What are RAW files (Digital Negatives)?

It used to be that when we shot film, clients wanted to purchase their negatives. We often did sell them, but usually the client waited a year from their wedding date to do so. With those negatives and a good printer, the client could recreate just about everything we were doing for prints. Today, shooting digital there is an equivalent most call the RAW files.  These files are straight out of the camera and generally contain no editing.  The difference between what comes straight out of someones camera and what they display on their website can be hours and hours of work.  Unedited RAW files are not what you see on a photographer’s website galleries or in their portfolio, albums, and or blog.

What is a “High Resolution DVD”?

Well, its a few leaps beyond what the RAW files are. When you receive a High Resolution DVD from me, you are getting the final, edited and ready to print at any size, images. A lot of time has gone into those images as each one has been touched.

It’s very important to note the difference as there is a considerable about of time and effort put into one and absolutely none put in the other.

I don’t sell the RAW files as I sell images in their final state only. When I take a picture, I have a vision of what it will look like on screen, in an album or on a wall/table. That’s what I want to sell because that image represents my business and my vision. As your photographer, that is what you have hired me for… nothing less.

Why would I want the “High Resolution DVD”?

With these files, you can do anything you want.  At the very least, you have a backup copy of your images.  However, with these files you have the right to do just about anything you want: Print, slideshows, Facebook, MySpace… you name it. I offer the High Resolution DVD in all my packages.

Do I own the copyright?

Yes… and No. I retain the copyright to all the images I take. With the High Resolution DVD, you are also given a copyright release that grants you permission to use the images for just about anything you wish.  About the only you can not do with the images is make money.  Then again, we could probably work that out, too!  This release is only for you and your immediate family and may not be transfered to others. So you may ask, what rights does East Orlando Photography retain? Well basically I continue to own the image and can use it to advertise, sell, enter contests, etc.

What Does “final, edited and ready to print” mean?

That’s a great question.  The truth of the matter is that it can and usually does mean just about anything.  The simplest form of editing would be a slight color and contrast adjustment and some sharpening added.  However, it could also mean vignettes, black and white treatment, removing items from the photo (pimples, UFOs, etc).  There really is not much that cannot be done to photos nowadays.

Chris Honour
http://EastOrlandoPhotography.com

Chris Honour | Misc Products | 05 23rd, 2008 |

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