What does it mean when a photographer says they need to edit my session?
Photography is an art. Many people just assume the photographer buys a really expensive camera and a good lens and presses the shutter and this results in perfection. While having a really expensive camera and really expensive lens can provide some clarity or better exposure in low light, no good photographer shares photos without applying their own mark to it. Ensuring things like exposure, color, white balance, and composition are all parts of what makes that picture perfect. There have been many times I have taken an image and said, "ouch, maybe photography isn't for me" but when I sit down at my computer and change certain aspects of the photo, I am able to change the entire dynamics of a photo and say to myself, "wow, this actually came out really good".
What types of edits do you do?
Every photographer is different and has a different editing style. Some clients want their photos edited to take away cellulite or take a few inches off the waist. While this can be done, it is not something I usually do and if I do agree to it, it will likely result in additional charges and possible outsourcing. I want my clients to have an accurate representation of who they are and to capture the true memories. Some things such as temporary marks, may be fixed fairly simple such as a stubborn pimple that popped up the day of your session. We will make every effort to edit these marks out or provide the best angles possible. Ethical editing is something we strive for at Bearded Image Photography while providing our clients with the best possible experience. We do this by taking an excess number of photos and narrowing down the ones that are best able to accomplish the goals of the session.
Why am I not given all images that were taken?
Plain and simple, some images are not even salvageable. Maybe the lighting was just way too dark or way to bright and the fine details are not able to be retrieved. Maybe a motion blur was introduced mid shot and it is not able to be saved. As your photographer, I will do everything I can to provide you with as many options as possible to ensure you receive only the best quality images you will be proud to put in that album on your coffee table, or blown up onto a canvas to display in the living room. Sometimes sessions result in thousands of images being taken to ensure lots of good photos are taken (ie. weddings, dance recitals, sporting events) and editing (3000+) images becomes too time consuming of a task. While you pay for a 4-6 hour session, the editing process is often much longer than the photographing itself.
How do I know if your editing style is something I would like?
Again, photography is an art and every artist has a different taste of what they find aesthetically pleasing. So how do you know what to expect from my style of editing as opposed to another photographer? The answer is not quite cut and dry. Most photographers have some form of portfolio available for you to view. This could be an instagram page, a website, or maybe just looking through any other form of medium they choose to use to display their work. View the images and see that they are consistent. Are the images vibrant and bold, light and airy, or dark and moody? My images can be viewed by clicking on portfolio at the top of this page or by visiting my instagram page or facebook pages below.
Feel free to contact us regarding any questions you may have or specific editing request you may have to see if we are capable of making your vision a reality.