Should You Get the RAW Photos from Your Headshot Session?
Once upon a time, the industry-standard answer to “Can I get the RAWs?” was a hard no.
But times have changed—and so have we.
At C King Media, we’ve updated our approach to reflect the needs of today’s clients: content creators, entrepreneurs, executives, and marketing teams who want more flexibility and control over their media. So, here’s our take:
If you want the RAW files, and you’re willing to pay for them, then yes—we’ll sell them.
Why Most Photographers Say No to RAWs
RAW files are unfinished. They aren’t color-corrected. They might include light stands in the frame. Backgrounds may have wrinkles. And honestly, they require special software (like Lightroom or Photoshop) just to open them.
Most photographers don’t give them out because:
They don’t want their unedited work circulating.
The files can be misused or misunderstood.
The aesthetic isn’t there yet—RAWs are like uncooked ingredients.
And while we get that… we’ve taken a different route.
Our Standard Headshot Delivery
Here’s how our standard process works:
You pay for the headshot session itself (includes setup, lighting, coaching, backgrounds, and capture).
Then you choose the images you want, and pay per image.
Each selected image includes full professional retouching, licensing, and high-quality digital delivery.
Simple. Clean. Professional.
But What If You Want All the Shots?
Let’s say you loved every pose from your session—or you’re a content creator and need options for 10 thumbnails. Paying for 10 retouched headshots might not make sense… so we offer RAW and color-processed options as upgrades.
Option 1: Buy the RAWs
Yes, we’ll deliver the untouched .CR3 or .NEF files.
We include a contract clause outlining what to expect:
Some photos may have lighting gear or imperfect backgrounds.
These are for clients who know what to do with RAWs.
The price is based on usage and quantity.
Option 2: Color-Processed JPEGs (No Retouching)
We apply our custom color profile and adjust exposure, contrast, and tones.
Great for creators who just need clean images fast.
Ideal for thumbnails, website use, or light graphic work.
Often paired with background removal (available at additional cost).
Option 3: Fully Retouched (Standard Package)
Professional skin retouching
Distraction removal (wrinkles in backdrops, etc.)
Color correction + polish
Ready for LinkedIn, press kits, business cards, etc.
Why This Policy Works
Instead of a rigid no, we offer a tiered delivery system. This helps our clients:
Get what they need for their goals.
Understand what they’re paying for.
Feel served, not sold to.
And it helps us:
Maintain control over quality when needed.
Monetize our value appropriately.
Avoid miscommunication later.
Final Thoughts
Look, we’re not precious about our files—we’re proud of our work. Even our out-of-camera shots are cleaner than most people’s edited ones. But we also know how much value we add through the post-production process.
So if you want RAWs, we’ll make it happen—with clear expectations and transparent pricing. That way, you get exactly what you need—and we stay true to our standards of service and quality.