As videographers and photographers, we often encounter puzzled reactions from clients when they receive draft footage or images that appear flat, dull, and lacking in contrast. Many expect to see a polished result right away, but what they’re actually seeing is the foundation of a much more refined final product.
What Are “Raw” Files?
To start, it’s important to understand what “raw” files are. The videos we shoot are often recorded in a logarithmic profile (Log profile), and the photos are captured in RAW format. These formats are designed to preserve the maximum amount of information in each frame, allowing us to have more flexibility during post-production. However, without proper processing, these files can look less appealing because they are intentionally stripped of contrast and saturation to preserve details.
Why Do We Use Log Profiles and RAW Format?
Imagine you’re shooting a video on your phone against the light at sunset. With a standard profile, the phone will likely lose detail in the shadows or overexpose the sky, resulting in a less balanced image. In contrast, shooting with a logarithmic profile allows us to capture more detail in both bright and dark areas, giving us far more creative control in the editing process.
Similarly, RAW photos work like a digital negative. These files are uncompressed and contain more data than typical JPEGs, which allows us to manipulate the image later without losing quality. Although they may look flat and muted at first, RAW files contain all the necessary information for us to create the vibrant and dynamic final image you expect.
Why Do Drafts Look “Raw”?
When clients see draft videos shot in log or RAW photos before processing, they may be surprised at how flat and colorless they appear. This is completely normal. These raw files are just the starting point—they’re like an unfinished canvas that needs to be refined with color correction and contrast adjustments. Think of them as a painter’s sketch before the real artwork comes to life.
The Importance of Processing
We use these formats to ensure that we have full control over the final look of your video and photos. By working with these unprocessed files, we can fine-tune the colors, lighting, shadows, and textures to bring out the best in each shot. After processing, your images and videos will have the rich colors, balanced contrast, and attention to detail that you imagined.
How to View Raw Drafts?
I understand that seeing the raw footage or unprocessed photos can be confusing. In my next article, I’ll explain how you can view these files and what you’ll need to better understand their potential before they’re fully processed.
This version explains the process, demystifies why drafts look the way they do, and highlights the creative control gained through using log and RAW formats.