Photo is the window to look over the past, and for that, we call it a memory saver. But, of course, everyone wants to look stunning in the memory, so they request an image post-production service to fix all imperfections. Besides, every business sector, including online, jewelry, magazine publishers, architectures, etc., seeks the photo editing process for beautifying their product photos to attract viewers. Consequently, the view converts into sales, raising profit.
If you are a freelancer in charge of editing photos for any of the sources mentioned earlier, you know how much time it takes to edit. But if you feel confused about How Much to Charge for Photo Editing, check out this blog that will help you do research and get the answer about How Much to Charge for Photo Editing.
How Much to Charge for Photo Editing
Freelancing photo editing is an excellent job because it allows you the freedom to balance your work-life and professional life. However, one of the most expected queries most freelance photo editors seek is how much to charge for photo editing. Unfortunately, the answer is not easy to give because many factors are interconnected with photo editing for many reasons. Besides, you may know How long does it take photographers to edit photos. If not, you can check my blog on that. Now, let’s know the factors that impact the charging and know How Much to Charge for Photo Editing according to them.
Photo Editing Based on Types of photos:
Various photos are available based on purpose, so the editing price varies based on the Phototype. For instance, the cost of a wedding photo won’t be the same as the cost of product photos because they demand different editing requirements ranging from simple to high-end retouching.
For sports, weeding, or any occasional photos, you have to consider the environment, season, culture and some other solid issues to add consistency in the look. For this, you should have guaranteed editing preferences.
For real estate, you need to focus on the industrial knowledge that needs time and practice. Here, you should know that the Luxury personal properties and office space exhibition is as different as day and night.
Editing product photos demands an understanding of the market because photography varies depending on the market. Consequently, the editing process also varies, as the editing for fashion is different from the food photos.
Photo Editing Charge Based on Complexity Level:
There are multiple methods available to edit a photo, and individually they mandate a diverse quantity of time, knowledge, and proficiency. Different types of photos we have mentioned above hold different levels of complexity and based on that the price varies.
- Basic Photo Editing: Basic photo editing includes regular editing tasks like cropping, balancing brightness and exposure, resizing, color correction etc. It takes 1 minute to 5 minutes and doesn’t demand effort broadly. So, you can charge between $0.50-$1.5 per image for this type of photo editing.
- Mid-Level Photo Editing: This type of photo editing deals with more issues than the basic one. The mid-level photo editing process includes enriching the white balance, extending the photo background, adjusting curves and levels, etc. It demands a minimum of 5-10 minutes, and so you should charge betwixt $2 – $3 per photo based on the requirements.
- Extensive Photo Editing: You need to invest more time and effort than mid-level photo editing to execute extensive image retouching that may deplete a minimum of 15 minutes. In addition, it is a challenging process to produce a perfect photo. Body slimming, skin color changing, adding effect, applying cosmetics, adding new background etc., fall into this category where the editor must employ the Photoshop Masking Services with other techniques to keep the required part protected. You can charge $3 to $5 for each image.
- Advanced Photo Editing: Advance photo editing requires more tactics, skill and effort. It covers the process of balancing shade, background removal, clearing spots, hair masking, enriching skin tone, fixing imperfections etc. Here, the editors apply Clipping Path Service to separate the subject and execute high-end retouching service to make the photo outstanding. Since it’s a lengthy process, the lowest time it consumes is half an hour, which can extend based on the condition. So, you should charge at least $4 to $10 per photo.
- Special photo editing: Special means it’s different from the ordinary one. There is a speciality in photo editing that also includes unique quality. This process includes changing an object’s color, smoothing up the skin, removing wrinkles, changing the background, adding or removing objects, adding special effects etc. The editor needs to think elaborately and creatively to make the photo eye-catchy and meaningful. Image Manipulation Service is a challenging process that an editor applies, including other techniques. This process consumes a minimum of 1 hour to 3 hours and sometimes more time to execute each photo. Depending on the complexity, you can charge $10-$20 for each photo.
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How to set Pricing structure
How Much to Charge for Photo Editing?
A plan provides the best output when every step is predetermined. That’s why before you start charging for photo editing, you should set the pricing structure by studying the particular market and competitive rates. Let’s have a brief on the points you should count before setting the price for photo editing:
How Much to Charge for Photo Editing by the Hour:
Time is money, especially for photo editors since they mostly get paid on hourly grounds. Though the hour calculation is the simplest process to fix the charge of photo editing, it is not the best option for a freelance photo editor. Because for a stunning result, you might take 1 hour to complete a project where the client already knows it should take 40 minutes on average for a professional. As a result, he would expect fast delivery offering less payment. An open discussion before starting the project can solve the issue. Depending on the complexity of the demanded service, skillfulness, and time, you can charge any amount ranging from $20 to $150.
How Much to Charge for Photo Editing by Image:
Are you wondering what the most appropriate approach of charging for Photo Editing is? The answer is that photo editing rates by images are the most straightforward way of setting prices, benefiting both parties. Because in this structured process, you will categorize the complexity and charge according to that.
In this case, you have the authority to provide any discount on a large number of tasks that will encourage your clients to take the offer boosting your business. You can set the price from $2 – $10 per photo relying on the complication, editing technique, and spectrum of work. When setting the charge, you should consider the competitive price and make sure your one doesn’t go too low or high.
How Much to Charge for Photo Editing by Project:
You can charge for photo editing based on the project you have been dealing with a client for a long time. You can also propose a discount on extensive size assignments. You can calculate the final fee through a per-image or hourly strategy in this system. A project can range between $100 to $1000 or more swinging on the size, quality, and timeline. However, it has a disadvantage, and that is you may face a loss of money or a break-even point in this system if the project takes longer than the plan.
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Evaluate Metiers Before Charging for Photo Editing
Before starting photo editing, think about How Much to Charge for Photo Editing. And for this, you should have to consider a few crucial factors to succeed in your field.
- Industry: You should target a particular photo editing sector, although a newcomer misses it. It would be best if you didn’t miss it because it will help you be efficient in your field. As a result, you will be able to produce an outstanding fine-tuned result.
- Location: Location is another paramount factor you should consider charging for photo editing because it varies based on location. For instance, if you edit for clients in California, you can earn an hourly pay of $24, whereas you can earn $15.04 doing the same task for the client of Iowa.
- Skill level: Nowadays, Photo editing has become admirably competitive, where proficient persons provide service largely. So, as an apprentice, you can’t charge the same as the expert. But through continuous work, skill and experience, you can get proficiency that will allow you to charge more later.
- Time: Time is the most valuable thing, and it is equal to money too. So, never undersell yourself or your timing by charging below $2 for a photo. Even though you might take 5 mins to edit the photo, keep in mind that the client pays for the task and pays for your time and proficiency.
- Investment: You are not doing work for free because you are not doing business without any investment. Your device, including a PC or laptop, is an investment for your photo editing business. So, don’t charge in a way that doesn’t cover your investment and show you the road to lose.
- Project Management: You should manage any project professionally. You shouldn’t think a small amount like $40 for a bulk assignment is sufficient for your service. Because you have to pay the devices, utility bills, software, etc, so, manage the project so that you don’t have to pay all things from your pocket at the end of the project.
Inappropriate pricing can decrease the revenue of the photo editing business. That’s why photo editors should know How Much to Charge for Photo Editing so that they can run the business profitably. I believe the ideas I have shared in this blog will help you charge for your task without delay. If you need such a service when you are overloaded, you can contact Designs Spy, which provides such services price starting from $0.30 per image based on the requirement.
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