Five Outsourcing Tips for Photographers

Tip #1 : Know your style!

A private photo editor is mainly for someone who already knows their style, what presets they like to use, their artistic approach, and so on! Our job is to match your style, not create one for you.

Tip #2: Work on SOOC and Your Pre-Edits

SOOC= Straight out of camera. Providing those anchor images for each scenario at a wedding or session really helps us to know what you want your photos to look like. The more you work on SOOC, the easier it is to actually make a preset for your photos too! A lot of my seasoned photographers have custom presets they use. I always suggest a sample anchor or two for each part of the day or different background. I also ask photographers to send anchors for different light (hazy, direct, indoors, outdoors, direct sun, shade).

Tip #3: Give Positive, Constructive Feedback

For photographers, please know that it’s okay to be picky on feedback, but if you are wanting to write notes for each picture maybe you need to re- evaluate if you are sending enough sample edits. Or you might be too picky to outsource! Another way to send positive feedback is to let the editor know overall if something was too bright, too warm, etc. For instance: ” These overall looked great. I noticed the family portraits were just a tad over exposed. Just wanted to let you know so you can make sure next time to work on that. Thank you so much for all you do!” Or, “I’m noticing the greens are a little more neon-y than I like. It was an easy fix. Just wanted to let you know in case you forgot to apply Mastin to them.”

Tip #4: Give It Time

Getting to know someone else’s style can sometimes take more time. And that’s totally okay! Just know, the more you work with them, more feedback and insight can be given to where you will be able to go back through your catalog and make minor adjustments! Once you’ve worked with your editor, things will start clicking.

Tip #5: When To Say Goodbye

If you just are not clicking personality wise, or editing wise and it feels like after multiple attempts you two are just not understanding each other, please do not be afraid to let them down gently to look for another editor. Your time is as valuable and so is the editors! If I’m spending hours on a wedding or catalog and I cringe when I receive a photographer’s catalog, then I know it isn’t the right fit for me. And that’s okay! You may end up finding the perfect fit for you next time around! Be patient, but be aware if something is not clicking.

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