How to Find the Right Photo Editor: What to Look for & Red Flags to Avoid

Denise Mayree
Feb 25
5 min read

Updated: Mar 6

How to Find the Right Photo Editor: What to Look for & Red Flags to Avoid

Outsourcing your photo editing can be a game-changer for your business, freeing up your time to shoot more, market your services, and actually enjoy your life. But finding the right editor? That’s where things get tricky.

There’s no shortage of editors out there, but not all of them will be a good fit for your style, workflow, or business. So, how do you find the right one? And just as importantly, how do you spot the red flags that could lead to frustration, delays, and wasted money?

Let’s break it all down.

Step 1: Define What You Need

Before you start looking for an editor, get clear on what you actually need. Every photographer has different editing requirements, and knowing yours will make the hiring process much smoother.

Types of Photo Editors & Services They Offer

Not all editors do the same thing. Some specialize in light, high-volume edits, while others focus on intricate Photoshop work. You may even need multiple editors depending on your workload.

📌 Lightroom Editors (Basic Edits & Culling) – These editors handle high-volume workflow, helping with: ✅ Culling (sorting and selecting the best images) ✅ Color correction and white balance ✅ Exposure adjustments ✅ Cropping and minor touch-ups ✅ Preset-based consistency

📌 Full Retouching Editors (Lightroom & Photoshop) – These editors do more detailed work, such as: ✅ Skin retouching (blemish removal, frequency separation, etc.) ✅ Object removal ✅ Dodge and burn enhancements ✅ Clothing and stray hair fixes ✅ Advanced color grading

📌 Advanced Photoshop Editors (High-End Compositing & Manipulation) – These editors specialize in complex edits, including: ✅ Face swaps and expression enhancements ✅ Background swaps, extensions, and full replacements ✅ Merging multiple images into one ✅ Creating composite images (fantasy edits, creative storytelling, etc.) ✅ Fixing extreme lighting or exposure issues ✅ Restoring damaged or heavily flawed images

Knowing which kind of editing you need will help you narrow down the search for the right outsourcing partner.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

✅ Do I need basic color correction, or full retouching? ✅ Do I want someone who works in Lightroom, Photoshop, or both? ✅ Do I need batch editing for large galleries, or selective image retouching? ✅ What’s my editing style? (Bright & airy? Dark & moody? True to life?) ✅ How fast do I need turnaround times to be?

Having clarity on these will help you communicate your needs effectively and weed out editors who don’t match your workflow.

Step 2: Where to Find a Photo Editor

Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start searching. Here are some of the best places to find a reliable editor:

📌 Freelance Platforms – Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer have tons of editors, but quality varies. You’ll need to vet them carefully. 📌 Facebook Groups – Join photography & outsourcing groups (like my Photographers Resource for Outsourcers Facebook Group) to connect with experienced editors. 📌 Word of Mouth – Ask fellow photographers who they use. Personal recommendations are gold. 📌 Instagram & Social Media – Some editors showcase their work and availability on their profiles. 📌 Photo Editing Agencies – Some companies specialize in outsourced editing services with set pricing and teams.

Step 3: How to Vet a Photo Editor

Not all editors are created equal. To make sure you’re choosing the right one, follow these steps:

1. Ask for a Portfolio or Samples

A good editor should have examples of their work. If they don’t, consider it a red flag. Look for consistency, quality, and whether their work aligns with your style.

2. Do a Small Test Run

Before committing to a full gallery, send a small test batch of images. Pay attention to: ✅ How well they match your style ✅ How responsive they are to feedback ✅ The quality of the edits ✅ Turnaround time. Most outsourcers will have a free test run to make sure you are a good fit.

3. Set Clear Expectations

Communication is key! Before hiring, discuss: ✅ Your preferred file formats (.RAW, .JPEG, .PSD, etc.) ✅ How revisions work (Do they charge extra? How many rounds?) ✅ Expected turnaround time ✅ Pricing structure (Per image? Per project? Monthly retainer?) ✅ Delivery method (Dropbox, WeTransfer, or an editing platform?)

A great editor should be willing to work with you to ensure consistency in your edits.

Step 4: Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not every editor will be a good fit, and some can be downright problematic. Here are some warning signs to avoid:

🚩 Inconsistent Work – If their portfolio is all over the place with different styles, they might struggle to match yours. 🚩 Poor Communication – If they take forever to respond, don’t clarify expectations, or disappear mid-project, it’s a no-go. 🚩 Too Cheap to Be True – If someone offers ridiculously low prices, be wary. Good editors know their worth, and cheap edits often mean poor quality. 🚩 No Willingness to Revise – Editors should be open to adjustments. If they’re defensive or refuse to tweak edits, it might not be a good fit. 🚩 Missed Deadlines – If they promise a deadline and don’t deliver (without explanation), it’s a sign of future headaches.

Step 5: Setting Up a Smooth Workflow

Once you’ve found the right editor, you want to set yourself up for success with a workflow that makes things efficient and stress-free.

1. Create an Editing Guide

✅ Provide before & after examples ✅ List any presets or actions you want used ✅ Explain how you like skin tones, shadows, and highlights handled ✅ Specify any retouching preferences (skin smoothing, teeth whitening, etc.)

2. Use Cloud Storage for Easy File Transfers

Platforms like Dropbox, WeTransfer, and Google Drive make sending and receiving files simple.

3. Set a Feedback & Revision Process

Let your editor know if you need adjustments, and agree on a system for requesting revisions without frustration.

4. Build a Long-Term Relationship

Once you find a great editor, stick with them! A long-term editor will learn your style and make outsourcing feel seamless.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right editor takes time, but when you do, it’s a game-changer for your business. A great editor helps you deliver consistent, high-quality images to your clients while freeing up your time for what matters most.

🚀 Have you worked with an editor before? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below, or join the Photographers Resource for Outsourcers Facebook Group to connect with top-tier editors! 👇

All My Love,