MY EDITING PHILOSOPHY & FEES FOR EDITING :)

MY THOUGHTS ON EDITING:

I am an editing bug.  Self taught, and using three different types of software, I have found new and exciting ways to put my personal stamp on any photographs I take.  I work with my clients to find something that's unique to their style, and try my best to photograph in a certain way, and then let my editing reflect that vibe.

It's not just a press of a button.  I actually "hand paint" my images, using specially created brushes to enhance colors, or bring out crisp sparkles and details in gowns, or eyes, or highlights of the hair.  I like to give clients a combination of images...from traditional full color images to classic black and white, and then customized retro and vintage tints, adding saturation pops, and giving depth to the images so that they appear almost 3D, so lifelike you can reach out and touch the people.  When photographing landscapes and non portrait details, I love to make them a little magical, a bit surreal.  Sometimes I add a bit of high definition resolution, and other times I'm softening the light and clarity until it has that ethereal, dramatic glow.

The image at the top of the page is a perfect example of putting my own spin on a photo I've taken.  The photo on the left is the natural image.  I've done some basic edits, but that's how it was shot, with a lovely color boost, and a romantic, clear and traditional viewpoint.  Then I created a soft, vintage wash, and hand tinted/painted the version on the right.  :)

Some photographers use software to "fix" an image.  I don't do that, although of course, I'm human and being able to fix an over or under exposed image from time to time has certainly saved my bacon.  But I think of the whole process as art.  I have no talent with a real paintbrush, but I do have a developed sense of color, style, and a realized aesthetic.  And being able to create what I want on an image, to make it something that no one photographer has created, is something I love to do. 

I never release images I have not edited in some way, whether it's a basic edit for continuity or my specialty work.  I am always happy to work with a client if they want a specific image changed, or if they'd prefer it in another style.*  

Once I send my disk or flash drive to a client with the final edits, they are permitted to use the photos however they would like but they are not permitted to further edit them in any way.  I do permit cropping as I know some social media outlets, albums, and other printing places need some wiggle room. :)


Even though we take hundreds, sometimes thousands of images, my clients only receive the absolute best, edited photos from their session.  It varies from the type of shoot we're doing, how long we spend at the session, the weather, how everyone is feeling, and if we're just on a roll. :)

OUTSIDE EDITING FEES:

With any of my photo sessions and packages, all the editing is included*.  Sometimes, however, a person may love photos they have of themselves that I didn't take, but they want that little extra something.  Maybe it's a blemish or dark circles, maybe it's that wonky area where your wedding gown or pants are fitting funny, or maybe you want something really special, a vintage or retro wash, spotlighting, or something that will make your photo or photos pop.  

I am happy to make your editing dreams come true.  My only requirement is that you have a photo release from your original photographer, stating that the photos are yours and that you are permitted to do whatever you would like with them.  If not, it's considered bad form (and in some cases, illegal) to edit another photographer's work.  

What I would need from you:  a disk, flash drive, or online gallery...all with original, hi resolution sizes of the images you want edited.  Then you can let me know what type of editing you are seeking.  

For standard editing, like blemish removal, removing shadow from faces, overall brightening, etc. I charge between $3.00 and $5.00 per photo.  For more detailed and specialty editing, I charged between $5.00 and $7.50 per photo.  

I have never regretted the time I've spent editing my own and family photos...they always have that little something extra online, in my wallet, on the walls.  :)

Please email me for further details, or to get a quote!  [email protected]

*Photos are artistically edited at my discretion.  We do discuss your preferences and tastes before hand, and you're always welcome to point out specific styles you like from my portfolio to help me get a sense of what you're seeking.  While editing is included, asking for additional major changes to an image above & beyond the original editing will result in a $5 per image editing charge.  I do not give unedited photos to clients.