{"id":4095,"date":"2021-08-13T17:00:09","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T16:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pathedits.com\/blog\/how-much-charge-product-photography-outsource-editing\/"},"modified":"2024-11-30T05:25:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-30T05:25:12","slug":"how-much-charge-product-photography-outsource-editing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pathedits.com\/blogs\/tips\/how-much-charge-product-photography-outsource-editing","title":{"rendered":"Freelance Photography Tips: How to Charge for Outsourced Photo Editing"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re a freelance photographer, you\u2019re used to creating beautiful images for your clients. But you know the work doesn\u2019t stop once you press the shutter button. These days, clients expect perfect clipping paths<\/a> and polished images.<\/p>\n

For some photographers, photo editing<\/a> is part of the job. For others, it\u2019s an unnecessary, tedious task they don\u2019t really want to do.<\/p>\n

If you enjoy editing photos, guess what? You can turn that into an upsell. When you set up your photo editing services properly, you might not even need to shoot anymore \u2014 you just might trade in your camera to make a living as a photo editor.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s right: You could theoretically earn a decent income from home while dressed in your pajamas!<\/p>\n

If this sounds good to you, you\u2019re probably wondering how to charge for photo editing. And what photo editing rates to set.<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ll talk about hourly vs. per image vs. flat fee rates, how to determine which number to throw out, and what to make sure you\u2019re including in those rates \u2014 and how you can make more money by outsourcing some of the work<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Editing as a standalone service vs. included with photography<\/h2>\n

You can offer editing-only services or add it to your existing photography packages.<\/p>\n

Editing as a standalone service<\/h3>\n

Photo editing could be the only thing you offer as a service, and while helpful, you don’t have to have photography experience to be a photo editor. You do<\/em>, however, need to have a creative eye and in-depth knowledge of professional photo editing software<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind, if you’re offering photo editing as a standalone service, your website and social media channels should be created with photographers in mind \u2014 they’re your source of business, not the people or company receiving the photos. Do you offer culling or custom preset creation? Highlight how you can make a photographer’s job easier.<\/p>\n

Editing included with photography<\/h3>\n

Some photographers prefer to wrap editing into their photo packages. Photographers that built their business on their unique style might prefer this route, and depending on their following, they may also have a few popular editing presents available for purchase.<\/p>\n

Typically packages are based, in part, on the number of images the customer will receive. Customers choose a selection of their favorite shots and those will be the images that get edited as part of the package. If you wrap editing into your photography package, make sure you note that on your website. Let customers know that touch-ups, color corrections, etc. are included in the price.<\/p>\n

Your editing approach comes down to your personal preferences. Managing a photography business entails much more than taking great photos. \u201cAside from shooting, which is extremely time-intensive, and editing (which is more time-intensive), photographers have to deal with client management, consultations, negotiating contracts, bookkeeping, constant marketing on Instagram\/Facebook\/Pinterest, website maintenance, and frequent blog updates,\u201d says Katie Rivera<\/a>, a full-time photo editor.<\/p>\n

Depending on workload, sometimes outsourcing editing is more efficient. If you offer editing as a service, your freelance photo editing rates will depend on whether you wrap the edits in with your photography or you offer editing as a standalone service.<\/p>\n

Knowing what you should charge<\/h2>\n

Determining how much to charge your clients for photography is challenging in and of itself. The internal debate probably goes a little something like this:<\/p>\n