Let's Chat Editing!
In this blog post, we will chat all things editing!
As a business owner, you are faced with many MANY decisions about how you will operate a business, not only efficiently but also ethically. For photographers, we have a whole other set of decisions to make regarding how we edit our images. The topic of editing can be quite controversial, so if you're looking to begin a career in photographer: take this with a grain of salt, do your own research and at the end of the day do what feels right to you.
DISCLAIMER:
I like to think that the below disclaimer is an unspoken thing to those who are familiar with me or my story. However, if you are not, here are a few points to consider when reading the below post! I started Memories by Mia, as a business, in August 2023 - meaning, I am still very much at the start of my journey as a photographer. I at no stage refer to myself as a "pro". I am entirely self taught. I did however, get to work within a camera shop at various times of my life. This lead to knowledge on using gear, using editing software, meeting photographers and essentially learning what is considered to be the industry norm.
THE CURRENT DETAILS:
- I do not use a full frame camera.
- I do not shoot in raw.
- I use Lightroom predominately for my basic editing.
- I use Photoshop for more complex requests or creative endeavours.
- I would still call what I do to be minimal editing.
- I do have a selection of presets that I do often use.
When I first began, I swore black and blue that I'd never get an Adobe product. All I previously changed was brightness and cropping. Yes, we have come a very long way. Now, every image I send to a client - will see some version of an Adobe program depending on what is required.
The best way I can describe how I edit is that I will edit anything that could be reasonably changed in a week. Here are some examples:
- Nails grown out but didn't have time for an infil? I gotchu!
- Cat had a good swipe at you this morning? Scratch gone.
- Mosquitos love you? Bumps get out of here!
- Bit of a clumsy person? Bruises and scratches see you later!
There are a few other additional edits that are done, however, its only done with permission from the client. This could include if you just had a coffee and your teeth need a bit of a whiten, or if you haven't been sleeping well and you're dark circles are more noticeable than you'd like! Edits that I believe don't require permission/aren't that controversial - editing things in the background that may distract from the subject, people in the background, dog poop on grass, cars in background, light switches, you get the gist.
All of the above editing is included in my pricing and turnaround times... this leads me to the next part of editing I want to discuss!
If you're a newer photographer, factor in editing as it changes and evolves. You aren't just being paid for the time spent with a camera in your hand. For me, editing now takes up majority of my work load - as I review each and every image. It is also the most emotionally draining task. I find that this is where I see the flaws in my work at time of the shoot - little things I should have paid more attention to. It can also be hard to see older work, after you've improved your skillset when it comes to post photoshoot.
What you love is not what the customer will love.
I have customers, like me, that LOVE black and white, and then I have those who don't see any interest in it at all. For this reason, I strongly suggest if you like the B&W version, ensure you include both a colour and B&W copy. I personally don't charge extra per edit on an image.
Some customers aren't about presets, overly warm tones, etc. it is at your discretion how you choose to deliver your images and if all of your portfolio is within one set style. This being said, I've opted to discuss with my customers to find out what they require. I have customers needing very fresh, clean almost "raw" images, whilst others are all about the warm wash.
Much like all other areas of photography, this is just a evolving skillset. Editing is also something radically changing with the introduction of AI. As a business owner or creative, it is ultimately your decision to present your work in the way you see fit. My best advice: stay true to you.
Much Love,
M x
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