You must use high-quality, appealing photos to ensure improved user engagement and better online brand presence. The road to that goal starts with good shots and ends with retouching those images to get the best possible results.
However, photo editing requires time, patience, an understanding of different techniques, and the know-how of which technique to apply to a certain image. Outsourcing photo editing services is a more hassle-free, economical, and convenient way to get such good photos with minimal effort, given you understand how to approach it.
To shorten the time retouching takes, you can work with a third-party photo editing company that understands how to exhibit images effectively. Here are the 10 best tips you must know before outsourcing photo retouching services to get top-notch outcomes.
1. Don’t Choose An Agency Based Solely on Price; Think Long And Hard
Do not solely concentrate on the cost while choosing a company to handle your photo editing or retouching. A low or high cost is not a guarantee of the quality of the service. Not all pricey businesses deliver excellent results, and likewise, sometimes, a less-priced agency might astound you with how proficient they are at photo editing services.
Therefore, before making a decision, assess the agency or freelancer, their outlook, expertise level, technology and software being used, internal processes, transparency, and several other aspects. By following this approach, you can estimate their value clearly. In addition, you will undoubtedly get high-end pictures at a fair price if you contact a reputable or experienced photo retouching services provider.
2. Have a Clear Picture of Your Requirements in Mind
Decide on the most appropriate services based on your business requirements before contacting a third-party photo editing company. Editing, retouching, manipulation, and restoration are all different services used in a picture’s post-production. Many people mistakenly believe these services refer to the same undertaking; however, there are significant differences between them.
Editing involves a variety of adjustments that significantly alter the original image, including:
- Adjustment in color
- Enhancing the lighting and resolution
- Improve body figures
- Merge multiple images
- Adding and deleting objects and details.
- Applying creative filters, etc.
On the other hand, photo retouching concentrates on the image’s localized enhancement. It includes:
- Sharpening, brightening, and enhancing contrast
- Colorization
- Makeover correction
- Facial line reduction
- Image blurring
- Skin smoothening, etc.
3. Share Appropriate Requirements With The Agency
When outsourcing photo editing services, you must give the agency guidelines on the optimum format, size, and quality level for your product photographs. Therefore, before contacting an outsourcing company, familiarize yourself with the criteria and specifications for creating best-in-class images. Standard elements of specifications for product photography include:
- Resolution
- Size
- Format
- Aspect Ratio
Undertaking the appropriate measures is crucial to preventing overpayment for re-delivery of the results since you weren’t clear about your expectations when placing the initial transaction.
4. Ensure The Agency Matches Your Required Expertise
Find out if a particular company has previous expertise working on a project like yours before contracting for photo editing/retouching. For example, editing real estate images differs from enhancing eCommerce product images. Therefore, you can only be sure of a top-notch outcome if you choose a third-party company that has done product photography projects in your niche.
Also, it’s a good idea to learn more about the agency’s clientele. For this, carefully check previous and current customers’ reviews because they frequently offer the most accurate description of what to anticipate from a specific service.
5. Examine Client Reviews And Work Samples of the Photo Editing Company
To ensure the firm you have selected to outsource photo editing services can produce high-quality results, review the testimonials and project samples. Additionally, connect with previous and current customers to determine whether they are satisfied with the editing services. Doing so will assist you in selecting the ideal photo-editing firm to suit your needs.
6. Learn About The Company’s Onboarding Procedure
Find out what kind of system an image editing company has in place before committing to them. They may hire freelancers, have in-house teams, or work with contractors. Following the onboarding guidelines, you can also clearly understand what is required of you, how the collaborative workflow will process, how frequently you will be updated, who will work on your project, how quickly they can start, etc.
With an understanding of all these factors, you can have the contract modified to fit your particular needs. Additionally, you will have documentation to defend your position if you disagree with the service quality you received or if the delivered photographs don’t meet the standards promised.
7. Find Out What Photo Editing Software They Utilize
Every image editing software has different features and is made for slightly different jobs.
Therefore, during the initial meeting, inquire about the software the potential outsourcing company uses to see whether the software they use will serve your purpose. In addition, you can ask editors how they use editing tools, save files (via Dropbox, or employ advanced AI options). Such questions must be answered to determine whether third-party specialists stay current with picture editing industry technology developments.
8. Gauge The Expertise And Proficiency of The Agency Through A Variety of Questions
Undeniably, photo quality affects conversion, so it’s critical to gather as much data from the third-party company as possible, which calls for many questions. Here are some suggestions if you’re having trouble coming up with your questions:
- How much time do you take to finish the project?
- The total number of photos you can edit each day?
- Will the editing results meet my expectations?
- How will you ensure data security?
- How will you respond to disgruntled clients or missed deadlines?
You can gauge a photo retouching service provider’s professionalism by asking these questions.
9. Analyze The Photo Editing Company’s Work Culture
Try to learn how the management of an outsourcing firm interacts with the personnel if you plan to entrust them with your photos. Although it may seem counterintuitive, this advice is quite important. As a business owner, you only want to collaborate with partners with high professionalism and a reputable track record.
Also, when you enquire about the company culture, you can also put in the request to talk to the resources who will work on your projects. This will help you establish a tuning with them and give you critical insight on their workflow.
10. Set Reasonable Goals
It goes without saying that when you hire a third party to edit your photos, you should expect high-quality results. However, you must also understand when to let go of perfectionism as a business person or photographer. To avoid tension later on, set reasonable creative expectations. Only when you can convey what you want to be done can outsourcing be effective. If you wish to get exceptional outcomes, be careful to provide the editor with clear directions and communicate your expectations.
Conclusion
Numerous things go under the umbrella of outsourcing photo editing services. Hence, take your time while selecting the best image editing company. The process requires time and patience. Though, It’s not tough. By using the tips mentioned above before choosing an outsourcing agency, you’ll be able to make a wise choice that will help your company grow.
