A Pro Photographer’s Guide to Spend Less Time Editing Product Photos

The only thing that a photographer looks for is – to hand over his clients a well-lit, beautifully composed photo (s)! So that the clients are satisfied with his services and are overjoyed with your efforts.

But to reach to that fantastic end-result one has to go through many steps, which includes conception, execution (photo shoot) and editing (final editing is what makes a photo perfect).

There are a lot of things one can do to fast-track the editing process. Here are the ways to shorten the time you spend to edit a picture, these steps are divided in three steps:

Plan Planning is the key to success, we all know that. Believe you me, perfect planning beforehand can help you save a lot of time in editing. So, think is out, pay attention to details whether large or small. Knowing how you're going to get the shoot done in advance will simply eliminate the chances of errors.

Have the best gear

Of course, you can rent the photography gears, but owning your own will be a great help, especially for a professional photographer. Believe it or not, your equipment matters the most, they can really make a difference and help you create high-quality photos. Also, make sure you keep additional accessories with you.

Be prepared

Do all the preparations a day before you shoot, so that you do not miss anything! Also, make sure you check everything before you leave for the shoot.

Take help

It’s always recommended to ask for help from a professional and experienced photographer, rather trying on your own. A professional can always help you achieve the look you’re exactly attempting for.

Shoot on a white background

There are many marketplaces that require only a white background for their product shoot. A plain white background can help you hide a myriad of sins when it comes to product photography. Also, removing distractions from the background is much easier.

Customize white balance while shooting

Getting accurate white balance while shooting in mixed light or while shooting a variety of products can really be difficult. However, using an Expodisc can help you have consistent white balance throughout the photo shoot. One can easily customize and set white balance during the shoot instead of wasting time adjusting white balance while editing.

Keep your gears clean

It is crucial, and if you’re not able to do it by yourself, get your camera gears serviced by a local camera shop to have optimum results.

Pay attention to detail

Pay extra attention to details while product shooting. Before you shoot, look at the entire frame carefully and plan how to get the best shot.

Try clicking until you get what you want

Some of your shots will not come perfect in first or second attempt, they may take time. Then, what’s the problem. Try out with change perspective until you get what you want.

Keep your pictures safe

No matter how tired you return from your shoot, don’t forget to upload your pictures in your editing computer and have their backup.

Remove all the duplicates

You may be tempted to keep all the images, but trust, that’s mere wastage of time and nothing else. Instead of going through all the images with a critical eye the first time. And remove all the duplicates and ones that you don’t really like.

Be organized

Believe you me, good file management is really very important to cut down on time. So, make sure you develop this most important skill of all times.

Know your objective

Before you begin editing your pictures, make sure you know how you want the end result to be.

Make major changes, then fine tune

It is good to make major changes like color and exposure first and then fine tuning your images accordingly.

Use layers

Don’t forget to use your Layers, it will not only help you save time, but also the frustration that comes with re-editing or forgetting the loop.

Calibrate your monitor

Many a times it happens that you order something online and when it arrives it is absolutely different from what you expected. It so very much happens because the monitor is not calibrated properly. In order to avoid this, make sure you calibrate your monitor.

Have your process set

Build your own process that you are comfortable with or that works best for you and use the same whenever you have photoshoot. The process includes everything from packing your bags for shoot to sending final invoice, and use the same method invariably.

Use automated-image-editing tools

Another way to save your time is to use automated image editing tools for wonderful results.

Use shortcuts

Editing large number of photos is not an easy task. So, it is important for a professional to know about Photoshop shortcuts.

Outsource if needed.

In case you have bulk product photo to edit that too with a quick deadline, it’s better to outsource the clipping and get the job done professionally.

Enjoy editing…. And give your clients the best pictures of their products!