Frequently asked questions… about outsourcing editing!

Why should I outsource my editing?

Outsourcing your editing is the first step in helping to grow your business. As entrepreneurs and creatives we want to do it ALL. However, in order to achieve those goals and business dreams we have, it’s critical that we allow ourselves to reach out and collaborate. Building a creative and resourceful team around you will only make you stronger. It takes a village, and that is a GOOD thing!

Do you edit both RAW images and JPEG images?

Yes! I edit both RAW and JPEG images for my clients. Shooting in RAW always allows for more control in the editing process. With this said, however, JPEG images can be edited easily and returned to you just as beautiful as a RAW image. The most important thing is for you to shoot with the methods that are most successful for you. I’ll always make sure the edit is flawless and in your style at the end. 

How do I know you can replicate my style and brand of photography?

The first thing we do is have a consultation call (or meeting if you are local). We’ll discuss the methods in which you edit, the emotions you like to convey with your images, and the style you most prefer. I take careful detailed notes about your preferences and keep these in your client file. I’ll have you send me 3-5 unedited images that are a classic representation of your style and brand. I will edit those images based on the discussion we’ve had and send them back to you. We’ll then chat again about the edits. You can share the things you love and the things you would like adjusted. We can repeat this process for your first few sessions with me, so that I know I’m starting on the right track each time for you. I call this your session preview. Once I have the thumbs up with each session preview, then I’ll get to work in full force. With each photographer that I personally edit for, I’ve found that within 2-3 sessions I no longer need to do a preview session of images for them before I’m able to edit the entire session.  

How long should I expect the editing process to take?

Because I limit the number of photographer clients I accept at one time, I am able to control my turn around time. During the regular season (January 1 - July 31) I ask that you allow 3-5 business days for your session to be returned to you. During the peak season (August 1 - December 31) I ask that you allow 7-10 business days for your session to be returned to you. The only exception I have is for custom packages- this is often wedding sessions. Turn around times for these sessions will be discussed when the custom quote is given. My photographer clients are very good about sending their images to me as soon as they come off of their camera. This way, I can edit immediately after the session is shot, and they can share them with their clients sooner. 

What genres of photography can I send you?

I have experience and confidence in editing several genres of photography including, but not limited to: newborn, maternity, family, children, high school senior, engagement, wedding, boudoir, studio, natural light, editorial, photo journalism, and landscape. 

Why do I pay you before I see my images?

I put in several hours of editing time before I send you an invoice. When that invoice is paid in full, I then return your fully edited images to you. Your satisfaction is 100% gauranteed- if your unhappy with an aspect of the editing, then I will absolutely readjust the images for you. I’m successful, when my photographers are successful. It is always in my best interest to wow you, so you can wow your clients, and we can continue to collaborate.

What happens if I’m not happy with my edits?

If you’re unhappy with your edits I will absolutely adjust and change any specifications you request until the edits meet your expectations. Often this is as simple as adjusting the temperature of a session, or adjusting the strength of a vignette. Your satisfaction is 100% garaunteed- or your money back. 

Why do you only accept a limited number of photographers with which to work?

By limiting the number of clients I accept I am able to give you more time and attention every time we collaborate. It is my goal to make your work more streamlined, efficient, and fruitful. Essentially, I want to be your editing clone, so that you can have more time for the things you love. I want to give you the best of me, and I can only do this if I limit how much of me goes around. The number of photographers I accept is determined by the size and frequency of sessions that they share with me. I have an editing schedule, and when those slots are filled, then any photographers who want to be added to my editing schedule will be put on a waitlist. When an opening becomes available to be added to my recurring editing schedule you will be contacted. 

Why should I choose Christine Deaton Creative versus a big online company?

You are a boutique photographer, so you deserve a boutique editor. You deserve an editor’s undevided attention and personal touch. An online company may charge less, or send your images back in hours, but they’ll never give you the results that my personal editing will give you. They can adjust white balance just like me, but they can’t find the soul and art within an image and make it shine. I spend hours perfecting your style and brand, so your unique style shines through and wows your clients. 

What is a ‘clean edit’?

I consider a ‘clean edit’ to be adjusted white balance, temperature, exposure, sharpening, skin smoothing, teeth whitening, eye sore removals, etc. I bring the image to a true-to-life appearance. I often describe this as clean, bright, crisp, and colorful.   

What is an artistic edit?

I consider an ‘artistic edit’ to be any edit with added sun flare, film light leaks, added haze, added bokeh, watercolor effects, film grain, black and white, vintage film appearance, etc. Once an an entire session has been brought to a “clean edit’ I then choose a few favorite images to apply ‘artisitc edits’. If you have a preference on which artistic edits you prefer, I will be happy to note those in your client file. My purpose for offering artistic effects is two fold. First, I love the opportunity to experiment and push the boundaries of photography as art. Why not be a pioneer?! Second, it is so fun and beneficial to share new ideas with one another. Who knows, you may discover you love a totally new artistic approach and can offer an additional element to your clients.