but behind it all, its a little to "harsh" for me. My own personal work is about celebrating who you are in the God-given body you are in... I'm not much for all of the other glam and whatnot, but I have worked with a few studio models in the past, and it worked out very well, so I figured this would, too. But over all, this was confirmation that I need to continue to sink my feet further in the sand of family/children's portraiture.

Not only that, but there was a "set designer", and the fashion designer knew exactly how she wanted the lighting and posing, so really, I didn't have much creative voice, and in turn felt like a button pusher, or in this case a "shutter pusher". Not my kinda thing...


With her being an upcoming designer/artist... just as myself, I felt the need to "bless" her and cut-back costs on her part. I, personally, know its hard financially to start a business, and I guess being an "artist", I let my emotions get the best of me, and one favor turned into numerous favors resulting in me "biting off my than I can chew"


Thanks for the advice!! Well taken! =D

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Caserz1986

Thanks for the advice!! Well taken! =D

I've been there done that... and learned my lesson quickly.

I got a good lesson out of it though.... never let a nude model and a chocolate cake out on the set at the same time. Ask Brittany about that one....

[Caserz1986]

haha! Def a lesson learned! Glad and thankful, I learned it though!

[texpic]

Let me understand this. Someone is offering to purchase 1500 images from you and you are being advised not to do it because they are in the RAW format? I realize there is a bit more flexibility with RAW, that is why I always shoot RAW, but other than making it easier to adjust color tones I see no difference than if it was a JPG.

Everyone's business plan should start with, "lets not piss anybody off." If thery are willing to pay you a fair price I'd take the cash.

[Caserz1986]

haha @ Carl!


You know I met with them today, and its getting to the point where that may just happen. I hear ya, Carl!

Still battling with it. On one hand I want to give them the images, but on the other, I'm scurrred of getting wrongly blasted over the internet. Not that, that REALLY did affect Clayton Austin (and his situation), but uhhh I don't have his number of clientele... not yet, anyway. ;-)


Its a HUGE long story, and its too much to type out. Basically, I'm in a bind, and never would have been should I have chose to politely decline this fashion session. I've never had issues with my clients, but again, a lesson is def being learned.