One of the questions couples ask is: “Should we get the raw footage too?”
For context we'll use the word "raw" for the sake of this article but please watch this video here to see why that word alone can be rather tricky. Annnnd it's not even an option with phtoo17.com but in order to be a real resource rather you shoot with us or not it's nice information to be aware of.
Raw footage might seem like a great bonus, but is it really worth it?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
What raw wedding footage actually is
The pros and cons of getting it
Why some couples love it and others find it overwhelming
Whether or not it’s the right choice for you
1. What is Raw Wedding Footage?
Raw footage is the unedited, straight-from-the-camera video files from your wedding day.
This means:
No color correction or enhancements
No music or sound adjustments
No cuts, transitions, or storytelling elements
-What’s Included in Raw Footage?
Hours of video clips from different cameras
Footage of key moments, but also mistakes, pauses, and camera adjustments
Multiple angles of the same scene, some of which may be repetitive
Background noise and audio imperfections
-PRO TIP: Think of raw footage like a pile of puzzle pieces—it contains everything, but it’s not assembled into a final product.
2. The Pros & Cons of Getting Raw Footage
Not sure if you need raw footage? Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages.
TIP: If you’re not comfortable editing videos yourself, raw footage might not be very useful to you.
3. Who Should Get Raw Footage?
Raw footage isn’t for everyone, but it can be a great option for certain couples.
✅ You Should Get Raw Footage If…
You want every single moment, even the outtakes and behind-the-scenes clips.
You plan to edit or re-edit your wedding video in the future.
You want backup files in case you ever need more footage.
❌ You Might NOT Need Raw Footage If…
You prefer a professionally polished, easy-to-watch final video.
You don’t have editing software or experience with video files.
You trust your videographer to create a beautiful final film and don’t feel the need to keep extra footage.
TIP: If you just want extra clips of certain moments, ask your videographer for a "bonus footage reel" instead of full raw footage.
4. How is Raw Footage Delivered?
Raw footage isn’t like a normal video file—it requires specific software and storage.
-Common Raw Footage Delivery Methods:
External Hard Drive – A common option due to the large file sizes.
Cloud Storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) – Convenient but may require extra storage fees.
Direct File Transfer (WeTransfer, Filemail, etc.) – Ideal for shorter clips but not large wedding footage.
-PRO TIP: Make sure you have enough digital storage space if you plan to keep raw footage. A full wedding’s raw files can be 100GB+!
5. Should You Get Raw Footage or Just the Edited Video?
Still undecided? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Let’s chat! Contact Me Here to book your wedding videography package with Photo17.com today.
Yeager,
Wedding Videographer
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