The #1 Mistake Photographers Make When Outsourcing (And How to Avoid It)

Denise Mayree
Feb 20
5 min read

Updated: Mar 6

The #1 Mistake Photographers Make When Outsourcing (And How to Avoid It)

For many photographers, outsourcing editing feels like handing over their creative vision to a stranger. It’s scary, overwhelming, and let’s be real—sometimes it just doesn’t go well. But if you’ve tried outsourcing before and weren’t happy with the results, chances are you made the #1 mistake most photographers make: Not Clearly Communicating Your Editing Style.

Why This Mistake Happens

When you’ve been editing your own work for years, your style feels second nature to you. You know exactly how you like your tones, contrast, and color grading. But an editor? They don’t have your brain (unfortunately), so without clear guidance, they’re left guessing what you want.

The result? Inconsistent edits, frustration, and a belief that "no one can edit like me." But here’s the truth: A skilled editor can match your style—if you set them up for success.

Why Outsourcing is a Game-Changer

Many photographers hesitate to outsource because they think it means sacrificing quality. But the reality is, outsourcing your editing is a strategic business decision that can help you:

Reclaim Your Time: Spend more hours shooting, networking, or simply enjoying life instead of being glued to your screen.
Scale Your Business: Take on more clients without burning out.
Enhance Creativity: Focus on the artistic side of photography instead of the repetitive technical aspects of editing.

The key to making outsourcing work? Clear communication.

Finding the Right Editor: It’s a Process

Finding an outsourcer can feel like a daunting, overwhelming task. I’ve seen many photographers give up before they fully train or find someone they love. It’s important to understand that finding the right editor is not meant to happen overnight. You might need to go through several editors before you find someone who truly understands your vision.

There will be lots of edits and re-edits to fine-tune their approach to match your expectations. But this is all part of the process. The more you refine your feedback and provide clear guidance, the smoother the transition will be.

How to Avoid This Mistake

✅ Step 1: Create an Editing Reference GuideThink of this as a roadmap for your editor. Include:

Before-and-after examples of your past edits.
Notes on your color preferences (warm vs. cool, vibrant vs. muted, etc.).
A description of your ideal skin tones and overall mood.
Information about how you handle highlights and shadows.
Notes on sharpening, grain, and other fine details you prefer.
Any special retouching preferences (e.g., how much skin smoothing, flyaway hair removal, etc.).

✅ Step 2: Be Specific With FeedbackInstead of saying, "This doesn’t look right," try: "The shadows need to be deeper, and I prefer less saturation in the greens." The more precise you are, the faster your editor will learn your preferences.

Pro Tip: Use visual annotations to highlight what you want changed—markups on images are super helpful for editors.

✅ Step 3: Start SmallDon’t send a full wedding gallery on day one. Test the waters with a few images or a small session to make sure your editor is aligned with your style before committing to larger projects. Give feedback, refine the process, and gradually scale up.

✅ Step 4: Use Presets or Editing ExamplesIf you use Lightroom presets or Photoshop actions, share them with your editor. This provides a baseline to work from and ensures consistency.

The Worst Time to Look for an Editor

Looking for an emergency editor at the last minute when you’re past a deadline isn’t a great idea. While sometimes unavoidable, it’s important to recognize that hiring someone in a panic adds stress to an already high-pressure situation.

If you’re already unsure about letting someone else edit your work, the added stress of being past a deadline and needing to deliver quickly is not going to make you feel more confident in the process. Rushing to find an editor without time for a proper training or trial period often leads to disappointment and frustration.

Instead, plan ahead. If you know you’ll need help in the future, start testing editors before you’re in a crunch. This allows you to build trust and confidence before relying on them for time-sensitive work.

The Power of a Good Editing Workflow

Once you find an editor who understands your style, you’ll want a smooth workflow that ensures fast turnaround times and minimal back-and-forth communication. Here’s how:

Organize Your Files Efficiently: Name files clearly and structure folders logically.
Use Cloud Storage: Platforms like Dropbox or WeTransfer make file sharing easy.
Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): These are simple guides that help editors understand your process at a glance.
Have Regular Check-ins: Even after your editor is trained, occasional touchpoints help refine the workflow.

Overcoming the Fear of Outsourcing

Many photographers fear losing control over their edits. It’s understandable—your editing style is part of your brand. But think of outsourcing like working with a second shooter: with the right person, you gain extra hands without losing your artistic vision.

Here are a few mindset shifts that can help:

“It’s a collaboration, not a replacement.” You are still in control of the creative direction.
“Good outsourcing improves consistency.” If you’re swamped, your editing might suffer. An editor ensures steady quality.
“It’s an investment, not an expense.” Freeing up editing time allows you to focus on revenue-generating tasks.

Common Concerns & How to Address Them

Concern: What if the editor doesn’t get my style? Solution: Be thorough in training, give examples, and refine the process with feedback.

Concern: I don’t want to pay for something I can do myself. Solution: Consider the value of your time. If editing takes 20 hours per week, what else could you accomplish with that time?

Concern: What if I don’t like the final edits? Solution: Start small, provide detailed instructions, and adjust along the way until your editor nails it.

The Big Takeaway

Outsourcing isn’t about losing creative control—it’s about freeing up your time while maintaining your brand’s signature look. With clear communication, the right references, and a little patience, your editor can become an extension of your creative vision. And when that happens? You get to spend more time shooting, growing your business, and actually enjoying photography again.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to dive into finding your perfect outsourcer, check out the Photographers Resource for Outsourcers Facebook Group. If you’ve been hesitant to outsource, I challenge you to start small. Send a handful of images to an editor, provide clear feedback, and see how much time it saves you.

Have you ever tried outsourcing your editing? What was your experience like? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

All My Love,