How long to edit pictures before sending to client

[kellyanne1703]

Hello

I'm offering people a cd of there edited images, I was wondering how long do you tell customers there cd will be done in??.

Thanks

 

[KellyJ]

Depends what kind of client they are, Portrait session clients, Wedding clients etc.?

For portrait sessions I tell them 2 weeks max, and for weddings usually 4 weeks.

 

[kellyanne1703]

Thanks, that's what I've said for portraits, and as I work full time (not in photography) only do photography at weekends, I did the shoot last week! And there wanting them this weekend! Even tho said will be 2 weeks!

 

[KellyJ]

I always make sure they are aware how long it will take before we sign any documents, sounds like they are just being impatient and you have to stand your ground with them. What exactly did they say when asking for them early? I would just explain that it's a process that you can't rush because you want to give them the best quality possible.

 

[kellyanne1703]

I always make sure they are aware how long it will take before we sign any documents, sounds like they are just being impatient and you have to stand your ground with them. What exactly did they say when asking for them early? I would just explain that it's a process that you can't rush because you want to give them the best quality possible.

I have reminded them that it will take 2 weeks maximum and if I get them done quicker then I will let them know! As I technically only have 4 days to work on them due to my full time job and evening classes I don't get a lot of spare time. They seem to think there the only customers lol Apparently she needs them by Wednesday to get them to a printer to be made into canvases for Mothers Day! Told her will try my best but can't promise anything! I don't have any document or contract of any sort! Would u recommend having a contract? If so what sort of things would u have on it?

Thanks x

 

[meonshore]

Thanks, that's what I've said for portraits, and as I work full time (not in photography) only do photography at weekends, I did the shoot last week! And there wanting them this weekend! Even tho said will be 2 weeks!

Have you told them you have a FT job, and evening classes ?

If not then they are probably assuming that your have daytimes and/or evenings to work on their images....

If a client has a specific deadline then that is something you should cover off at the time of booking in case you can't meet their requirements, or risk having a damage limitation conversation during the session. If they think you are a pro, and only doing 1-2 shoots a week then turnaround in 2-3 days is entirely reasonable.

 

[KellyJ]

I have reminded them that it will take 2 weeks maximum and if I get them done quicker then I will let them know! As I technically only have 4 days to work on them due to my full time job and evening classes I don't get a lot of spare time. They seem to think there the only customers lol Apparently she needs them by Wednesday to get them to a printer to be made into canvases for Mothers Day! Told her will try my best but can't promise anything! I don't have any document or contract of any sort! Would u recommend having a contract? If so what sort of things would u have on it?

Thanks x

Yes I would recommend at least getting them to agree on your terms and conditions, and if possible get them to sign a contract.

This would at least outline the amount of work you are being contracted to do, the payment that you are receiving, the model release, what they are allowed and not allowed to do with the images, and any other policies you might have.

If you told them before the shoot that it takes up to 2 weeks, I don't know what more you can say to them... they shouldn't have left it so late if they wanted a canvas ready for a certain date :/ I think in future use it as a reference guide, and make sure you get some terms and conditions written up and show these to clients before the book, that way there will be no confusion

 

[kellyanne1703]

Have you told them you have a FT job, and evening classes ?

If not then they are probably assuming that your have daytimes and/or evenings to work on their images....

If a client has a specific deadline then that is something you should cover off at the time of booking in case you can't meet their requirements, or risk having a damage limitation conversation during the session. If they think you are a pro, and only doing 1-2 shoots a week then turnaround in 2-3 days is entirely reasonable.

Hi

Yes told them that I have a full time outside job which they understood and again reminded them at the end of the shoot that it will take 2 weeks maximum to get the pics done and edited! Which they understood, then get email asking if there done and needing them by Wednesday! Wish people would listen

Wish Photography was my main job, love it so much

 

[kellyanne1703]

Yes I would recommend at least getting them to agree on your terms and conditions, and if possible get them to sign a contract.

This would at least outline the amount of work you are being contracted to do, the payment that you are receiving, the model release, what they are allowed and not allowed to do with the images, and any other policies you might have.

If you told them before the shoot that it takes up to 2 weeks, I don't know what more you can say to them... they shouldn't have left it so late if they wanted a canvas ready for a certain date :/ I think in future use it as a reference guide, and make sure you get some terms and conditions written up and show these to clients before the book, that way there will be no confusion

Yh they should think up ahead, but they was ok that they wouldn't get the images till 2 weeks after unless get them done earlier but no promises where made. Plus have other clients who's photos where done before them, which I've had to put aside to do these, luckily there in no rush for the images, but I don't want to take to long incase they think I've forgotten!

I think I will create some sort of contract for them so they have reference to what's been said and the time it takes for them to be edited.