Why would I want to outsource my post processing?

Many photographers are frustrated that they are having to spend hours on the computer processing their digital files when your time would be much better spent shooting, marketing your business, or even spending time with the family.

Others want the latitude of shooting in their camera's raw file format, but don't have the skills to get the results they want, or are put off by the time involved in getting the best from their images.

Of course you still want the creative control, but with Photoshop Services doing the time-consuming initial corrections, you then have time to develop and apply your own personal style to those images.

 

I have a specific 'look' I prefer - can you match it?

Colour is very subjective, and everyone's preferences differ. Some like very warm saturated colours, other prefer much more neutral tones. You may prefer very contrasty images, or maybe a little more detail in the shadows.

My services are tailored to your individual requirements - just like professional labs learned your film preferences.

I recommend that you send me examples of files you've corrected, or a link to a gallery of images, so I can see how you like your files. In most cases I can match your existing style - send me some examples, and we'll see how close we can get!

 

Which raw processor do you use?

Whilst I have tested most raw processors at some stage, I choose to use Adobe Lightroom for all processing. Adobe's fast updates for all brands of new cameras, compatibility with Photoshop, and sidecar xmp files make it an ideal choice.

Each raw processor has a slightly a different look and feel, however high quality raw conversion is dependant on familiarity with the program's tools, as much as the program itself, so don't worry if you've had trouble getting the kind of look you prefer from Lightroom - send me some test files and your preferred conversions too, and we'll get them to match.

 

Are the resulting files ready to print?

That's up to you. The services I offer are for volume 'high-quality proof' standard, but most consider these ready to print as finished prints. XMP files are also included, so you have the option to tweak odd files if you wish.

 

Do you just batch process the files?

Whilst I make use of batch adjustments to ensure consistency across a series of images, all images are evaluated and adjusted individually.

 

Is there an extra charge for mixed cameras?

No, I regularly work with a variety of Canon, Nikon, Fuji and Kodak cameras, to name a few. I can't guarantee an exact colour match due to the differences in manufacturers and models, but they are usually very close. Correct time stamps does help ensure consistency, so please ensure the cameras are synchronised if possible.

 

Should I shoot raw or jpeg?

There's great debate on the subject, and there's no right or wrong answer.

If you're nailing the white balance and exposure on every single shot, then by all means shoot jpeg, but then you won't be needing my services either! If, like most professional photographers, your images benefit from 'tweaking' after the event, raw gives much greater latitude for adjustment.

I strongly recommend shooting in your camera's raw format in order to ensure the highest quality result. The processing prices quoted are for raw file format only - jpeg processing is available only by quotation.

 

Can I send some test files?

Yes of course! It'll give you an opportunity to see how YOUR photographs could look.

You are welcome to send 4 or 5 test files along for processing free of charge, and please do include some reference files too, or a link to a gallery of your work, so I can start to learn your preferences from this early stage.

You are welcome to email me at victoria@photoshopservices.co.uk and send them via FTP, or put a disc in the post instead.

 

How do I send files?

Most prefer to send the files on DVD due to the large file sizes. FTP is also an option for those on a high connection speed.

Please do NOT send the original files - send a copy! Your discs can be returned on request at a cost of £0.75 each, to cover postage charges, or destroyed.

 

How are the corrected files returned?

Files returned as full resolution jpeg, tiff, or PSD, or as XMP data files.

XMP data files are usually preferred by most photographers as they are collected from my FTP server as a small download (usually approx. 500kb), preventing unnecessary postal delays. If you have either Photoshop CS2, CS3 or Adobe Lightroom, these XMP files are then placed in the same folder as the raw files, and the final conversion to jpeg is run on your local machine using the updated settings in the XMP data. Full instructions can be found here.

Corrected files returned as jpeg/tiff/PSD on cd/dvd cost £3.50 for the first disc and UK postage. Additional discs in the same order £1.50.

Please let me know if you'd prefer sRGB or AdobeRGB and capture sharpening turned on or off.

 

Some images are very under or over exposed. Does that cost extra to fix?

No. Exposure adjustments done within Lightroom are included in the standard price. If you'd like additional noise reduction or other work, that can be done on a quotation basis.

 

Can I have some images in black & white instead of colour?

Yes, but please decide in advance which ones you'd prefer to have in black & white/sepia, and either flag these with a Bridge/Lightroom colour label, or put these in a separate folder, otherwise additional sorting changes may be incurred.

Alternatively, a full set of black and white or sepia images are available at just 5p per image, plus the cost of an additional disc (£1.50) if required for large orders.

 

Can you provide a low resolution set for my web gallery?

That's not a problem at all. Cost is just 5p per image to cover the additional time involved.

 

Do I need to prebook your services?

No, but pre-booked weddings are given priority over those that turn up unexpectedly, so it's worth a quick email, even months in advance. This also keeps turnaround times to a minimum.

If you are considering using my services, it's best to arrange test files before the wedding season starts, as the first couple of weddings can take a little longer while I learn your preferences, particularly in the height of the season.

 

How long does it take?

Turnaround times vary depending on the time of year, and are no more than a week even in the height of the wedding season.

If you have a particularly urgent wedding, premium 2 business day turnaround service is available at a cost of 50% extra, by arrangement in advance.

 

How do I pay?

Payment can be made in the following ways:

* Preferred payment method - Direct bank transfer via BACS (account details on request)

* UK cheque when the order is placed, made payable to Photoshop Services

* Credit/Debit card via NoChex processing before release of the corrected files. (UK only)

* PayPal account before release of the corrected files (account victoria@photoshopservices.co.uk - UK or International)