Price for Raw image?

[soul.glo]

Finally getting into some paid work, but I'm wondering what to charge people for my hi res images. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I honestly have no idea where to start.

Thanks!
Jared

 

[Big Mike]

Selling high res images does not mean that you have to give RAW files.

Most photographers will tell you not to give up your RAW files unless it's for a specific purpose, like passing them to a designer/artist for processing. If it's just a public client, they probably wouldn't know what to do with a RAW file anyway.

Just give them the full resolution JPEG that you have processed and/or edited.

As for how much to charge; the basic rule of thumb is to charge enough to make up for the loss of print sales that you might have made.

 

[visualpoetry]

Well said, Big Mike.

I never give out my RAW files - only high resolution JPEGs.
My profits arent generated from print sales, in most instances. With that being said, I charge $35-$45/file or $300-$400 for all of them.

Now, when I sell digital files I have them sign an agreement and make sure they fully understand that they are not allowed to edit, crop or do anything to alter the image(s). Then, I explain that if they decide to get large enlargements (11x14 and larger) that I would recommend they have them done through me so I can ensure a professional quality. Because we all know if someone takes a file and gives it to Target to print (on high glossy paper) it looks like poo. Small prints are do-able.

But thats just me. Like Mike said, make sure you charge to make up the difference from the lost print sales.

 

[Sarah23]

Yeah, dont give out Raw unless its for something like what Mike said.

I have the option for my clients to buy hi-rs jpegs if they like. They are $150 each after a $800 print order, and the file must be of one of the images they have ordered as a print. I dont seel a whole CD of files at a cheaper rate. I dont like selling them so I make it worth my time. This past session I sold 3 files because that comes with my largest package...while I still hate it, the sale was $2300 so I got over it.