The SmugMug Blog

Today’s guest post is by Jared Bauman from ShootDotEdit.  For those of you looking to learn more about the costs and benefits of self-serve versus outsourced post-processing, this is a worthwhile read.

With digital becoming the standard over the past 5+ years, there have been an onslaught of new opportunities and challenges for photographers.  One subject is Post Production.  Nowadays, there is so much involved after capture, or after the image has been taken.  No longer can a photographer simply take an image and expect it to look its best.  Rather, tweaking the image for proper exposure, color, and other details now is a requirement.  Even further, many photographers learn how to use Photoshop and other programs in order to enhance the image.  Photoshop Actions, or scripts that run predetermined activities on photos, allow photographers to achieve dramatic results.

Digital Post Production has allowed photographers to create unique and dynamic images unlike ever before.  However, the byproduct of this has been an increased workload.  Rather than just shoot, now the photographer has to spend hours upon hours in post production. On top of that, the photographer has to be an expert in photography and post production!  Eventually, every photographer reaches the point where their increased activity in post production is met with the limits of their available time.

“Why should I let go of my post production?”  That’s the question we hear the most … And it’s a valid one.  Remember when you decided to allow SmugMug to handle your print fulfillment and drop ship to your clients?  Yeah … it’s like that.  Every photographer seems to struggle with the topic at one point or another.  Letting go of your post production is not an easy decision, because images are the reflection of the art each photographer creates.  Many determine that letting go of the post production is letting go of the creative process, and letting someone else determine the look and feel of their final image.

So why let go of the post production?  Well, in the end, editing is not a part of your business.  You’re a photographer – not only is that what you love to do, but its what you get paid for.  And, beyond that, editing is not the main component involved in why your clients book you.  They book you because you’re you  and because of the images you take.  Have any of your past clients asked what color temperature a photo was?

SmugMug has allowed you to remove the burden created by printing, shipping and safeguarding your images.  Once that was removed, you were able to experience the time and energy to do the things that matter most: create images, meeting with clients, and network with others in your industry.  This is why SmugMug and ShootDotEdit work so well together!

We understand the importance of quality, turnaround time, and customization because we’re professional photographers, too.  Both myself and Garrett have successful wedding studios in Southern California, so we understand the integral demands on today’s wedding photographer.

Since we love SmugMug so much, we are offering a 20% discount off all jobs over $100.   Use promo code SmugSDE to get the deal through December 20, 2010!

Photos courtesy of Rachel Terry of www.stellar-photo.com