Wedding photo editor needed for ongoing Lightroom projects
I run a U.S.-based wedding and portrait photography studio specializing in cinematic, emotive, and film-inspired imagery. I am looking for one dependable wedding photo editor interested in building an ongoing working relationship.
Each gallery will already be culled, and a Narrative base edit will already have been applied. You will not be starting from completely unedited RAW files or developing a new editing style. Your role will be to review every selected image and carefully finish the gallery according to the style references and instructions I provide.
Editors based in the Philippines are especially encouraged to apply.
Project scope
Most wedding galleries contain approximately 700–1,200 selected images.
Responsibilities include:
Reviewing every image individually rather than relying only on batch adjustments
Correcting white balance, tint, exposure, contrast, and color as needed
Maintaining consistent colors and natural skin tones throughout the gallery
Correcting photographs taken in mixed, difficult, or changing lighting
Cropping, straightening, and correcting horizons when appropriate
Performing light distraction removal
Checking similar images and sequences for consistency
Preserving my established editing style rather than applying your own preset or creative interpretation
Returning the completed Lightroom Classic catalog with all edits intact
Light distraction removal may include sensor spots, trash, signs, wall switches, small background objects, or similar distractions when they can be removed reasonably using Lightroom’s standard removal tools.
The Narrative edit is only a starting point. Some photographs may already be very close, while others may require more deliberate color and exposure adjustments.
Most galleries should be completed within 10-30 calendar days after the files and instructions are received. The exact deadline will always be agreed upon before the project begins.
Work not ordinarily included--
This position does not usually require:
- Culling
- Building presets from scratch
- Extensive skin or beauty retouching
- Body or facial reshaping
- Complex Photoshop composites
- Large or highly complicated object removals
- Major background reconstruction
- Generative changes that significantly alter the photograph
If an image appears to require advanced retouching, you may flag it for me instead of spending a significant amount of time on it.
Paid test project
Shortlisted applicants may first be offered a paid test project consisting of 50 wedding images.
Payment for the test project is $20 USD.
The test gallery will include a variety of lighting conditions so I can evaluate:
Color accuracy
Skin tones
Consistency
Cropping choices
Attention to distractions
Ability to follow an established style
Communication and turnaround time
The test will be completed through a funded Upwork fixed-price contract. I am not requesting free sample work. The agreed $20 will be paid when the test is completed according to the supplied instructions, regardless of whether the editor is selected for a larger project.
Compensation for full projects
$100 USD for a completed gallery containing 700–800 images
An additional $15 for every 100 images over 800, prorated at $0.15 per additional image
Examples:
700–800 images: $100
900 images: $115
1,000 images: $130
1,100 images: $145
1,200 images: $160
One reasonable correction pass is included if part of the gallery does not initially match the provided style references. Requests involving a changed creative direction or work outside the original scope will be discussed separately.
Projects will be offered as they become available, so a specific monthly volume is not guaranteed. However, my goal is to establish a long-term relationship with the right editor rather than find someone new for every wedding.
Requirements
+ Strong proficiency in Adobe Lightroom Classic
+ Previous experience editing weddings or large portrait galleries
+ A good understanding of white balance, skin tones, mixed lighting, and color consistency
+ Ability to closely follow an established editing style
+ Careful attention to small details and background distractions
+ A reliable computer, internet connection, and adequate file-storage capacity
+ A calibrated or color-accurate monitor is strongly preferred
+ Ability to meet agreed deadlines
+ Prompt, honest communication if a delay or technical problem occurs
+ Willingness to receive feedback and make reasonable corrections
+ Respect for client privacy and confidentiality
Client privacy
All client photographs and project files must remain private. They may not be posted, shared, added to a portfolio, used to train editing tools, or provided to another person without written permission.
The selected editor must complete the work personally and may not outsource it to another editor. Project files must be securely deleted after final delivery and confirmation.
How to apply
Please begin your cover letter with the word “LIGHTROOM” so I know you have read the complete posting.
Please answer all five screening questions included with the job post. Do not complete or submit an unpaid sample edit. Selected applicants will receive the official paid test through Upwork.