After The Capture

Every studio has their own version of a workflow after the capture. Here at Studio M, work flow is something we are always trying to improve on. A smooth and efficient work flow means happy photographers and happy clients. I thought I would take this opportunity to let you know a little bit about what we do with the raw images after they are captured at an event.

The first step we take is a download of the images to our main editing computer and backup of those images. The images are backed up in three locations to lower the risk of corruption or loss.

After download and backup, an initial sort is performed to remove any sub-standard images. Yes, we all have our little out of focus moments. :) Plus, we try to push ourselves and our equipment to new levels each time we are at an event, so there are bound to be some “oops” type moments when we tried for something really cool but...

Back to the workflow discussion, then we unify the color and exposure of the collection. This captures the feel and the tone of the event and highlights the great choices you have made in the color pallet for the wedding.

After that, I like to look at the collection in black and white to pull out the images we will convert with special black and white tools at a later time period.

Next is another review of the images concentrating on composition to make sure they are balanced. This is an area where I place great importance. In fact, one of the best compliments we have received from a client was how great they thought the composition of our photos was. (Thanks Angela!)

Then we do an artistic edit to highlight the narrative and this defines the final collection.

The black and white images are converted one at a time. I have created over 30 conversion tools for different types of black and white images and I like to let the images and the collection itself drive me toward a certain black and white look.

And finally... we have a completed collection. Hurrah!

All told, this takes a substantial amount more time than the hours we spend capturing the images at the event, and many hours of time at the editing station, but in the end we think the quality of the work shines through. We hope you do, as well.

The next step - album creation. But that will have to be another post!

Will McDowell of Studio M Photographic