Stop Relying So Much on Photoshop
The first digital camera was invented in 1975. During this time, they were kind of expensive and not very popular. It wasn’t until the 90s when they would gain popularity, but they weren’t affordable to the public until the early 2000s. Photographers and Artists started to photoshop around 1987. The first wedding I ever shot was completely on film. Yes, I am old, but that is ok. The lessons I learned using film have proven invaluable.
The most valuable lesson that I learned was the importance of getting the shot right in camera. Digital has given us the mentality we can ‘fix it in edit.’
While, that is true, think about how much time it will take to edit each photo, and the old saying is ‘time is money’.
Film Cost Break Down: $5.00 per roll of film.
35 photos per rolls
$4.00 per roll for processing and prints.
$0.25 per photo (good or bad)
I could have hated the entire roll, there is only so much you could do in post editing, but it’s not like I could go back and reshoot the couples’ wedding. I needed to make the best of every single photo every time. If I missed the first kiss or any special moment, then the clients would not be happy.
Even If I could afford to spend my entire profit from a wedding in roll after roll of film, I really did not want to. I learned to adjust my camera controls and settings in the moment. I looked closely at my environment and learned to adjust my focus, aperture, and shutter speed quickly. I learned to use filters like polarizers and neutral density to help control the light.
There is software out there that I am sure most use so why bother with making sure we get the perfect shot when we can fix it later?
Digital Post Edit Cost: 1 minute to adjust each photo (maybe 120 photos that need adjusted)
Your cost per hour: $100 (2 hours)
Thus, costing you: $200
By making the adjustments in the presence of the session, we can save on time and costs after the session. This could allow us more time to set up another session or relax and unwind.
I am not trying to make an argument of which is better between in camera and post editing. I am trying to say that by using both methods could change your business. You are a professional and you know what is best for you.