A lot of questions run through my head when I think of private photo editing. First of what is a private photo editor? And how is anyone going to be interested in hiring me when for so many photographers, their edits on images are essential to having them stand out. These were the initial reasons why I was hesitant to even get started with the idea in the first place, but after doing some research, I thought to myself that this could be the essential piece that my business is missing.
As a photographer myself, I take pride in the edits that I put on photos that I shoot. Regardless of when or how the image was taken, I often go back on my images and try new styles pulling from other photographers work and seeing how they achieved a certain look. I love learning these new ways of editing and seeing what I can do to make my images stand out.
Over the past year, I will be honest that I’ve struggled a bit with my business. Don’t get me wrong, I love the freedom of being able to go to amazing locations and earn a living while shooting photos, it’s incredible! The most difficult part of the job though is finding clients that are on a schedule that allows me to balance out the other parts of my life that I enjoy. It’s difficult to have all of my other friends making plans on evenings or weekends while my only time off is mostly the middle of the day when everyone else is working. It feels like being sick when you’re in elementary school. In reality it sounds amazing because you don’t have to go to school, when actually you’re just all alone at home and don’t really get to see any of your friends.
Now don’t get me wrong, when the right opportunities comes along, I'm all over them and so thankful for them! But settling down with my fiancé, dog, and friends, I’ve found that those moments of fun are some that I don’t want to miss out on. I definitely don’t intend to quit photography at all, just pivot a bit to work more on editing more similarly to a 9-5 and help other photographers get their free time back as well.
That’s where I really saw the benefit, is getting to help others. I know so many wedding and event photographers who run into the same issue. They’re booked out all weekend with 2-3 weddings and then they’re stuck editing all week, while also trying to market and book themselves out for more work. And when they are over booked, they have to sacrifice their free time to make sure that their edits are out on time. It’s a never ending cycle. And this is where the private photo editing career comes into play.
Now to address the editing style question. Well I see this as 2 different options. There are the photographers who have their style dialed in. Every image they deliver is just the way they imagined when they shot it. With those photographers, all I do is ask for an exported catalog with a few sample images that shows their style of editing. I simply emulate this style throughout the rest of the catalog and return them just as they requested. In a turn around time that works with their delivery schedule so that they can focus on taking a day off for themselves, working on new marketing material, or working on more shoots. I’m not trying to steal their work or change their style at all. I’m working with them to join their team to take some of the work off their plate. The other way is working with photographers who are trying to emulate a certain style, but don’t quite know how or have the time to learn how to achieve the look. I’m happy to work with photographers based on the editing style that they want to achieve.
All in all, I’m excited about this new step in my business and pivoting a bit to better fit my lifestyle and helping others along the way! If you or any of your photographer friends that you know, I highly encourage you to share this post and sign up for a free consultation and 100 image trial.
Looking forward to sharing more examples of edits soon!