You just finished a wedding shoot. 2,000 photos. 80GB of RAW files. The couple wants to see everything before you cull. Email laughs at you. Cloud storage will take hours to upload. And you promised them access tonight.
Professional photographers face this constantly. RAW files are massive, clients expect fast delivery, and traditional sharing methods weren’t designed for this workflow.
This guide covers every practical method for sharing RAW photo files with clients, tested in real photography businesses.
Why RAW Files Are So Large
RAW files capture everything the camera sensor sees, unprocessed. This creates files 5-10x larger than JPEGs.
File size comparison (24MP camera):
- JPEG (high quality): 8-12MB
- RAW (CR2, NEF, ARW): 25-40MB
- Medium format RAW: 50-100MB
- High-res RAW (Sony A7R V): 60-120MB
A single portrait session can generate 10GB. A wedding can hit 100GB. Product photographers shooting tethered can fill 500GB in a day.
Traditional sharing methods collapse under this volume.
Method 1: Cloud Storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
Best for: Photographers who already pay for large cloud storage plans
If you have a business cloud plan, this is the most straightforward option.
Google Drive process:
- Create folder for client shoot
- Upload RAW files (drag and drop or Backup and Sync)
- Right-click folder > Share
- Enter client email or set to “Anyone with the link”
- Set permissions to “Viewer” (download only)
- Copy link and send to client
Dropbox process:
- Create client folder
- Upload files (Dropbox desktop app fastest)
- Right-click folder > Share
- Create link or invite client
- Send link
OneDrive process:
- Upload to OneDrive (desktop app recommended)
- Right-click folder > Share
- Set permissions
- Send link
Storage requirements for photographers:
For active photographers shooting regularly, you need significant storage:
- Wedding photographer: 500GB minimum
- Portrait photographer: 200GB minimum
- Commercial photographer: 1TB+
Pricing reality:
- Google Workspace: $12/mo (2TB)
- Dropbox Professional: $20/mo (3TB)
- OneDrive: $10/mo (1TB with Microsoft 365)
Pros:
- Familiar to clients
- Permanent storage (until you delete)
- Desktop sync apps for easier upload
- Mobile app access for clients
Cons:
- Upload time (hours for large shoots)
- Then client downloads (hours again)
- Monthly cost adds up
- Counts against storage quota
Photographer reality check: Uploading 50GB on typical home internet (10Mbps upload) takes 11 hours. Client downloading takes another 2-5 hours on their end. Not ideal for “need it tonight” scenarios.
Method 2: WeTransfer
Best for: One-time transfers, clients who recognize the brand
WeTransfer is widely used in creative industries.
How to use WeTransfer:
- Go to wetransfer.com
- Click “Add files”
- Select RAW files (or drag entire folder)
- Enter client email
- Add message
- Click Transfer
- Client gets email with download link (expires 7 days)
WeTransfer limits:
- Free: 2GB per transfer
- Pro ($12/mo): 200GB per transfer, custom branding, password protection
The 2GB problem: 2GB is roughly 50-80 RAW files depending on camera. For a wedding (2,000+ photos), you’d need to:
- Send 25+ separate transfers, or
- Pay for Pro ($12/mo)
Pros:
- Clean, professional interface
- No account needed (free tier)
- Widely recognized brand
- Email notification to client
Cons:
- 2GB limit (free) is too small for most shoots
- 7-day expiry (client must download or it’s gone)
- Upload can be slow/unreliable for large batches
- No organization (all files in flat list)
When to use: Small shoots (under 100 photos), retouched finals delivery, or if you pay for Pro.
Method 3: File Sharing Services for Photographers
Best for: Professional photographers who deliver files regularly
Several services are built specifically for photographers.
Pixieset:
- Unlimited storage (paid plans)
- Client galleries with download
- RAW file delivery
- Custom branding
- Print sales integration
- Pricing: $8-16/mo
ShootProof:
- Client galleries
- RAW download option
- Print fulfillment
- Contract and invoice tools
- Pricing: $10-30/mo
Pass:
- Gallery sharing
- Password protection
- Custom branding
- Simple interface
- Pricing: $10-40/mo
Pic-Time:
- Client galleries
- RAW file delivery
- AI face detection
- Sales tools
- Pricing: $12-22/mo
What these offer:
- Beautiful client galleries
- Selective download (client picks favorites)
- RAW + JPEG delivery together
- Password protection
- Custom branding (your logo, domain)
- Analytics (what clients viewed)
Pros:
- Purpose-built for photography workflow
- Professional presentation
- Print sales integration
- Unlimited storage (most plans)
- Handle RAW files natively
Cons:
- Monthly subscription (adds to business costs)
- Client must create account (some services)
- Upload still takes time
- Feature bloat (if you just need file transfer)
When to use: You’re a full-time photographer who delivers to clients weekly, wants professional galleries, or sells prints.
Method 4: Link-Based File Sharing
Best for: Fast delivery, diverse clients, simple workflow
Services built for file sharing (not gallery presentation) focus on getting files to clients quickly.
How FileGrab works for photography:
- Go to filegrab.link
- Click “New Link”
- Get shareable link instantly: filegrab.link/abc123
- Upload RAW files (drag folder of photos)
- Send link to client via email or text
- Client opens link, downloads files (no account)
Why this works for photographers:
Link-first model: Create the link before uploading. Send link to client immediately, upload photos while they’re waiting. They see files appear in real-time.
Real-time updates: Client opens link, refreshes page, watches photos appear as you upload. Eliminates “is it ready yet?” messages.
No client friction: Client doesn’t need account, app, or software. Just click, download. Works on phone, tablet, computer.
Real photography scenario: You’re shooting an event. Client wants to see photos during the event for social media.
- Create FileGrab link before event: filegrab.link/xyz789
- Send to client: “Photos will appear here throughout the event”
- During breaks, upload batches of RAW files from camera
- Client’s social media person watches link, downloads favorites
- Shares to Instagram within minutes of capture
- Async, real-time workflow
FileGrab for RAW files:
- Free: 100MB storage (3-4 RAW files)
- Pro: 10GB storage, 2GB max file size
- Pro features: password protection (client privacy), forever links (keep online indefinitely), delete files (remove rejects), end-to-end encryption (sensitive shoots)
Pros:
- Fast time-to-client (link exists before upload)
- No recipient account needed
- Clean, ad-free interface (even free tier)
- Password protection (Pro)
- Real-time delivery
Cons:
- Free tier too small for full shoots
- Not a gallery tool (just file transfer)
- Pro tier 10GB (good for session, tight for weddings)
When to use: Quick delivery of RAW files, client proofing, small-to-medium shoots, or when client specifically requests RAW files without needing a gallery.
Method 5: FTP/SFTP Server
Best for: Commercial photographers with ongoing client relationships
FTP is the professional standard for large file delivery in commercial photography.
How it works:
- Set up FTP server (your own or hosting provider)
- Create client folder with credentials
- Upload files via FTP client (FileZilla, Transmit)
- Send credentials to client
- Client downloads via FTP client
FTP server options:
- Self-hosted (NAS device at studio)
- Managed hosting (SiteGround, Bluehost with FTP)
- Dedicated FTP service (SmashFTP, FileZilla Server)
Pros:
- Unlimited file size
- Very fast transfers
- Complete control
- Professional standard in commercial work
Cons:
- Technical setup required
- Client needs FTP software
- Security concerns (use SFTP)
- Ongoing server costs or maintenance
When to use: You shoot commercial work for agencies, publications, or brands who expect FTP delivery. Or you have regular high-volume clients.
Method 6: Physical Drives
Best for: Massive shoots, local client handoff, archival delivery
Sometimes physical media is still the answer.
When physical makes sense:
- Wedding (100GB+) to local client
- Commercial shoot (500GB+) where internet upload is impractical
- Client specifically requests physical backup
- Destination with poor internet
How to do it professionally:
- Use USB 3.0+ drive (speed matters)
- Format as exFAT (works Mac and Windows)
- Organize clearly (folders by setup, sequence, etc.)
- Include README.txt with folder explanation
- Include low-res JPEGs for quick browsing
- Professional packaging
- Hand deliver or ship with tracking
Drive costs:
- 128GB USB 3.0: $15-25
- 1TB external SSD: $80-120
- Build into project quote
Pros:
- No upload time
- No download time (client has files immediately)
- Works offline
- Tangible deliverable
Cons:
- Drive cost
- Shipping delays (if not hand-delivered)
- Can be lost
- Client must return drive or you buy many
When to use: Client is local, shoot is massive (50GB+), or client specifically wants physical backup.
Method 7: Portfolio/Gallery Platforms
Best for: Showing work for selection, not final delivery
Platforms like SmugMug, Zenfolio, or Adobe Portfolio are great for viewing but not ideal for RAW delivery.
Why these aren’t optimal for RAW sharing:
- Most are built for JPEG viewing
- RAW files don’t display in galleries
- Download features vary by platform
- Expensive for just file delivery
When to use these: Client browses gallery of JPEGs, selects favorites, then you deliver RAW files of selections via different method.
Step-by-Step: Delivering Wedding RAW Files
Real-world example: 2,200 RAW files, 75GB total, bride wants all unculled photos.
Best method: Combination approach
Phase 1: Quick preview (day after wedding)
- Cull to best 500 photos
- Export low-res JPEGs (2MB each, 1GB total)
- Create FileGrab Pro link: filegrab.link/smith-wedding
- Enable password protection
- Upload JPEGs (15 minutes)
- Send to bride: “Preview photos here, full RAW files coming tonight”
- Bride browses on phone, shows family
Phase 2: Full RAW delivery (evening)
- Upload batches of RAW files to Google Drive (your business account)
- Organize by ceremony, reception, portraits, details
- Share folder with bride
- Send email with folder link
- Includes note: “Files available for 90 days, download to your backup”
Phase 3: Final delivery (after retouching)
- Retouched finals (200 photos, exported as high-res JPEG)
- Upload to Pixieset gallery
- Client can order prints, download finals
- Professional presentation
Why this works:
- Immediate gratification (JPEGs same day)
- Full RAW files within 24 hours
- Professional final delivery
- Uses each tool for its strength
RAW File Formats and Client Compatibility
Different cameras produce different RAW formats:
- Canon: .CR2, .CR3
- Nikon: .NEF
- Sony: .ARW
- Fujifilm: .RAF
- Olympus/OM System: .ORF
- Panasonic: .RW2
The problem: Most clients can’t open RAW files.
Solutions:
Option 1: Include RAW + JPEG Export JPEG alongside each RAW. Client can view JPEGs, download RAW files for their archive.
Option 2: Include instructions Provide README.txt with links to free RAW viewers:
- Adobe DNG Converter (converts to universal DNG)
- FastStone Image Viewer (Windows, free)
- XnView (Mac/Windows, free)
Option 3: Convert to DNG Adobe DNG is universal RAW format. Convert before sharing if client specifically needs RAW access.
Option 4: Just send RAW Many clients say they want RAW files but just archive them. They view your retouched JPEGs.
Compression: Does It Help?
ZIP compression on RAW files:
- Canon CR2: 40MB → 39MB (3% reduction)
- Nikon NEF: 35MB → 34MB (3% reduction)
- Sony ARW: 42MB → 40MB (5% reduction)
RAW files are already efficiently packed. Compression barely helps.
When to ZIP anyway:
- Keeps files organized (one download instead of 2,000)
- Some clients expect ZIP files
- Prevents individual files from being lost
When not to ZIP:
- Upload takes longer (must compress first)
- Client must unzip (extra step)
- Can’t preview files before downloading all
Upload Speed Reality Check
Understanding upload times helps set client expectations.
Example: 50GB wedding shoot
| Internet Upload Speed | Upload Time |
|---|---|
| 5 Mbps (typical home) | 22 hours |
| 10 Mbps (good home) | 11 hours |
| 35 Mbps (fiber) | 3 hours |
| 100 Mbps (business) | 1 hour |
Pro tips for faster uploads:
- Upload overnight
- Use Ethernet (not Wi-Fi)
- Pause other internet activity
- Use desktop sync apps (faster than web)
- Upload in batches (more reliable)
Client Download Experience
You’ve uploaded the files. Now what does the client experience?
Best practices for client delivery:
1. Send clear instructions “Your photos are ready at [link]. Click to download all, or select individual favorites. Files available for 30 days.”
2. Set expectations on size “Full download is 45GB. On typical home internet, this takes 2-4 hours. You can download in batches.”
3. Provide alternatives “If download is too large, let me know and I can ship a USB drive.”
4. Include timeline “Files available for 30 days. Please download to your backup before [date].”
5. Offer support “Having trouble downloading? Call or text me: [phone]“
Security for Client Photos
Client photos are private. Protect them appropriately.
For typical shoots:
- Password-protected links
- Expiring access (30-90 days)
- Don’t use public links without password
For sensitive shoots (celebrity, medical, legal):
- End-to-end encryption
- Short expiration (7-14 days)
- Watermark previews
- Physical drive only (no internet transfer)
For boudoir/intimate photography:
- Always password protect
- Use encryption (FileGrab Pro, Tresorit)
- Delete from servers after client downloads
- Document deletion in contract
Photography File Sharing Checklist
Before sharing RAW files with clients:
- Organize files logically (folders by setup, time, etc.)
- Check total file size
- Choose appropriate sharing method
- Create password if sensitive
- Test download yourself
- Send clear instructions to client
- Set expectations on file size and download time
- Specify expiration date
- Provide your contact for support
- Consider including low-res JPEGs for quick viewing
Which Method Should Photographers Use?
For wedding/event full RAW delivery: Cloud storage (if you have large plan) or physical drive for massive shoots.
For client proofing RAW files: Link-based sharing with password protection.
For commercial client delivery: FTP if they expect it, otherwise link-based sharing.
For retouched finals presentation: Photography gallery platform (Pixieset, ShootProof, etc.)
For quick turnaround (event, sports): Link-based sharing with real-time upload.
Most photographers benefit from:
- Gallery platform for final presentation (Pixieset)
- Cloud storage for long-term backup/delivery (Google Workspace)
- Fast sharing tool for quick delivery (FileGrab)
Use each tool for its strength. Don’t force a gallery platform to be a file delivery system, and don’t use cloud storage when you need instant delivery.
Make Client Delivery Professional
Your photography is professional. Your file delivery should be too.
Clients don’t care about the technical challenges of 75GB uploads. They want their photos quickly, securely, and without hassle.
The best delivery method depends on shoot size, client expectations, and turnaround time. Most photographers need multiple tools in their workflow.
For fast, simple RAW file delivery, FileGrab focuses on one thing: getting files from you to your client with zero friction.
Try it with your next shoot. Free tier works for small sessions. Pro tier ($10/month) handles larger shoots with password protection, forever links, and end-to-end encryption for sensitive work.
Get started: Visit filegrab.link and create your first link. Upload RAW files up to 100MB free, or upgrade to Pro for 2GB file support, 10GB storage, password protection, and encryption. No ads, no bloat, just reliable file delivery for professional photographers.