Developing Your Photography Process
Establish a consistent process for capturing images, including planning and preparation.
A successful photography workflow is more than just snapping photos and editing them—it's about creating an organized, repeatable process that streamlines every step, from capturing images to delivering the final product to your clients. Developing your own workflow can help you stay consistent, save time, and maintain high-quality results.
In this lesson, we'll dive into what a workflow is and how you can establish one that suits your style and business needs.
What Is a Workflow?
In photography, a workflow refers to the process you follow from the moment you pick up your camera to the time you deliver your images. A workflow isn't set in stone—it’s something you can refine and customize as your needs change or as you learn new techniques. The goal is to develop a consistent routine that maximizes your efficiency and keeps you organized, no matter how many shoots or clients you have.
Creating a workflow gives you structure, ensuring that no steps are missed. It also helps streamline repetitive tasks, so you can focus more on the creative aspects of photography. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, having a solid workflow in place is essential to staying on top of your game.
Establishing Your Personal Workflow
Developing a personal workflow means finding a process that works for you and your specific photography style. Here's a breakdown of how I’ve structured mine, which you can use as a foundation to develop your own:
- Uploading Files to a Hard Drive
After each shoot, the first step in my workflow is to transfer all of my images from my SD card to a dedicated hard drive. This ensures I have backups and reduces the risk of losing any photos due to technical issues. I always recommend using an external drive for safe storage and keeping a secondary backup for extra security.
- Organizing Files with Naming Rules
Organization is key to an efficient workflow. I use a naming convention to keep all my folders in order. Each folder is named with the date of the shoot in the format MMDDYY + Title, making it easy to search for files later. For example, a folder from an engagement shoot on March 15, 2024, would be named 031524_Engagement_Smith.
Within the main folder, I create a subfolder called RAWS, where I upload all my raw files. This way, I can always go back to the originals if needed. Keeping raw files organized by shoot date ensures I can find anything at any time without searching through disorganized files.
- Creating Lightroom Catalogs
Once the files are organized, I create a Lightroom catalog for each shoot. I name the catalog using the same MMDDYY + Title format for consistency, and I store it in the main folder for easy access. Lightroom is essential for editing and organizing my images, and by having individual catalogs for each shoot, I can quickly locate and reference any project.
- Applying Edits and Exporting
After importing the raw files into Lightroom, I begin editing. Depending on the shoot, I might apply presets or make individual adjustments. The edits depend on the mood and tone I want to achieve, but keeping consistency across images is vital.
Once the edits are complete, I export the final images into a new subfolder called FINAL within the main folder. Having this clear structure makes it easy to differentiate between the original raw files and the polished images ready for delivery.
- Client Delivery via Pixieset
Finally, I upload the finalized images to Pixieset, my preferred platform for delivering images to clients. Pixieset allows for seamless, professional client galleries that can be customized for each session. The user interface is intuitive, and clients can easily download their images, order prints, and share the galleries with friends and family.
As a side note, Pixieset has been a game changer for my business, and I recommend it to any photographer looking to elevate their client experience. If you're interested in trying Pixieset, here's my referral link for $20 off your first month: Pixieset Referral Link.
Why Workflow Matters
Having a workflow in place helps you stay consistent and efficient, especially when you're dealing with multiple clients or projects at once. By organizing your files, establishing naming conventions, and following a step-by-step process for editing and delivery, you eliminate unnecessary stress and ensure that each shoot receives the same level of attention and care.
Moreover, a well-structured workflow allows you to focus more on the creative aspects of photography. Instead of worrying about where your files are or how you’ll deliver them, you can spend more time honing your craft, engaging with clients, and growing your business.
Tips for Building Your Own Workflow
- Stay organized: Always have a clear system for file storage and naming, so you can find what you need without frustration.
- Consistency is key: Stick to the same process for every shoot to avoid mistakes or skipped steps.
- Adapt and refine: Don’t be afraid to tweak your workflow as you go. Find what works best for you, and be open to changing your process if needed.
- Back everything up: Always have at least two copies of your files—one on a hard drive and another in the cloud, or on a separate backup drive.
Conclusion
Developing a consistent photography workflow is essential to staying organized, efficient, and creative. By establishing a process that works for you, from file upload to final delivery, you’ll save time and ensure that every shoot meets your high standards. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing process, building a solid workflow will help take your photography to the next level.