Processing time during the post-production phase - estimated wait time

From your wedding in Carmel Valley until you get the proofs...how long to expect

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post-production final processing time estimates

Q How soon until you begin processing?  Additionally, what's your typical post-processing timeline like?

A We begin processing your images almost instantly after your event concludes. In terms of what our typical post-processing timeline looks like, we more-or-less stick to the following tasks:

First, we run multiple backups of the original files & store those backups both on and off-site; second, we convert the originals to Digital Negative files; third, we organize and run basic edits on the files; next, we meticulously work through each image one at a time in our photo editing software; fifth, we order physical proof prints from our lab & color correct as necessary; sixth, we then place another order for proof prints just to be 100% sure our edits are up to snuff; next, we once again re-color correct as needed; eighth, as the images are deemed "complete" we upload them to your online slide show page (typically in three batches); then when we're totally finished, we will mail you the physical proof prints along with DVD containing the high-resolution images from your wedding, engagement shoot, family session, etc.

Please note that we publish a rough timeline at the bottom of each client's slideshow page which articulates when we plan to upload each of the three batches of images associated with the event.  For details on how to access a given slide show, take a moment to review our slide show instruction page.

Q So what does this timeline translate to, in terms of "days" until I actual get the finished product?

A It always stuns clients when we tell them that the post-processing phase for us take substantially longer than the time needed to actually shoot the event.  The bulk of this delay is related to the proofing & color correcting since we have to send the images to our lab for printing, get them shipped back to us, and only then check to see if the color quality is satisfactory . . . and if not, we have to re-edit, get new proofs printed & shipped, and once again ensure the quality is up to our standards.  Regardless, processing time is not a one-size-fits-all answer since it really does depend of such factors as (a) the length of event we photographed & the number of images captured; (b) the lighting & weather conditions when we captured the photographs...if it was horribly bright out and conditions were less then ideal, this inevitably causes us to double the time necessary to post-process; and like we mentioned before, (c) the number of times we need to send out for physical proof prints in order to properly color correct the photos.

For example, to process a quick 2-hour sunset wedding where there was just a touch of high clouds to diffuse the light and where we only had to run a single print run of proof prints for color correction . . . this might only take us 10-15 days or so.  On the other hand, if we were shooting a long 12-hour wedding down at the Carmel Mission where it happened to be a blisteringly bright day with zero cloud cover, and we ended up having to proof (and re-proof) 2-3 times . . . well, this obviously would be one of those very rare occasions where we would actually need a 45+ days chunk of time to post-process. Rare...yes; but obviously always a possibility.

Again, it's so hard for us to give you a concrete number of days necessary since each and every event we photograph is unique.  I mean on the extremes of the spectrum we've had some short weddings processed in less than a week while we've also had humongous weddings that have spanned multiple days and required over 20-hours of aggregate shooting time (and shot on a blindingly bright day to boot!) which have needed 60-days to process.  But those are obviously extremes.  More typically though, the average event takes right around 30 business days to process.

Q I have a special situation where I need to get some photos completed ASAP.  Can you do a Rush job?

AIf you have any special deadlines that are in play (e.g., a bridal shower, engagement party, second reception at some distant location, etc.) please let us know of such as soon as possible.  It should go without saying that if you give us sufficient advance notice, we'll try our very best to rush process your images (or at least a portion of the images just so you have some "teasers" to show your friends/family).

Put another way, it should go without saying that unless you make clear of this request well beforehand (i.e., please provide at least 15-20 business days notice), it's pretty much a sure bet that we will not meet your deadline.  I know, I know, we really need to pick up one of those fancy crystal balls to read peoples minds but until that point, we would simply ask that you Contact Us and let us know of the special occasion & associated deadline.

We had one unfortunate experience where we finished up a client's photos, about 10-days early as a matter of fact, shipped them out to them only to hear after the fact that they were disappointed that we weren't able to get some of the images done as a gift for their mother's birthday with took place about 10-days or so after the wedding.  It broke our heart to hear her disappointment in our client's voice.  However, when we came up dry after re-reading our notes to see if we somehow forgot about this special request, we called up the client to determine where we went wrong only to be somewhat surprised when she made clear that she never told us personally but thought that one of the bridesmaids would have remembered to tell us.  Lesson is, don't assume anything and it is better to err on the side of caution and just drop us a note.

Q How about the enlargements that come with the package I ordered; when will those arrive?

A In addition to the physical proofs (in the form of either 4" x 6" prints or a bound proof book), all of our packages contain a varying number of 8" x 12" enlargements. After you submit the Client Enlargement Request Form, we verify your information and send it to our lab within 1-business day; from there our lab typically takes 1-2 business days to print the photograph; and then after it ships the USPS typically takes from 3-5 business days in transit. 

Keep in mind that printing enlargements is much more time consuming and requires specialty equipment not utilized with proof prints.  Thus, if you happened to place an order or extra proof prints at the same time as you did for the 8"x12" enlargements, you may actually receive two packages (one with the proofs and the other with the 8"x12" prints).  Typically, the proofs arriver 2-3 business days sooner than the 8" x 12" enlargements.

Like we said before though already, each event is unique and we are occasionally able to have our lab is expedite the process and ship both the proofs as well as the enlargements simultaneously.

Of course, this same processing & shipping advice holds true if the 8" x 12" enlargements are paid or un-paid/included with the event package.

Q Instead of paper enlargements, I ordered some of your custom products (e.g., canvas prints, an album, etc.).  What's the processing time look like for these "specialty" products?

A Any of our "custom" products, which includes our canvas line as well as any of our albums/books, take considerably longer to process when compared against the paper prints & enlargements described above.

For canvas prints, although the exact processing and shipping time varies greatly based upon the time of year (e.g., December/January as well as summer months are "peak" seasons whereby our labs are abnormally busy), we generally estimate that 15-business days is needed from the time you place your order until your framed canvas print ships out to you.  Again, this is just a best guess and we'll e-mail you the tracking number once it ships out.

Albums on the other hand, are the most labor intensive, both in terms of the time & labor necessary from our end as your photographer as well as at the lab and binding facility.  Accordingly, albums require, by far, the most processing time. Providing a reasonable estimate for processing is further impacted by the exact type of album ordered as well as the number of pages/images incorporated in the product.  Nevertheless, for an "average" album of 15-pages or so, you should probably anticipate 60-days or longer from the time your order is placed before it ships.  Of course, more intricate albums may require upwards of 90-business days for processing.  Please contact us for more details based upon your specific needs.

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