This article delves into why photographers should utilize proofs when working with clients, from increasing collaboration to safeguarding creative vision – they serve as an indispensable asset that adds an exceptional client experience and can serve as proofs themselves!
Join us as we examine how the strategic use of proofs can make an enormous difference for photographers trying to succeed in today’s fiercely competitive market.
If you prefer visual learning methods, I highly suggest checking out this video I produced on this subject:
What Are Proofs in Photography? Proofs in photography refers to a series of images provided to their clients as preliminary previews or samples from an event photoshoot or photo shoot. These proofs typically represent unedited or lightly edited versions of photos that serve several crucial roles within a photographer-client relationship.
Why Should Photographers Provide Proofs with Their Clients? Here are several reasons why photographers should utilize proofs:
Selection Process: Proofs allow clients to review various images from a session or event and select their favorites for further editing and final delivery. This gives clients an opportunity to have input into which shots are kept, giving them greater say over which shots they want kept and guaranteeing they receive what they require.
Collaboration: Proofs can enhance collaboration between clients and photographers by providing clients with feedback on specific shots or poses they like or dislike, giving photographers the ability to alter their approach accordingly.
Protection of artistic vision: Proofs are essential tools for protecting photographers’ artistic vision. By selecting only images that align with their style and standards, proofs help photographers ensure that their work is presented accurately.
Quality Control: Proofs can act as an invaluable quality control mechanism, providing photographers with the chance to identify any technical issues or imperfections in images that require correction before final delivery.
Maintaining client expectations: By giving clients proofs early in the process, early proofs help manage client expectations and can prevent misunderstandings or dissatisfaction down the road.
Additional Sales Opportunity: Some photographers use proofs as an additional sales opportunity by offering additional editing or printing services for images selected by clients from proofs.
How To Create Proofs Now that we understand the advantages of proofs, how do we go about creating them? Luckily it’s quite straightforward once the process becomes familiar to you.
Here’s my usual process when creating proofs:
Import and organize images: Once a photoshoot or event has wrapped up, transfer all of its photos directly onto your computer for storage and organization into folders or via photo management software for easier browsing and use.
Culling process:
Culling involves reviewing all images captured during a shoot and selecting only those which best reflect what was desired, known as culling. You should eliminate any unusable or duplicate shots. imunitar When choosing images to select, take into account factors like composition, exposure, focus and client preferences when making selections…. Basic Editing (Optional)
Though proofs are usually presented unaltered or lightly edited, you may make some basic edits for improved visibility and presentation. As needed, adjust exposure, contrast, color balance, cropping or straightening images may all require editing; when exported they can also be exported as images.
Export the selected images as proofs in an easily viewable format, such as JPEG. Create a separate folder for proofs to keep them organized, renaming files to indicate they are proofs and ensure they can easily be identified by their status as such.
Some photographers use a numbering system to make it easier for clients to refer back to specific images.
Create a Contact Sheet (Optional): If you offer physical proofs, consider creating a contact sheet as well, consisting of thumbnail images printed onto an adhesive grid.
Digital Proofs can be delivered in the form of PDF documents with all proof images embedded, making for an easier viewing experience for clients. There are various delivery methods to consider when sending proofs out; options could include uploading them to an password-protected online gallery or file-sharing service such as Box or Dropbox.
At least three methods should be utilized when proofing, depending on your content’s type and complexity: Physical Proofing Package/Contact Sheet Review for in-person review; Emailed Proofs If only several images exist. Client Review: Direct your clients on how they should review proofs and give feedback on them.
Encourage them to make selections and provide comments about their favorite images.
Feedback and Final Selection:
Solicit feedback and preferences from clients before finalizing and making adjustments as necessary on any chosen photos.
Additional Editing (Optional): Once a client has selected their images, you may decide to provide more extensive editing, retouching or any additional enhancements as requested by them. Final Delivery:
Deliver your fully edited and finalized images per your agreement with them.