Do Wedding Photographers Give You the RAW Files?

I'm Eric Goldstein, a Boca Raton wedding photographer. Couples ask me this a lot, so here is the plain answer.

The Short Answer

Most wedding photographers don't include RAW files, and my packages don't either. What you get is every image fully edited, in full resolution, with a print release. RAW files are available from me as an add-on if you want them.

What a RAW File Is

A RAW file is what the camera's sensor records before any processing. It looks flat and a little dull on purpose, because it holds the most information for editing. You can't post one, and most print labs won't take one. You need editing software to turn it into a photo.

Why Photographers Edit Before They Deliver

The edit is part of the work. Color, contrast, skin tones and exposure are decided in the edit, and that is a big part of why one photographer's gallery looks different from another's. A folder of unedited files doesn't show what I made of your day. I edit every image myself, so the gallery you receive is the finished work.

What You Get Instead

Every image fully edited. A full wedding day typically comes out to 600 to 900 images.
Full-resolution downloads from a private online gallery, which you can share with family and friends directly.
A print release. You can print, frame and post your photos without a licensing fee, now or five years from now.
A selection of black and white images in every gallery, in both color and black and white where it applies.

I don't pad galleries with duplicates or near-identical frames. Every image I deliver is one I'd be proud to show.

Download Your Gallery and Back It Up

My galleries stay active for 12 months, and I can extend that if you ask. Download your photos soon after you get them and save them in two places, such as an external drive and a cloud account. That protects your photos no matter who shot them.

Questions to Ask Any Photographer About Files

Are the delivered images edited, and are they full resolution?
Do I get a print release, or do I pay a licensing fee to print my own photos?
How long does the online gallery stay active?
Do I have to buy an album or prints to get the best images?
Are RAW files available, and what do they cost?

Common Questions

Do wedding photographers give you the RAW files?

Most don't. My packages include every image fully edited in full resolution, with a print release. RAW files are available as an add-on if you want them.

Who owns the wedding photos?

It depends on the photographer's contract, so read it. With me, a print release is included, so you can print, frame and post your photos without a licensing fee.

Can I print my wedding photos?

Yes, if you have a print release. Mine is included in every package, and there's no licensing fee to print, frame or post your photos.

How long does a wedding photo gallery stay online?

Mine stay active for 12 months, and I can extend a gallery if you ask. Download your photos and keep copies in two places.

Do I have to buy an album to get my wedding photos?

Not with me. The full edited gallery is yours to download. Albums and prints are add-ons.

Planning a South Florida Wedding?

Send me your date and venue and I'll tell you if I'm free. Get in touch here.