Owens-Lugar Photography

Image Editing: Portraits vs. Weddings – What’s the difference?

It’s a hot topic among photographers and clients these days:  How does image editing vary among portraits and wedding images?  As the editing process is purely based on personal opinion and preference, many clients often wonder what type of editing their images will receive.  I have found that many photographers share their professional editing process online; and after reading many editing philosophies, I find that my personal process is the majority standard.  To clear up any questions my clients may have on the topic, I’ve posted a clear-cut answer below regarding editing and enhancements for portraits and wedding images.

Both portrait and wedding images will receive color-cast correction, image cropping and rotating, as well as contrast correction.

Portrait images may receive extra attention in regards to vignetting, and color enhancement.  Attention may be given, if needed, to teeth whitening, eye brightening, airbrushing skin, darkening eyelashes and removing blemishes.  The level of attention spent on each image varies with the mood of the image, the overall look of the image, and the desired look of the image previously requested by the client.  Various color tones may be used to enhance the mood, such as sepia, color pop or a dramatic black and white.

In order to return wedding images to the Bride and Groom in a timely manner, only select wedding images will receive the extra enhancements described above.  Couples can expect enhancements to be added, at no additional fee, to up to 25 images for the Tulip Package, 35 images for the Rose Package, and up to 55 images for the Bouquet Package.  Those images that receive extra attention can be selected for you, or if the Bride and Groom prefer, they can select the images they prefer to receive extra enhancements from from their password protected online image gallery.  Generally, the images that receive extra attention are those that will be used in an album, or will be printed.

When selecting a photographer for your portraits or events, it is best to discuss your expectations regarding editing and the overall look of your photos before entering into a contract.  This will help eliminate any future misunderstandings or discrepancies between what you expect, and the product you receive.  Because overall, photography is an art, not a science.  Be sure to be specific when discussing the desired look of your images.