Photo retouching is an essential part of any photography project, but it can also be a source of frustration and misunderstanding if you don't handle client feedback properly. In this article, you'll learn some tips and best practices to make the feedback process smoother and more productive for both you and your clients.
Before you start retouching, you should discuss with your clients what they expect from the final images, what kind of edits they want, and how many revisions they are willing to pay for. You should also explain your workflow, your style, and your limitations, and show them some examples of your previous work. This will help you avoid unrealistic or vague requests, and establish a mutual trust and respect.
Be true to them, Tell them exactly what the issue don't waste their time waiting for a job you can't deliver. If you're responsive polite and nice to talk with they find a way for you to get the job done. "In my case"
For me what works is that we talk before the photoshoot and I adjust their expectations by showing the end result of my photo shootings.
Encourage open and transparent communication. Make it clear that you value their feedback and are committed to delivering work that aligns with their vision.
Consider providing sample edits initially to ensure you're on the same page stylistically !! I believe communication is key. Respond professionally and courteously to feedback, even if it's critical. A positive attitude can enhance the client relationship.
When it comes to photo retouching, the best way to handle client feedback is by being open and honest. It's important for photographers to be transparent with their clients about what they can do in terms of editing and how long a project will take. It's essential that photographers listen carefully to the client’s requests so they can deliver exactly what the customer wants. Photographers should also provide regular updates on progress and make sure that any changes are discussed before implementation. This ensures that both parties have an understanding of each other's expectations which helps create successful results every time!
Communication is key to avoid misunderstandings and delays. You should update your clients regularly on the progress of your work, and ask them for feedback at every stage. You should also use a platform or tool that allows you to share your work easily and securely, and to receive comments and annotations directly on the images. For example, you can use online platforms like Pixlr, Photoshop Express, or Fotor, or apps like Snapseed, Lightroom, or VSCO.
Feedback is not a personal attack, but a way to improve your work and satisfy your clients. You should be open to constructive criticism, and try to understand the reasons behind their preferences and suggestions. You should also respect their opinions and tastes, and avoid imposing your own vision or style. However, you should also be confident in your skills and expertise, and explain why some edits may not be possible, advisable, or ethical.
When you give or receive feedback, you should be as specific and precise as possible. You should use clear and descriptive language, and avoid vague or subjective terms like "better", "more", or "less". You should also use numbers, measurements, colors, and references to indicate the exact changes you want or made. For example, instead of saying "make the sky bluer", you can say "increase the saturation of the blue channel by 10%".
Being specific and precise in your feedback is important, but it’s also important to understand your teammates and how they best receive feedback. For example, if your colleague is a visual learner - scheduling 1-on-1 workshops can help with this! Especially if the workshop is done virtually, since it can be recorded and used as a reference point. This visual process can help your colleague sharpen their skillset and produce the results you’re looking for!
To avoid confusion and errors, you should document and track every change you make or request on the images. You should use a version control system, like Git, to save and label your files, and to compare and revert changes if needed. You should also use a feedback management tool, like Trello, Asana, or Jira, to organize and prioritize your tasks, and to keep track of the status and history of each revision.
Finally, you should ask your clients for feedback on the whole project, not just on the individual images. You should evaluate the quality, timeliness, and efficiency of your work, and the satisfaction, expectations, and needs of your clients. You should also ask them for testimonials, referrals, or reviews, and thank them for their collaboration. This will help you build a long-term relationship with your clients, and improve your reputation and skills as a photo retoucher.
Recap meetings are great for receiving feedback on the whole project! It creates an open forum between you and the client to pinpoint areas of the previous project they loved, and discuss any areas of improvement to ensure the relationship grows into a strong long term partnership!