5-Step Lightroom Workflow for Photographers

Ready to catapult your photo editing process and save yourself 18+ hours a month? Buckle up, because we’re diving into a fun-filled adventure through the thrilling world of Lightroom!

Let’s face it, editing hundreds (or thousands) of photos after a wedding can feel like a marathon with no finish line. But fear not, dear photographer! I’ve crafted a workflow that strikes the perfect balance between speed and quality, so you can wow your clients without losing your sanity.

Step 1: Organize Like a Pro

Before I even think about opening Lightroom, I make sure to sort all my photos into a neat and tidy folder system on my hard drive. Think of it as giving your photos a cozy little home! My folder structure goes something like this:

YEAR > MONTH > DAY

This simple hierarchy keeps my files organized and easy to navigate, whether I’m tackling one client or a whole bouquet of them!

I then utilize collectino sets and collections to make finding client work even easier.

WORKING / COMPLETED > GENRE > CLIENT NAME

And here’s a golden nugget of wisdom: back up your files! I always make a copy on an external hard drive and toss them into the cloud for good measure. Because, let’s be honest—no one wants to experience the heart-stopping panic of lost photos!

Step 2: Import and Apply That Magic Preset

I have Lightroom organize my files as mentioned above, during the import process. But if you prefer to organize before importing, you can do that too.

During this step, I whip out my trusty Lightroom metadata and file-naming preset. This little gem applies a consistent copywright and associated information to the photos metadata. The filename preset then renames each file as the following.

YYMMDD_HH_MM_SWK

What does that mean?

YearMonthDay_Hour_Minute_Initials

This filename format was something taught to me by my friend Sam Hurd, and it’s been helpful since adopting it to keep photos more organized and recognizable.

Step 3: Cull It Like a Champion

Now it’s time for the crucial culling step! This is where I sift through the sea of images and select the best of the best—the ones that tell the story of the day. I’m looking for those standout shots that will make my clients swoon!

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for potential black-and-white candidates as you go. Emotional moments often shine brightest in monochrome, like diamonds in the rough!

My go-to software for culling is Imagen. Its AI intelligently detects the best photos, and I am still in complete control over my selections.

Step 4: Edit with Flair

Next up, let’s add some pizzazz to those selected previews! I start with basic adjustments like exposure, white balance, and contrast. Once I’ve got a solid foundation, I sprinkle on the creative tweaks to enhance the mood and feel of each shot—because who doesn’t love a little drama?

I edit with Imagen as well, applying my editing style to all photos from a project at once. Like everything Imagen does, I’m in complete control, so I can finish off my photos in Lightroom before delivering to clients.

Step 5: Exporting Extravaganza

Once the photos are looking sharp and polished, it’s time for the exporting extravaganza! I always export high-resolution files for gallery service, so my clients can order prints or purchase digitals and have nothing but the best.

There are two gallery services I recommend.

Sprout Studio

Sprout Studio is an all in one solution for photographers. They offer a CRM and marketing tools, combined with album proofing and galleries with print labs integrated for sales.

Pic-Time

Pic-Time is a very focused platform, and they only offer galleries with print labs integrated. You can sell prints, photo digital downloads and video downloads.

Finally, once the entire gallery is polished to perfection, it’s delivery time! I add my client to the gallery, and the service starts marketing the gallery for me. Setting up your gallery templates and emails takes time in the beginning. But once you have it setup, future galleries are practically hands off. This makes marketing the gallery and selling prints far simpler for us photographers.

And voilà! Your clients are going to be over the moon with their stunning images, and you’ll be basking in the glow of your editing prowess.

Live Long and Prosper

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping into the photography arena, a well-thought-out workflow can make all the difference. From that first import to the grand delivery, every step should be seamless and enjoyable.

Remember, consistency is key! Experiment with your process, learn from every shoot, and refine as you go. Before you know it, you’ll be cranking out high-quality images faster than you can say “cheese!”

So grab your camera, fire up Lightroom, and let’s make some photo magic happen!

And don’t be scared to utilize AI in your photography business.