If you've ever admired a professional photograph and noticed a discreet watermark or wondered why photographers don’t share RAW files, you’re not alone. These practices aren’t just about being finicky—they’re about protecting the craft, ensuring quality, and maintaining a professional standard. Let me explain.
Why We Watermark
-
Protecting Copyright: A watermark is like a digital signature, a way to remind viewers that the image is copyrighted and can’t be used without permission. It’s a safeguard against misuse in a world where images travel across the internet faster than you can say "cheese."
-
Brand Identity: As photographers, our style is our brand, and a watermark reinforces that. It ensures people know who created the image and can even help potential clients find us if they stumble across our work.
-
Marketing: A watermark serves as free advertising. When someone shares an image with a watermark, it acts as a virtual business card, sparking interest and leading viewers straight to the creator.
Why We Don’t Provide RAW Files
-
Size Matters: RAW files are massive. These unprocessed files contain all the data captured by the camera, making them difficult to share and manage without specialised software. And a Jpeg files is not a RAW file. ;)
-
Unfinished Work: Think of a RAW file as a rough draft—it’s not the polished, final product. Part of my service is the artistry of editing, where the magic happens. By the time you receive your images, they’ve been refined to reflect my vision and your story.
-
Why Would You Want Them?: Unless you’re a photographer yourself or have specific editing skills, a RAW file isn’t much use. It’s not ready for printing, sharing, or displaying—essentially, it’s an incomplete experience.
The Bottom Line
Watermarking and not sharing RAW files aren’t about being possessive—it’s about ensuring professionalism, protecting creative work, and delivering the best possible result. As a photographer, my priority is to give you images you’ll cherish for a lifetime, polished and ready to shine.
I’m incredibly proud of the images I create for my clients. They’re not just photos—they’re pieces of art, crafted with care and dedication. So, when I see these same images shared on social media without my watermark, it honestly breaks my heart.
Think about it: when someone buys a designer dress, do they cut the label off? When they drive a car, do they peel off the brand badge? Of course not. So why should photography be any different?
This isn’t just about me—it’s a widespread issue that affects almost every photographer. Our watermark represents our brand and hard work, and removing it is like erasing the artist behind the art.
Please, respect us and the effort we put into creating something special for you. Keeping that watermark intact goes a long way in acknowledging our work and supporting the craft. Thank you!
Have more questions about my process? I’m always happy to chat!
