RAW files and copyright advice please

Hi,
I'm wondering if anybody can help me with this...
I've been asked by a Sri Lankan wildlife charity to supply a few images from a recent trip there. It's a good charity in a poor country that holds a fantastic but diminishing wildlife population so I'm happy to do this for nothing.
They want the images as the original RAW file and my slight concern is that the files might end up being used by people other than the ones I've permitted. I want to guard against this. Is there a way to embed a copyright symbol into a RAW file? Has anybody else any experience of this sort of scanrio who could offer some advice?
All best,
Dave

There is no reason for them to need the RAW file - sounds like someone doesn't understand what they actually need.

I'd suggest that you simply tell them they can't have the RAW and that you'll send them a properly processed and optimised Hi-Res Tiff file instead. Then you can embed the appropriate metadata into that file too. If they can't handle the size of the tiff file, then send them a jpeg file at Quality 12. If you're sending them a CD, then include both files.

As to embeding a © symbol on the RAW image - no you can't do that . You could only add it as part of the metadata using something like Breezebrowser.

I do this quite a bit for wildlife trusts/ animal orphanages etc. I send jpegs at 12 from RAW with small copyright notice bottom right and state that I am happy for the photos to be used to help the charity in fundraising/publicity purposes but for no other purpose. I usually do them some sRGB smaller images for web use. I usually chuck in a couple of good prints too.
Think it helps our relationship with these organisations. Sometimes I also want property releases
Peter

I would not send the RAW file as this (at the moment at least) is like the original tranny/neg - It kinda proves that you own the image for to produce another from a print from Tiff would be problematic.

T

I would agree about the RAW request, but would suggest you ask them what size they are using it at, then supply a CMYK 300 dpi image to that size with 3mm bleed all round. Then it can only be used at that size or smaller. If they request an A4 well you could be screewed. A laser copy or print with the file would help on at proofing stage so they can see what the end result should be like

Steve

Supplying a CMYK file is a bad idea! You should always supply an RGB file unless explicitly requested otherwise.

CMYK has a much smaller colour gamut than RGB - once converted the extra colours can't be recovered from the file. Leave the CMYK conversions to the layout/prepress gurus!

I agree that there is no reason or sense in sending a RAW file. A .tiff or .jpg will more than suffice, and that with your full copyright notice and contact details in the EXIF.
I would also insist on a credit for you and your website into the bargain.

Our local Wildlife Charities, and I supply both Kent and Suffolk with images, are more than happy to do so and never need more than a 300dpi .jpg unless doing large posters. Then only a .tiff.

HIH

Ian

Oh gosh... agree never ever ever offer or supply a CMYK file....Any file supplied should be in aRGB, We, as a relatively large 'commercial' unit will not contract to supply CMYK...

Sounds like they are not too sure what they are after... simply offer them a high resolution TIFF or JPG explaining that you prefer to do the initial post processing... of course that doesn't mean they won't do their own stuff to the file, particularly if it is printed in the far east (we won't go there but causes us huge problems)

Simply embed your copyright details, contact and any other information using file info in Photoshop.... also repeat as much of the contact details within the caption field as not all software reads the EXIF correctly...

HTH and best of luck

Phil

Thanks for your help with this gentlemen. This'll be a new one for me so I really wasn't sure how to proceed. However I am now!
Cheers, Dave