For photographers, post-production is time-consuming yet crucial for final image quality. Rather than editing everything in-house, many professionals consider outsourcing as a strategy to save time and enhance quality while focusing on their photography and business.
Bottom Line: Outsource your photo editing to save time and boost quality, but always set clear guidelines, secure a contract with buffer times, and maintain a backup vendor.
Why Outsource Your Post Production Outsourcing your editing can save you valuable time, improve quality, and allow you to concentrate on shooting and client management. Professional editors often bring specialized skills and a level of consistency that can be hard to replicate in-house.
Comparing Costs and Benefits While managing your own editing may seem cost-effective, it can come with hidden expenses such as software, hardware, and a significant time investment. Outsourcing provides a competitive pricing model and high-quality results, which can make a notable difference in your workflow and overall productivity.
Evaluating Quality Control in Outsourced Projects Quality control is key when outsourcing. Most professional editors will conduct a test project for you. Provide them with clear guidelines and reference images—perhaps pay them for an initial session (for instance, one hour of training) where you show your editing process. This investment can yield impressive and consistent results that mirror your style.
Building Remote Teams: Best Practices
When working with remote editing teams, don’t leave quality to chance. Give your editors clear guidance and reference images; then, let them work their magic. Maintain a close relationship—if their work meets your expectations, invest in a long-term partnership.
Always use a contract, just as you do with your clients. Include buffer times in the contract (for example, if your final delivery is due in 14 days, require your provider to complete their work within 7 days). Moreover, always have a backup vendor to ensure availability, even if it means sacrificing a small discount on quality.
Where to Find Photo Editors Finding the right photo editor is easier than ever. Start with colleague referrals or explore Facebook groups, Fiverr, Upwork, and online searches. Many studios offer 1–3 free edited images as a trial, so be sure to test a few before deciding on the best fit for your workflow.
In summary, outsourcing your photo editing can offer significant advantages, from time savings to improved quality, while allowing you to focus on the core aspects of your business. Compare costs, set clear guidelines, use contracts with buffer times, and always maintain a backup option for a smooth and reliable post-production process.
