If you’ve ever joined a photography group on Facebook or scrolled through a professional forum, you’ve probably seen the heated debate: Should photographers give clients all unedited photos, or should the photographer select and edit only the best images?
This discussion often turns into a full-blown battle online.
The Case for Giving All Photos
Photographers who provide every photo argue that transparency is key. They believe clients should have the freedom to choose their favorite shots for editing. Some even suggest that if a photographer is confident in their skills, there’s no reason to “hide” unedited images. To them, withholding files feels like greed or insecurity.
The Case Against Sharing RAWs or Unedited Files
On the other side, many photographers argue that giving unedited files creates more problems than it solves. Clients may compare edited vs. unedited versions and get confused about quality. Sometimes, unedited images are even posted online without retouching — making the photographer look unprofessional.
Practical reasons also matter:
· RAW files are huge and unreadable without special software.
· Converting everything to JPEG and uploading can take a long time.
· Culling (selecting the best shots) is part of the photographer’s expertise and workflow.
· Most importantly, unedited photos do not reflect the photographer’s style. Straight-out-of-camera images are flat, low-contrast, and lack the polished look that clients expect.
Finding a Middle Solution
Thanks to today’s technology, there’s a practical middle ground. Almost every modern camera can connect via WiFi or Bluetooth to a tablet or phone. With free native apps, photographers can let clients view photos right after the shoot:
· Canon Camera Connect (Android/iOS)
· Nikon SnapBridge (Android/iOS)
· Sony Imaging Edge Mobile (Android/iOS)
In addition, there are paid iOS apps like Capture One and ShutterSnitch that offer advanced tethering and client preview features.
Here’s how it works: download the app, connect your camera, and hand your client a tablet. They can manually browse images on a large, high-quality screen and even rate their favorites. These ratings are later visible in Lightroom, making the editing process seamless.
Advantages of On-the-Spot Selection
1) Instant trust. Clients see results right away — the “here and now” principle builds confidence.
2) Guided selection. You can explain what retouching will improve (skin, background distractions) and help clients focus on the right details.
3) Time saved. No need to upload, convert, and wait for client feedback later. You leave the session already knowing what to edit.
4) The colors remain exactly as in the camera — bright, vibrant, and full of depth — even when shooting in RAW format.
Unlike in Lightroom, where RAW files are automatically adjusted and may look flat or different.
If your camera is old generation and doesn’t support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, you might want to look into CamRanger. It’s a portable device that connects to your camera via USB and creates an instant wireless connection with your tablet or smartphone. You can mount it on the hot shoe for convenience, but it also works perfectly if placed next to the camera or attached to a tripod or strap. With CamRanger you get live view shooting, wireless transfer, and the ability to review photos on a larger tablet screen with rating options later.
Drawbacks:
A good tablet with a bright, high-resolution screen can be pricey.
Some clients may get carried away, and the selection process can take longer than expected — so it’s best to set clear time limits in advance.
Final Thoughts
Whether or not to share unedited photos remains a personal choice for every photographer. But with modern tools, there’s now a way to involve clients without sacrificing professionalism. Allowing them to choose their favorites on the spot combines transparency, efficiency, and a polished workflow — making both you and your clients happy.
Personally, I only can return (upon request) unedited solo baby photos during cake smash, baby, and newborn packages, where every little change in a baby’s expression is truly precious.
