Digital Delivery
options
When ordering photographic services, the images
may be supplied to you in a number of different
ways, each of which has its benefits. Clients
are often unaware of the options open to them,
or the reasons for chosing one over another. The
end choice is influenced by a range of factors
including job requirements, budget, time committments,
or simply a desire for quality.
Please review this information to aid you in
understanding the pros & cons, and making appropriate decisions as to your requirements.
We are always happy to help explain the options
if you are uncertain. Please contact
us for a friendly discussion at any time.
| RAW Files |
 |
RAW files
are proprietry file formats created
in camera, and are usually only available
on higher end cameras. See our page
on File
Formats for more information. |
|
At Benjamin Townsend
Photography, most jobs are photographed
in RAW format and then exported to other
formats, through appropriate post-production. |
|
They contain the highest
level of photographic information in
the file, but will require additional
processing, and specialised software
to process. |
|
RAW files are generally
the best option for photographing, but
are not a recommended delivery option
unless you are experienced with the
manipulation and processing of RAW images. |
|
| In Camera JPEGs |
|
JPEGs are
a universal format that is recognised
by the vast majority of software programs |
|
In Camera JPEGs are created
in camera, and can be output and viewed
almost immediately. |
|
They are an inferior
option, as all image decisions are made
in camera and all additional photographic
information is dumped (whereas it is
retained with RAW files). Both image
quality and flexibility are reduced. |
|
Will generally require
additional editing and retouching. |
|
They are not a recommended
option, however they will be the cheapest.
Please be aware that some lower cost
photographers may supply only In Camera
JPEGs. |
|
| Batch-converted
Files |
|
These files
are photographed in RAW format and later
converted to a standard format using
specialised RAW processing software. |
|
Images may be batch processed
typically as JPEGs or 8-bit TIFF files.
See our page on File
Formats for more information. |
|
Alternatively, files
may be exported as 16-bit TIFFs although
these will take up considerably more
space and require greater technical
knowledge to manipulate. Please consult
with us to determine if this is appropriate
for you. |
|
Some general adjustments
will have been made in the RAW processing
software, including basic colour correction
and general aesthetic adjustments. |
|
They are not generally
used as final files for many publishing
requirements, and may require technical
or aesthetic colour correction and some
minor retouching. |
|
Batch converted files
are our minimum recommended delivery
option for assignment photography, and
the standard for our event photography. |
|
| RBG Master Files |
|
RGB Master
files are almost always photographed
in RAW format. |
|
Proof sheets of images
are produced for the client, who then
makes a selection of final images from
which the Master Files are created. |
|
They are individually
processed through RAW processing software,
and are fully adjusted, colour-corrected,
sharpened, and have had minor retouching
completed on them. |
|
Master files are specifically
prepared for their required end use
to ensure they highest quality standard
(as the adjustments required will vary
depending upon how they are to be displayed). |
|
RGB Master Files are
Ready To Go. |
|
| CMYK Master Files |
|
CMYK Master
files have almost always been photographed
in RAW format. |
|
They are individually
processed through RAW processing software,
and are fully adjusted, colour-corrected,
sharpened, and have had minor retouching
completed on them. |
|
Master files are specifically
prepared for their required end use
to ensure they highest quality standard
(as the adjustments required will vary
depending upon how they are to be displayed). |
|
Once files are converted
from RGB into CMYK they lose much of
the ability to make adjustments without
degrading image quality. We would generally
recommend that your printer or pre-press
complete this conversion immediately
prior to printing as they will know
most appropriately the current press
conditions. |
|
| Photographic Prints |
|
Files are
correctly output and sent to a photographic
lab to produce high quality photographic
prints. |
|
A range of options available
including sizing and presentation, through
to specialised fine art prints and framing. |
|
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