What Happens After Your Photo Shoot
This is the best part!
The stress is over!
Wondering what comes next?
All that’s left to do is to wait for your photos.
1. Immediate Aftermath: The Cool Down
First things first, relax! Photo shoots can be exciting but also exhausting at the same time.
Relax and Reflect: Take a moment to relax and reflect on the experience. Celebrate the effort you put in and the fun moments you had.
Communicate with Your Photographer: Your photographer might touch base with you briefly to let you know how the shoot went and what the next steps are.
Photo by Julian Bock on Unsplash
2. The Waiting Game: Initial Processing
After the shoot, your photographer will begin working on your photos. Here are some of the things that go on behind the scenes:
Backing Up Photos: One of the first steps your photographer takes is backing up the images to ensure nothing gets lost.
Culling: Your photographer will go through all the photos taken and select the best ones. This process is called culling and involves choosing images based on focus, exposure, composition, and overall quality.
Basic Editing: After selecting the best shots, your photographer will perform basic edits. This might include adjustments to exposure, color correction, and cropping.
3. Sneak Peeks: A Taste of What’s to Come
Many photographers offer sneak peeks or previews a few days after the shoot. If you’re not sure whether your photographer will give you one, you can always ask.
Excitement Builder: Sneak peeks keep the excitement alive and give you a glimpse of what to expect.
Feedback Opportunity: It’s also a great time to provide feedback if there’s a specific look or style you’re hoping for.
4. Detailed Editing: Crafting Perfection
Once all the best photos have been picked out, your photographer will carry out the detailed editing process. This is the most time consuming part but it is essential to deliver high quality images.
Advanced Retouching: This involves more refined edits, such as skin smoothing, removing blemishes, and enhancing features. It’s all about making you look your best while keeping the photos natural.
Creative Adjustments: Depending on the style of your shoot, your photographer might add creative touches, like special effects, black and white conversions, or artistic cropping.
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
5. Viewing Your Gallery: The Big Reveal
This is when you get to see the final product that you spent your hard earned money for and the time and effort to make it all happen.
Online Gallery: Most photographers provide an online gallery where you can view and select your favorite images. This gallery is typically password-protected for privacy.
Choosing Your Favorites: Take your time to go through the gallery and pick the images you love the most. Many photographers offer packages with a certain number of edited images included, with the option to purchase additional photos.
6. Finalizing Your Order: Prints and Products
Depending on what your photographer offers and what you paid for, you may have the option to order some prints or other products.
Print Options: Consider various print options such as standard prints, canvases, or metal prints. Each option has its own unique look and feel.
Albums and Books: Many photographers offer custom photo albums or books. These are great for preserving memories from special occasions like weddings or family reunions.
Digital Downloads: High-resolution digital downloads are perfect for sharing online or printing at a later date.
Photo by Arun Prakash on Unsplash
7. Delivery: Receiving Your Final Images
This is usually the last step to close out your agreement with your photographer. Getting the final images.
Digital Delivery: If you’ve opted for digital downloads, your photographer will send you a link to download your high-resolution images.
Physical Products: Prints, albums, and other physical products will be delivered to your address. This can take a bit longer, especially if custom items are involved.
8. Sharing Your Photos: Spread the Joy
You’ve got your stunning photos, and now it’s time to share them with the world:
Social Media: Share your favorite shots on social media platforms. Be sure to credit your photographer and tag them in your posts.
Thank You Notes: Sending a thank you note to your photographer can be a nice gesture, especially if you’re thrilled with the results.
9. Leaving a Review: Support Your Photographer
Leaving a review helps your photographer grow their business and can guide future clients. Here’s how to leave a meaningful review:
Be Specific: Mention what you loved about the experience, from the shoot itself to the final images.
Include Details: Highlight specific moments or aspects that stood out to you, such as the photographer’s professionalism, creativity, or the way they handled unexpected challenges.
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash
10. Planning Your Next Shoot: Looking Ahead
You can’t just book one and be done. There are always so many reasons and occasions to book more photo shoots!
Seasonal Sessions: Consider booking seasonal sessions to capture different times of the year.
Special Occasions: Keep your photographer in mind for future special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday photos.
Referral Program: Many photographers offer referral programs where you can earn discounts or rewards for referring new clients.
Conclusion
The journey after your photo shoot is just as important as the shoot itself. From the initial excitement of sneak peeks to the detailed editing process, viewing your gallery, and receiving your final images, each step is designed to ensure you receive beautiful, high-quality photos that you’ll cherish forever. Remember, the best photos come from a combination of preparation, trust in your photographer, and a bit of patience. Enjoy the process and look forward to reliving those special moments through your stunning images.
Looking for another photo shoot with a family photographer in Calgary? We’re here to serve you!