Client inquiring about RAWs.

A local food brand i did a spec ad for an assignment for reached out to work w me!

there was one project where they were collaborating with a few culinary professionals for a collab product.

and then i created a quote for that.

for some reason they scrapped that idea, and they shared instead they needed photos for their brand and products.

and thennn they asked me in their project inquiry "With a tighter and more streamlined scope in mind, would there be room to include access to a selection of unretouched raw photos for more flexible use over time

If there’s a version of the shoot that keeps things efficient on your end while giving us a bit more flexibility on deliverables, we’d love to explore that with you."

I am a photography student and emerging photographer so this is my first time navigating these situations. I'm feeling quite iffy.

Okay obviously I understand to not give away your RAWs to clients, pre shit thing to do esp as an emerging photographer. but I've heard about raw buyouts...? Charge double or triple or idk a high price, create a contract about not crediting me etc.

I've also asked AI/gemini n it suggested to replace this option and share some photos with basic editing.

idk. but that just feels unfinished. aaaaa. it feels like either do a shoot no raws, or buyout the raws and I can't use it for my portfolio:/ pretty tough because I actually enjoy this brand I actual eat their products!

I'm learning and learning, so I am curious to understand why brands need such and how to go about this.