If the hustle and all-nighters of fall season has you yearning for a change, outsourcing editing to a private editor just may be the answer you’ve been looking for! Sure, it can be hard to let go of the control we have over editing our client galleries, but let me tell you friend…. The time and freedom you will feel afterwards is beyond worth it!

‌Today I want to share with you some frequently asked questions from photographers when it comes to outsourcing editing! I have built a phenomenal relationship with my private editor, Lindsay McGee, and she has seriously changed my business for the better!

If you want to chat with Lindsay about how she help with your editing, check out her website. Let her know I sent you and you’ll also receive a discount on your first catalog!

Benefits of Outsourcing Editing

Whenever you outsource editing (seriously, it’s such a time demanding task), your stress load is significantly reduced. We’ve all been there.  The editing to-do list is endless.  Are you going to get these finished before your promised turnaround time? How many all nighters are you going to have to pull? Say no more.  Another benefit to working with a private editor is your client experience will be improved.  Your clients will have their galleries back so quickly, which will make their experience with you leaving raving reviews!  Lastly, your time is so important.  Outsourcing editing will give you back so much time that you will finally have time again to rest, spend time with your family, or pursue other goals you have for growing your business!

Want to watch how my private editor edits my images?

I have two lessons inside The Membership for Motherhood Photographers where Lindsay and I talk about the ins and outs of having an editor and we take you behind-the-scenes with a screen-sharing Lightroom tutorial.  Log in or join today to watch how it works and the beautiful edits she makes to my client galleries!

FAQ about Outsourcing Editing

How do you find an editor?

There are many ways to find a private editor. Recommendations from friends/colleagues, Facebook groups, social media (search hashtags like #photoeditor) are typically the most common ways to find a private editor with industry experience. I found Lindsay in the Noble Presets user group on Facebook! Most editors offer a free consultation, discovery call, and/or sample edits. This is a good time to talk about your editing process.

What if you use presets?

You’ll send your preset files to your editor for him/her to use while editing your galleries. I also sent Lindsay newborn-specific Lightroom brushes for her to use on my images.

Do you teach your editor?

Maybe! If you have a specific process or way of editing, you may want to schedule a Zoom call and share your screen while you edit so your editor can watch. I did this to show Lindsay how I like to edit newborn skin in Lightroom (which I teach inside the Lifestyle + Posed Newborn Course!).

How do you send photos/catalogs to a private editor?

When I first started working with my private editor, Lindsay, she sent detailed instructions as to how to prepare and send my catalogs within Lightroom. She uses WeTransfer to receive and send the files. As long as your editor has a process in place, it should be pretty seamless!

What does it cost to outsource editing?

Costs will vary among editors, but I will tell you that it’s extremely affordable. I typically send 3-4 portrait sessions at a time and it usually costs about $75, give or take. Some images require more attention and editing so the cost may be more. Most editors will have an image minimum. If you don’t meet the minimum then the cost may be higher. For example, my editor requires a minimum of 180 images to edit. That’s why I send her 3-4 catalogs at a time.

Having an editor will allow you to book more sessions because you’ll be able to keep up with the post-processing work load!

Anything else I should know before outsourcing editing?

It’s important to remember that your editor works for you and wants to help. It may take a few catalogs for your editor to really nail your style, and that’s okay.  Don’t give up right away! If it’s not what you were expecting right away, let him/her know, and I’d be willing to bet they want to figure it out with you.

I looooove talking about how much time and sanity my editor has saved me over the last couple years. Editing is a task that I enjoy, but it also takes up so much time. My time is definitely better spent elsewhere! I love that I’m also supporting a small business and her family, too. Be sure to reach out to Lindsay if you feel like it’s time to start outsourcing your editing. You’ll wish you had done it sooner!

Have more questions? Leave a comment below!