Do You Ever Wonder Why It Takes So Long for Your Photographer to Deliver Your Images?

Keep reading to learn more about the editing process behind the scenes—from the moment the session ends to the final delivery of your beautifully curated gallery.

The First Steps After Your Session

When I return from a session, the first thing I do is create folders for both Lightroom’s catalog and the session images. Each folder is named with the session name and date—for example, “Algonquin Park August 25, 2024.” Then, I upload all the images into that folder and create a Lightroom catalog specifically for the session. Once everything is uploaded, I back up both the catalog and images to a backup hard drive.

This organizational system ensures every image is safe and easy to locate, even years down the line. It’s part of my commitment to delivering high-quality, professionally organized galleries.

Culling: Finding the Best of the Best

Culling is the process of reviewing every image—hundreds, if not thousands—to select the best ones. I look for images that meet my standards for focus, composition, and lighting. Imperfect shots (like group photos where not everyone is looking) aren’t automatically discarded; sometimes, I can fix these in Photoshop.

This step ensures you receive the best images from your session while maintaining a natural and authentic feel.

Basic Edits in Lightroom

After culling, I apply basic edits in Lightroom. This includes adjustments to white balance, contrast, highlights, shadows, and more. Often, I edit people separately from their surroundings using Lightroom masks, ensuring skin tones and clothing look their best. For sessions with many similar images, I can copy and paste adjustments, which speeds up the process while maintaining consistency.

Fine-Tuning in Photoshop

Once Lightroom edits are complete, I export the images to Photoshop for detailed retouching. This includes removing stray hairs, lint, or minor distractions. If needed, I can also perform advanced edits, such as correcting closed eyes or fixing eye direction in group shots.

This step is the most time-intensive but ensures every image is polished and professional.

The Final Touches

After retouching, I review each image for cropping, apply a final color grade, and sharpen the image. The completed images are saved in a “Final” folder, ready to be delivered.

Uploading and Delivering

Finally, I upload your gallery to my website and send you the download information. This moment is the culmination of hours of careful work—every step designed to provide you with images you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Why It Matters

Each step in this process ensures you receive images that are not just beautiful but timeless. From culling to color grading to fine-tuning, I focus on delivering quality over speed, ensuring your gallery reflects the best of your session.

Curious About My Photography Services?

If you’re looking for a dedicated Muskoka photographer to capture your moments, I’d love to work with you. Take a look at my portfolio or contact me here to book your session today!

Deanna Wagg Photography

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Why It Takes Time to Deliver Your Photography Gallery: Insights from a Muskoka Photographer