Wedding post processing - reasonable rates for pro's?

[david_cisco]

After searching the forum for awhile, I still haven't found a clear answer to

this topic. If I've missed the thread, maybe someone could point me to it?

 

I understand that in different markets, different prices are considered

reasonable. Still though, no one has said exactly what they are being paid for

performing post processing, and I haven't found a reply from a photographer

saying what they expect to (or are) paying.

 

Specifically for those who are using Lightroom as the primary software to batch

process all images and Photoshop to enhance the "keepers". I feel Lightroom has

the potential to reduce time spent in post production significantly, thereby

having an influence on profitability. I say "profitability" instead of "rates"

because as a result of more efficient time investments in the work, you may

result in producing more work, and faster.

 

The average client for me will submit between 1,000 and 1,400 images shot

between 2 photographers, 1 lead, 1 assist. It is agreed between us that all

images should be of good quality, somewhere between proof and album, but

definitely not straight out of the camera.

 

From the photographers point of view, they can't be expected to meter every

shot, so even in a series, exposures may vary. This means that not all the

images will fit in any Batch Action and will need to have individual tweaks. On

average, 1-2 minutes per image is spent on some problem jobs.

 

The closest answer I've found on the topic here was a mention that anything

under $1 pr image is ridiculously cheap. But how can even a pro wedding shooter

expect to pay $1,400 at least for post production?

 

As a result of low competitors in my market, I have lowered my rates just to get

the work. Recent career changes have caused the need for me to do wahtever it

takes to get the bills paid.

 

On average, I figure I'm collecting .50 an image. Sounds cheap, but hourly it

isn't that bad.

 

So now that I have stated clearly what I am getting paid, will someone else join

in and let me know if this is an average amount, too high, too low?

 

I plan on staying in this line of work as long as I can, and will re-adjust my

rates later on.

 

Thanks for any input.

[david_cisco]

Ah.. I don't see an "Edit" button.. .50/image should be "between .25 and .50/image" instead!

[annealmasy]

I'm a bit confused... Are you charging SEPARATELY for post-production? Or are you

asking what you should pay someone else for post-production? Or are you asking what

you should charge another photographer to do post for them as a contractor?

 

Post for weddings is time-consuming, IMO, even with Lightroom and batch processing. If

you want to provide a stellar product, you need to allow for that extra time. Include those

fees in your total price.

 

And don't hesitate to share some "before" and "after" prints with potential clients. Images

that have good post don't usually LOOK processed to a client, so showing them the

difference between an out-of-camera shot and a toned shot could sway them to your side

and convince them to spend a bit extra for your expertise.

[david_cisco]

Sorry for any confusion..

 

Actually either of the latter options- I'd like to know what pro photographer consider appropriate when paying a contractor to perform the post production work, and what the contractors are being paid (and what they consider fair).

[stacy]

I pay .05 per image to edit out blinks/blurs etc and .21 for color correction/batch processing of the keepers...so .50 per image is pretty high I think

[annealmasy]

For reference, check out Lavalu: http://mylavalu.com/

 

They offer editing and post-production services to photographers. I know a few people who

use them and LOVE them. You can easily access their pricing through their website.

[dione_cocoa]

Look at PictureVirtuoso.com. They are reasonable. They are about 25 cents per image and you can have detailed work done for about $50 an hour. They do great work and seem to be the most affordable.

[colorati]

David, your questions are great!

 

We crunched some serious numbers after talking with hundreds of photographers. We found that

while you may spend some cash up front, the return on investment can be as high as 300%. We

also found that the average (well-booked) photographer can add about 30 full days to his

calendar year by using a post production service!

 

The responsibility for the studio is obvious though- to capitalize on your investment, you must

use this time to market your business, book more events, schmooze with vendors, etc. This all

opens you up to shooting more and doing the things you love.

 

I've seen hundreds of studios become exceedingly successful as a direct result of outsourcing.

Yes, you need to develop a remarkable trust with your service of choice, but once you do the

freedom is empowering!

 

Best,

Leon

[steve_bayles]

Why would you show 1400 images to your client?

 

Show the best of the best. It is hard, but worth while in the end. Figure what your time is worth to you and find a company that can work within your budget.

 

For me sending out my post production to a reputable American company (Fixphoto.biz) is the only way to go. I have tried the overseas ones (21 to be exact) and for basic stuff they are ok but for real Photoshop work they fail miserably. I gave them all one basic image and asked them to do work to it. (list below) Not one of the companies followed my instructions to the letter. You get what you pay for.

 

Lightroom will help immensely with your post production (especially the new one) but over all you should take the busy body work off your plate and concentrate on marketing your photography business and get grunt work out of your hands. 5 hours a week in marketing your business will reap you 10 fold to your bottom line.

 

Competition Guidlines

HAND DRAWN clipping path

Remove mannequin, only leave in product

Remove bumpy areas at edges of product in underarms and chest area

Transparent background

Slight drop shadow to match lighting on product

Full resolution as well as optimized .jpg for web, 600px tall, sRGB color space.

Provide all Photoshop editing history in metadata and .txt file.<div></div>

[jessica_mitchell2]

try <a href="http://www.photofix.com/">

photofix.com</a>

 

<p>Photofix is an online image retouching service for professional photographers- it is less expensive then contracting an artist or paying an assistant. Depending on the extent of work- if you are just looking for color correction or if you opt for blemish removal, skin smoothing, weight reduction, etc the cost is $0.70-$3.50 per image.. It's fast too- you get your images back within 24 hours.

 

<p>best of luck!