Save time on your Edits!
As we step into the new year, every photographer is looking at their business to see what needs improving? I would venture to guess, editing is on the top of most photographer’s list.
Editing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of a photographer’s job, but with the right strategies in place, you can streamline your workflow and focus more on what you love—capturing stunning images. Here are some effective ways to save time editing and maximize your productivity.
1. Organize Your Catalog
Before diving into the editing process, organization is key, and can make your editing run smoother. Here are some examples of ways you can organize each session into Collections on Lightroom.
Newborn Sessions:
Nursery
Newborn
Parents with Newborn
Details
Wedding Collections:
Details: Organize shots of rings, invitations, and decor.
Getting Ready: Segregate photos of the bride and groom preparing.
B&G: Separate images of the bride and groom individually.
Pre-Ceremony: Place images of any pre-ceremony shoots here.
Ceremony: Group all images taken during the ceremony.
Cocktail Hour: Keep images from the cocktail hour in their own section.
Reception: Finally, sort the images of the reception, including dances and speeches.
By organizing your catalog this way, you’ll be able to find and edit specific types of photos quickly and efficiently. This will also allow your editing to be consistent as you wont be jumping around your whole session trying to find the images that were taken in similar areas.
2. Utilize Lightroom’s Sync Feature
Adobe Lightroom’s Sync feature is a game-changer for efficiency. Once you’ve edited one photo to your liking, you can apply the same adjustments to multiple photos at once.
How to Use It: After editing a photo, select it and then hold the Shift key to select other images that need the same edits. Click the Sync button in the Develop module, and choose which settings you want to apply. This method is perfect for batch editing similar photos.
3. Match Total Exposure
Ensuring consistent exposure across your images is crucial for a cohesive look. Lightroom’s Match Total Exposure feature simplifies this task.
How to Use It: In the Develop module, select the photo with the ideal exposure. Then, go to the ‘Settings’ menu and choose ‘Match Total Exposure.’ This feature helps you adjust other images to match the exposure of the selected one, saving you the hassle of manual adjustments. Or use this shortcut:
For Mac: Shift + Option + Command + M
For PC: Shift + Option + Control + M
4. Consider Hiring a Private Photo Editor
If editing is taking up too much of your time, consider outsourcing. A private photo editor can handle the bulk of your editing tasks, allowing you to focus on shooting, client interactions, or more time with your family. A professional editor can speed up your turnaround time, ensure consistent quality, and handle the repetitive aspects of editing, giving you more time to work on other aspects of your business or personal life.
By implementing these time-saving strategies, you’ll find yourself editing more efficiently and effectively. Remember, the goal is to make the editing process as smooth as possible so you can focus on what truly matters—growing your photography business and spending time with those that you love most.
