Wedding Photo Editing Calculator
Find Your Perfect Wedding Photo Package
Calculate your ideal wedding photo package based on your budget, desired number of edited photos, and turnaround time.
When you hand over your big day to a wedding photographer a professional who captures the ceremony, reception, and all the little moments in between, the last thing you want to wonder about is whether the images you receive have been polished or left raw. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no- it depends on the photographer’s workflow, the package you choose, and the style you love. Below you’ll find everything you need to know so you can set clear expectations and avoid surprise‑phone calls months after the vows.
Quick Takeaways
- Most photographers edit a curated selection, not every shot they take.
- Editing usually covers color correction, exposure tweaks, cropping, and minor retouching.
- The number of edited files ranges from 300 to 800+ for a full‑day wedding.
- Package price, turnaround time, and the photographer’s style dictate how much editing is done.
- Ask for an editing‑scope clause in the contract to lock in what you’ll receive.
Now, let’s break down the whole process from the moment the first guest walks in to the final download link you’ll click.
Understanding the Editing Process
In the world of photo editing the post‑shoot work that transforms raw captures into polished images, there are three main stages:
- **Culling** - sorting through thousands of RAW files and flagging the best shots.
- **Basic adjustments** - fixing exposure, white balance, and contrast, often in Adobe Lightroom.
- **Fine retouching** - removing blemishes, smoothing skin, and enhancing details in Photoshop or similar tools.
Only the photos that survive culling move on to the editing stage, which is why you won’t get every single picture you posed for.
Do Photographers Edit All Shots?
The short answer: **rarely**. Even the most diligent photographer can capture 5,000-10,000 images during a full‑day wedding. Editing every single file would multiply the workload and cost, often without adding value for the couple.
Most professionals adopt a curated approach:
- They keep the candid moments that tell the story (parents laughing, first dance glances).
- They edit the key portraits (bride and groom, family groups) to perfection.
- They discard blurry or poorly composed shots that don’t serve the narrative.
That said, some high‑end studios offer an “all‑files” service for an extra fee. If you’re a photo‑enthusiast who wants every angle, ask about that option early.
How Many Photos Get Edited?
Numbers vary, but here’s a typical range based on industry surveys from 2024‑2025:
- Small package (4‑hour coverage): 200-350 edited images.
- Standard full‑day package (8‑10hours): 400-700 edited images.
- Premium “all‑day plus cocktail hour” package: 800-1,200 edited images.
These figures assume the photographer follows a culling ratio of about 15‑20% of total shots. If you request a larger gallery, expect the price to rise accordingly.
Factors That Influence Editing Scope
Several moving parts decide exactly what you’ll receive:
| Factor | Impact on Editing |
|---|---|
| Package price | Higher‑priced packages usually promise more edited images and deeper retouching. |
| Photographer’s style | Documentary shooters may edit fewer images, keeping a natural look; artistic shooters often spend more time on each photo. |
| Turnaround time | Fast delivery (2‑4weeks) usually means a lighter edit; a 3‑month timeline allows for detailed retouching. |
| RAW vs. JPEG capture | Shooting in RAW gives more latitude for color correction, often encouraging photographers to edit a larger set. |
| Client preferences | If you ask for specific edits (e.g., removing a stray hair), the photographer may need extra time per image. |
Understanding these variables helps you budget and negotiate the exact deliverables you want.
What’s Included in Typical Editing?
A standard editing workflow covers three layers:
- Color correction: Adjusting white balance, saturation, and tone curves to make skin tones look natural.
- Exposure & contrast tweaks: Lifting shadows in dim reception halls or toning down blown‑out sunlight.
- Minor retouching: Removing dust spots, smoothing minor skin imperfections, and sharpening details on dresses and tuxedos.
Advanced packages might add:
- Full‑body skin smoothing and blemish removal.
- Creative looks (vintage film grain, black‑and‑white conversion).
- Composite artwork for albums (e.g., a collage of the ceremony).
How to Set Clear Expectations with Your Photographer
Don’t leave the editing details to a vague handshake. Here’s a simple checklist to bring to your consultation:
- Ask how many images are included in the base package.
- Clarify whether you’ll receive only edited photos or also the original RAW files.
- Request a sample gallery from a recent wedding to see the photographer’s editing style.
- Discuss any special requests (e.g., removal of an unwanted guest).
- Make sure the contract spells out delivery format (online gallery, USB drive, prints) and timeline.
When everything is written down, you avoid miscommunication and can focus on dancing rather than data‑file debates.
Comparison of Editing Coverage Options
| Option | Edited Images | Typical Cost (USD) | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curated Best‑Of | 300-500 | $2,200-$3,500 | 2-4weeks |
| Full‑Day Edited Set | 600-900 | $3,500-$5,000 | 4-6weeks |
| All‑Files (RAW + Edit) | All captured (5,000-10,000) | $5,500-$8,000 | 6-8weeks |
Use the table as a conversation starter. Pick the tier that matches your budget, timeline, and how much you love scrolling through every candid moment.
Checklist for Couples
- Confirm the edit‑count in your contract.
- Ask if RAW files are available for purchase.
- Request a preview of the editing style before signing.
- Set a realistic delivery date based on the chosen package.
- Discuss any special retouching needs early to avoid extra fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get the original RAW files?
Most photographers keep the RAW files for backup and only deliver edited JPEGs or TIFFs. Some offer RAW files as an add‑on for an additional fee, which is useful if you plan to do your own printing or further edits.
How long does editing usually take?
A typical 8‑hour wedding with 400-700 edited images takes 4-6 weeks. Premium packages that include fine retouching or all‑files editing can stretch to 8 weeks or more.
Can I request extra edits after delivery?
Yes, most photographers offer a limited number of post‑delivery revisions-usually 5-10 images-at a predetermined hourly rate. Anything beyond that may require a new agreement.
What’s the difference between color correction and retouching?
Color correction adjusts exposure, white balance, and tonal balance to make the image look natural. Retouching goes deeper-removing blemishes, smoothing skin, or enhancing specific details.
Do all wedding photographers offer the same level of editing?
No. Some specialize in documentary style with minimal edits; others are fine‑art shooters who spend hours perfecting each frame. Always review a full gallery from the photographer you’re hiring to gauge their edit depth.
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Mara Eldridge
I am a wedding services coordinator with a passion for helping couples create memorable celebrations. My expertise lies in sourcing the best venues, vendors, and accessories to bring each couple's vision to life. I enjoy sharing insights and tips on wedding-related topics, aiming to inspire those who are planning their big day. My writing combines practical advice with creative ideas to suit all styles and budgets.
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