Hi there!! I am So excited you are here and I know you have a lot of questions. Taking the step to outsource your work can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to let go of this aspect of your creative process but once you find the right editor to work with you will gain so much freedom and peace of mind in your life and in your business. let's dive in and take a practical look at what the out sourcing process looks like and how it can serve you.
What does the outsourcing process look like?
A Step by Step look at the process
I
Reach Out To Editor
The first step is to reach out and ask what type or services you chosen editor offers. I offer color correction, cropping/straightening, and basic spot/blemish removal in Lightroom. I also offer adjustment of masking layers for many product clients. In the first email, I’ll explain my rates and turnaround time to clients who have reached out for more information
II
New Client Email
After you decide to move forward, I’ll send you a “next steps” email with some more details about working with me and a link to set up a phone call where we will talk about your business editing style and any other details that will be helpful to know. I will also have the opportunity to ask questions phone call as we get to know each other!
III
Have a Phone Call with your Editor
In the next steps email, I include a link to my calendar where you can schedule a phone call. The phone call lasts about 25-30 minutes. In this call we get to know each other better and I’ll pick your brain about your editing style and creative vision. We’ll also talk about any presets you use and how you approach cropping, straightening, blemish removal, and black & white images.
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IV
Pre-Edit some images for your Editor
After a shoot, you will import you images into light room in a new catalogue make sure if you are not already you are creating a new cataloug for each project you are sending out to be edited. this keeps things clean. Next cull the images If you apply presets upon import, you can go ahead and do that. Once your images are loaded into Lightroom, you’ll edit at least 5-10% of the gallery. These pre-edits are so important for me. I’ll use these pre-edits as a guide for how the rest of the gallery should look. If you’re used to sending your clients sneak peeks, you’re already a step ahead!! You have the freedom to edit as much or as little as you like, as long as you’re giving me at least 5% as pre-edits. I’ll ask you to flag your pre-edits using either a color or star rating so I can differentiate your edits from mine.
V
Export your catalog with Smart Previews
Next, you’ll select all the images you’re sending to me and export them as a catalog in Lightroom. Make sure you’ve selected the Smart Previews feature! I’ll give you specific instructions on how to do this. Editing with Smart Previews, I’m able to edit remotely without having to transfer RAW files. With Smart Previews, it’s much faster it is a game changer.
VI
Put catalog files into Shared Google Drive
You’ll have 3 catalog files to zip up and put into the shared folder. this is detailed ing my exporting files PDF it is important to make sure the have added all the correct files to the drop box folder so that I have all the accurate date to open the files.
VII
Wait a For your Editor
Once I the files are received from our shared folder and I have downloaded the catalogue into my cue I will confirm image count with you and get to editing you gallery. I build my turnaround times around the unique workflows of each client. Whether you have a short lead time of a few days or long lead time of up to a month I’ll work with you and deliver the images as necessary. My average turnaround time for a catalog is 3-5 business days.
As a quick note while you are waiting make sure that you do not move your RAW files from the the file they are in during export. If you move the files, Lightroom won’t know which files to apply the edits to when they file are returned to you.
VIII
Import the edited catalog
When you get the message that your edits are finished You’ll download the catalog and then open Lightroom using the original catalog that you started with, NOT the new one (you’ll just open Lightroom like you normally do!!). You’ll select the “import from another catalog” option in Lightroom and choose the new edited catalog. Not to worry I have more more details on how to do this. when you get to this step
Now is the best part once you apply the new edits you will see the images populate with the new edits now you are ready to pick up with the rest of your work flow and have one happy client!
IX
Follow Up With Your Editor
Once the exchange of catalogues is finished it is a good idea to follow up with your editor and talk about anything that worked great and any issues to be ware of or adjustment to be made in the future. The more we work together the more in sync we will become but good communication is the foundation to a good working relationship.
Thank you
I hope you enjoyed getting a step by step look at what the Photographer Editor Relationship looks like thank you for reading. I am so excited to to help you get some time back!! - Elizabeth