In my previous post, I discussed the importance of being strict with the number of pictures you send to clients and why quality should always prevail over quantity. This selection process, also known as "the culling process," is something every photographer must go through after every client or event.
But how exactly do you go about the culling process, and why is it so crucial?
To answer the latter question first, the culling process is one of the most significant steps in your journey as a photographer. It is the moment when you choose the pictures that truly represent your skill and quality as a photographer. In other words, this selection determines the standard of excellence you stand for.
Another reason why the culling process is vital is that it determines the value of your time. For example, let's say, you spend four hours editing twenty pictures, and only ten of them have the "wow-factor". However, those ten pictures only took you one hour to perfect. If your client is paying you for a set of your best shots, and you calculated an edit price of €100 for the shoot, the four-hour work was worth only €25 per hour, whereas the one-hour work is worth €100.
Thus, a thorough review of your pictures and an efficient culling system ensures that you are not setting your own value and that of your work too low.
Now, let's delve into how you can go about the culling process:
You have uploaded all your RAW files into the photo viewing program of your choice, such as Lightroom, Apple Photo, or a drive.
Go through them, (preferably one by one) and immediately delete any picture that is out of focus or unusable. (There’s no point in cluttering your storage with subpar images, especially since RAW files can take up an average of 50MB per picture.)
During this first viewing of the RAW images, mark or move the "wow" pictures. These are the pictures that instantly captivate you. While I can't precisely describe what these images should look like or contain, trust your instincts and choose the ones that resonate with you.
Once you've gone through all the pictures, closely examine the set of "wow" pictures you've marked or moved. Ask yourself the following questions:
Are all the pictures in focus, with the focus point in the right spot?
Is there anything that can be easily fixed with editing, or does something obstruct the overall quality of the picture?
Do the people in the picture look good? Are their appearances flattering? Are there any awkward facial expressions, inappropriate body parts, or excessive nudity? Keep in mind the differences between men and women.
Are the colors and highlights well-balanced?
After applying these criteria, you should have a selection of pictures that meet your standards. Double-check if you have the right number of pictures required by your client.
If you have the correct amount, proceed with editing and deliver the final pictures to your clients.
If you don't have enough pictures that meet your criteria, revisit the RAW files that you didn't delete. Look for pictures that were in focus but lacked the initial "wow-factor." Apply the same questions mentioned above to identify which ones can be improved with a bit of editing.
Once you've completed the culling process and editing, you should have a collection of about ten to fifty pictures (depending on the shoot's purpose, client's agreement, and the specific situation). Generally, shooting a hundred pictures at a concert would result in around ten really good shots.
If, at this point, you still haven't reached the agreed-upon number of pictures with your client, it means you either took too few pictures or promised too many.
In conclusion, the culling process plays a significant role in showcasing your skills as a photographer and determining the value of your work. It's essential to evaluate your pictures critically and establish a systematic approach to ensure consistent quality.
Remember, every photographer has their own methods and preferences, so feel free to share any helpful tips or tricks that have worked for you.