Do Wedding Photographers Edit All the Photos?
I’ve seen a number of photographers on Facebook threads talking about brides and grooms asking for all photos to be edited and supplied in their wedding albums. I get it – you want every moment we captured, from the happy tears to a few questionable dance moves from Uncle Dave. But it’s not quite as simple as slapping an Instagram filter on and calling it a day.
Let’s dive into what photo editing actually involves, why it matters, and what you can expect as a newlywed eagerly waiting for those gorgeous snaps.
Step 1: The culling process
First up, not every single image from your wedding makes the cut. A photographer might take thousands of photos (because who wants to risk missing that perfect moment?). I easily take 3000 on a full day wedding. But no one needs 17 nearly identical shots of your cousin blinking during the confetti toss, blurry photos when you’ve got clear crisp ones of the same moment, or photos where your face is contorted in an unflattering way while you let our a belly laugh. Imagine those shots scattered throughout an otherwise perfect looking wedding gallery?
The culling process is where we go through and remove duplicates, blurry shots, or photos where someone’s mid-sneeze. This ensures you only get the best of the best. The number of photos you receive depends on the photographer, your package and the length of your day. I usually deliver 1500-2000 photos per wedding album, which is about half of the photos I take on the day.
Step 2: Basic Edits (Applied to All Photos)
Every single photo that makes the final cut gets some love. Basic edits include:
Colour correction: Fixing lighting and ensuring colours are true-to-life. Nobody wants a dress that looks white in one photo and cream in another.
Exposure adjustments: Balancing light and shadows so your photos don’t look too dark or overly bright.
Cropping and straightening: Sometimes we take a photo while also trying not to stand on toes, walking backwards or whatnot, and photos can come out a bit wonky.
Think of these as the foundation – subtle tweaks to make sure every image looks polished and cohesive.
Step 3: Creative editing
I go through my albums multiple times before I send it to my couple. This is partly to make sure the photos are consistent, and to double check my work. The main reason though is to make sure that every photo I send you looks the best it can.
Styling to match their brand: Many photographers have a signature look—light and airy, dark and moody, or bold and colourful (like me!). This consistency ensures your gallery feels like a cohesive story.
Enhancing details: Making those bouquet colours pop or adding a bit of warmth to golden hour shots.
Retouching distractions: Removing elbows from the edge of frames, random photobombers (bye-bye, Bob) or anything else that catches your eye in the photo.
What about heavy retouching?
Most wedding photographers don’t do heavy Photoshop work unless requested. We’re not reshaping bodies or creating flawless skin that looks like it belongs on a magazine cover (and honestly, who needs that?). When it is requested, they are likely to charge you for extra editing time. Imagine having to edit 2000 photos in a way that looks natural? That takes weeks of work!
As a photographer, I believe in capturing the real you – because your smile, your emotions, and your natural beauty are what make the day special. That said, if there’s an uninvited pimple on your chin, I’ll zap that away faster than you can say “just married.”
Why does editing take time?
You might be wondering why it takes 6–8 weeks for photographers (sometimes more) to get your final gallery. Here’s why:
Volume: Editing hundreds or thousands of photos is no small task.
Attention to detail: Each image is reviewed individually to ensure it meets a high standard.
Consistency: Every photo in your gallery should flow seamlessly, like chapters in a book.
Editing isn’t about rushing—it’s about creating a timeless set of photos that you’ll treasure forever.
What should you expect from your photographer?
If you’re working with a professional photographer, they’ll explain their editing process upfront so there are no surprises. Some key things to ask:
Turnaround time: When will you receive your final gallery? My contract states it may take up to 8 weeks to deliver photos, though I usually deliver within 2 weeks when I’m not in busy wedding season.
Editing style: Does their approach match the vibe you’re after?
Retouching policies: Are they open to additional edits if needed?
Trust your photographer’s vision. You chose them for a reason, and they want you to love your photos as much as you loved your big day.
The bottom line
Yes, wedding photographers edit all the photos you receive, but there’s a method to the madness, and for good reason. From basic corrections to creative enhancements, every step is designed to make your wedding photos look their absolute best while staying true to the authentic moments of your day.
So, next time you’re wondering if your photographer is spending hours perfecting those images, the answer is yes. And honestly? We love it. There’s nothing better than delivering a gallery that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe even text us a dozen heart emojis.
Got more wedding photography questions? Feel free to ask! I’m always happy to help couples understand the behind-the-scenes magic!