Easy After-Session Checklist
Takes You From Capture to Coveted Results
I found myself wishing I had an aftercare guide when my judgement of divorce came in–like the ones you get when you’re discharged from the ER after a major trauma. I could have used a checklist for all the steps, with an explanation of some of the nuances that still eluded me. That got me thinking that I should provide an after-session guide for my photography clients. I do hope your photoshoot ended amicably though! Let me take the mystery out of what to plan for after your session is a wrap…
Post session checklist
Post session timeline
How long will it take to get my images?
It’s safe to assume a 2-4 week turnaround to receive your online gallery and another 3-6 weeks for retouched selects, prints and wall art to arrive your way. Take busy season into account. In Westchester County, NY, that’s late summer through late fall for family photographers, while event photographers see the majority of their clients in late spring through early fall. If it seems like it takes forever for you to just see your photos, I feel you, but here’s why…
You witness our expertise during your session–the part that’s seen. Photographers may be lighting gurus, toddler whisperers and part time stylists, but you probably underestimate how much effort goes in before and after the clicks. So much happens behind the scenes! Did you know that a typical 2 hour portrait session can equate to a 12-24 hour job? This can be broken down into prep, shoot and post production–SO MUCH POST.
A photographer’s timesheet
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Gear prep / setup / breakdown – 1-3h
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Client communication – 1-2h
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Travel – 1-2h
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Shoot – 2h
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Editing – 4-8h
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Retouching – 1-4h
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Packaging / delivery – 1-2h
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Bookkeeping / misc. – 1h
Total: 12-24 hours*
*plus marketing, education, props and wardrobe, gear maintenance, etc.
What is post production?
It’s the invisible work that takes the longest. Post production involves file transfer, backup, culling, color correction, cropping, publishing galleries, retouching selects, designing albums / wall art, uploading to professional labs, packaging and delivery. Phew–I’m tired just typing that. A studio shoot with consistent lighting will take less time to edit than your outdoor lifestyle session. Add to this your chosen photographer’s style. Some are what we call shoot and burn, while others deliver very few, highly-polished images.
I pour hours into every job whether for a world-renowned brand, a small business or a local family. Having spent much of my career working on prestigious commercial assignments, my eye and skills are honed but exacting. I’m still surprised by how long editing takes me, even with experience and advances in my toolbox like Adobe’s ability to parse out my subject with a click. My standards get exponentially higher as the tools become more powerful. In any case, trust the process. The results are worth the wait and why you responded to our work in the first place.
That’s a wrap
Show your ‘tog some love!
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Share your adoration
We’re bereft of self-esteem if you don’t expound on how our work touched your heart. Ok–I’m being dramatic–but we love feedback!
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Refer us to your besties
Tell all your people and give a shout on social.
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Write a Google review
Already a client? Drop me a review Google today!
Shine on set,
Leila
