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Archive 2014 · Outsourcing your processing?

  
 
thebeginning
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Outsourcing your processing?


I've always done my own processing, but I'm beginning to consider outsourcing.

My processing isn't really that great compared to others' anymore, and I'd be able to work on the business far better without all the time requirements of editing. This is first and foremost a business decision: I want quality processing that is consistently good for my brand, and drowning in wedding processing is a big weak point for me.


So, question time:

1) For those of you that use cull + edit companies, how do you feel about their image choices and editing quality?

2) How much should I expect to pay on average? For reference: I usually shoot around 3000 and deliver 500-800.

3) Any tips or recommendations for companies to look into?

I should note that I don't want to hire an employee - simply a good processing company that I can contract for busier seasons.

Thanks!



Sep 04, 2014 at 04:56 PM
MRomine
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Outsourcing your processing?


http://www.happyfishdesign.com if you contact them and speak with Chad, the owner, tell him I sent you.


Sep 04, 2014 at 06:52 PM
hardlyboring
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Outsourcing your processing?


I edit for people
quite a few of them actually
.25 cents an image.
Basic edits in LR. no brushing no gradients etc.
Turn around time is pretty quick normally

Mark (Ziffl) also edits for people. He is also good.



Sep 04, 2014 at 07:07 PM
Prettym1k3
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Outsourcing your processing?


Scott Mosher edits for people.

http://scottmosherphotography.com/



Sep 05, 2014 at 11:47 AM
Ziffl3
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Outsourcing your processing?


Doug ... thanks for the props.

And same for Doug. Word on the street is Dougs editing is tight.
Plus, he is a working wedding photographer.

I think this is a plus for an editor. Not a mandatory requirement, but it helps in communication / understanding of deliverables.


Answer to your question from an editors perspective:
1) Culling variables are outlined/defined with each client.
I like to do a sample edit and start the refining process.
Usually it takes a couple rounds to handle the major questions/situations.

I also like to inquire about camera specific color profiles or included calibration shots from the day.

Plus, services can go from basic edit up to ready-to-deliver to client.
Culling can be included.

2) Culling: .05 to .10 per images
Basic editing: .25 to .50 /image; WB/tint, exposure, tilt correction to a baseline. (can include a preset applied)
Creative edits: .10 to .40 /image; Skin clean-up, additional cropping, brush, gradient, images clean up, etc

I am editing in Lightroom +Skin correction software on calibrated screens.
I would inquire about equipment/software used.

There are companies that provide Photoshop correction too: blinkies, removing object/entire people, etc

Personally, for repeat clients, I will throw in additional creative cropping or quick gradients as a bonus.

Editing turn-around is on a wedding by wedding basis. Generally 1-2 weeks.
I have clients that shoot Indian weddings. These weddings can be rather large.
I like to make sure the deliverable is agreed by both parties.


3) Many companies to inquire with.
1 question, do you want local editor or not. Some shooters like face to face interaction. Hand over a portable drive.
With LR 5, your editor does not have to be local. It will involve loading images onto some form of cloud storage (google drive/box.com/dropbox/ etc)
You can send through mail/UPS as another option. But there is additional cost/time.



Sep 05, 2014 at 12:31 PM
tmiller
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Outsourcing your processing?


I've been blessed to work for too many FMer's to list here and countless other professionals in our field. Details are on the website - www.shooteditlove.com

-Tim



Sep 06, 2014 at 01:19 PM
DannyBostwick
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Outsourcing your processing?


I hired an editor this year. Been the best decision of all time. Going to start outsourcing other stuff as well including bookkeeping and album design. More time shooting, less time dealing with bull shit.

Pardon my language.



Sep 06, 2014 at 09:06 PM
eephoto
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Outsourcing your processing?


I'm starting to use/consider outsourcing. Currently I am using Photographersedit.com they charge about .26/image.

I like the concept of shootdotedit.com which charges $279/ month unlimited shoots , BUT the maximum number Photos you can submit without paying more is 700 images. I always give more then 700 so until I can dwindle that number down, this does not help keep costs down for me.

There is also lavalu.com...

Curious to hear who you will go with once you decide!



Sep 07, 2014 at 07:32 AM
IrishDino
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Outsourcing your processing?


Do any of these services offer a, say, 10 edit sample?

I'm interested, but unless the outsourced person is doing it better than me, why bother?



Sep 07, 2014 at 11:10 AM
eephoto
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Outsourcing your processing?


Photographers edit offers 10 samples and lavalu I think offers 100...shootdotedit I believe has a risk free month but don't quote me on that one

ZachOly wrote:
Do any of these services offer a, say, 10 edit sample?

I'm interested, but unless the outsourced person is doing it better than me, why bother?




Sep 07, 2014 at 11:50 AM





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