Photo editing outsource options

As a photographer, you know the importance of post-processing images. But what do you do when you don’t have the time or resources to handle your own photo editing? The answer is simple: outsource it. Outsourcing your photo editing services can save you a ton of time and help you take your business to the next level. But there are a lot of options out there…which is right for you?

Understand What You Need and Who You Need It From

Before you start looking for an outsourced photo editor, it’s important to understand what kind of work you need done. Do you just need basic corrections like white balance, exposure, and color grading? Or do you need something more involved such as composite images or creative retouching? Once you have identified exactly what kind of work needs to be done, then it’s time to start looking for someone who can provide the services that fit your needs.

Types of photo editors

Private photo editors/Personal photo editors/Boutique photo editors

These terms are all interchangeable and refer to someone who works with you directly on your photo editing needs. These are usually freelancers or small teams of editors who will be your main point of contact when it comes to completing your galleries. They offer the highest level of service since you will be working with the same person all the time. This editor will get to know you and your style and you will likely have the highest probability of success working with one. This is what I and my team offer. Interested? Inquire here!

Big Box Photo Editing Companies

These are like the Wal-Mart or Targets of photo editing. Larger companies with lots of editors working for them. Some of these editors might be trained on the job, and/or have no experience with photography. You are also not guaranteed to have the same editor so you never know who will be working on your galleries. This option can be right for some photographers, but certainly not for all.

Fine Touch Editors

These editors are similar to personal editors however they focus more on Photoshop work and really fine touch editing using lots of masking, brushes, layers etc. You will get high quality work but you might have to pay upwards of $2-5/image thus making this a better option for photographers only providing very limited images to their clients.

AI Software

The newest type of editing is basically software that promises to learn your style. There are a few different options circulating now (as of early 2023) and it’s important to understand the difference. Some of them simply batch action options already available in Lightroom they aren’t actually AI even though it’s in the name. Others are based more on AI, but you need to imput thousands upon thousands of photos and have a highly conistent editing style in lots of different scenarios for it to learn what you actually want. Some early tests have also resulted in photographers continuing to have to make tweaks on the back end epecially when it comes to cropping. The cost may be lower than all options above but you’ll still have to spend a good amount of time to get things just right!

Outsourcing your photo editing can help take your images to the next level while freeing up valuable time for other aspects of running a successful photography business. By understanding what kind of work needs to be done, and doing thorough research on potential options, you can find a reliable partner who will help make sure each image looks its best before being shared with the world!