Low budget wedding photography post production - Q & A

Client: I'm looking for a service that can create a wedding album and more importantly, edit the photos and be creative with them as well. The pictures were taken by myself for a low budget wedding ceremony for a family member. I'm not a photographer as you will see in my pictures. I'm hoping that my pictures can be reborn in a beautiful exhibit for the bride and groom. I'm am attaching a sample picture for you to edit as you stated in your article on Wedding Wire online.

Rosie: Thank you for contacting me. Kindly click on the following link to see what I did, so far (with the sample photo she sent me): http://lmgstudio.xxx... Password: xxx
The best way to send me the images is via mail in a CD... Depending on that (images qty) I can give you a quote for the whole batch. Also, I'll provide you a basic contract which will state what I'll be doing, turnaround, etc. once we get into those details.
It will take me approx. xx days to accomplish your project and send back to you original CD and edited images...

Client: Thanks for responding so quickly... I like what you did especially that twighlight effect. I have approx. 150 photos, maybe less not quite sure, a lot of the photos are multiples so I have to narrow them down to the best ones to submit to you. What I want to do is be able to have the photos printed at the best quality possible so I can put in a nice wedding album. Will your edits be printable or are they for digital purposes?

Rosie: I did the best I could but the quality of this sample image is not optimal.
If you visit your private gallery again you will notice I added the "buy prints" options, the quality is stunning, Kodak Endura Premium paper... I can do $xxxx per image...
I'll need your contact info (name, address, etc) and exact amount of images to edit so I can put together the contract, nothing fancy but necessary.
One we both sign it I will issue a Paypal invoice (you will get it via email) for the total amount of the charges and it needs to be paid prior starting the project.

Client: I forgot to ask you if I will be able to review them before you send them back and will have an opportunity for some input.

Rosie: Sure, due to I'll be working on a small amount of images, I'll be able to upload them into your private gallery so you can review them before I copy them into a disc.

Client: I will have a total number for you later tonight and you can email me tomorrow the contract and I will ship the cd tomorrow... thanks sooo much. - NA from New Jersey, USA

Portrait photographers are outsourcing post-production too!

90% of my post-production jobs are wedding photography related.
Today I received 2 new inquiries about portrait photography post-production.
As always, no names attached... but I've found a pattern that identify ME as well... does it sound familiar to you too? :) too many clients, not enough time...

- Photographer #1: "It was so nice talking to you today. Sorry I was rushed off the phone - twice! I totally forgot I had a client coming... not for a shoot but I was rushing to get ready for her. I am done now but promised another client I would have a draft of a composite for her this afternoon... I can't believe you are doing it all on the side. Girl... quit that job and go full time. you can! I'm supposed to be working. I'll email you later..." - SG from NJ, Usa

- Photographer #2: "I have been wondering if there was a 'you' that existed out there! haha I edit my own photos, am particular and want the to pop! I have 3 small girls and am doing about 2 to 4 clients a week right now. you can do the math and see what wee hours I am editing! :) Do you swap heads between pics? Are you able to edit fly away hair? These are just a few individual requests I have had... I have a feeling you are going to blow me away, but this is a first for me. After learning about PS and being proud of my own edits, it feels odd to turn them over. However, I need the help and from a professional like yourself...not someone who wants to swap pics and 'learn' about PS. I get that all the time! Please!! :)" - JP from TX, Usa

My response: "My job is not to turn your photos into mine but to imitate your style and use all the available tools I have to enhance your own GOOD images, specially for portrait projects. Each photographer has a very specific way to present their work, I'm just a ghost-editor..." - Rosie