The confetti has settled, the thank you notes are written, and now the big question lingers: “When do we get the photos?”
I totally understand the excitement! Your wedding day was a whirlwind of emotion, and you’re eager to relive every moment. While I move as fast as possible, my average delivery time for a full wedding gallery is typically 4-6 weeks.
This time isn’t a delay; it’s the period necessary to transform thousands of raw files into the polished, artistic final gallery you expect. Here is a look behind the curtain at the intensive, multi-phase process your images go through.
Phase 1: Culling (The Selection)
Culling is the often-overlooked first step where I essentially triage the entire day’s shoot.
- The Massive Review: Over a typical wedding day, I might capture 3,000 to 5,000 original raw files. I review every single image, concentrating on eliminating unusable shots: blinks, duplicates, test photos, unflattering expressions, and out-of-focus frames.
- The Storyteller’s Eye: The goal isn’t just to delete bad photos; it’s to select the very best images that tell a compelling, cohesive story without overwhelming you with ten near-identical shots of the same moment.
- Time Commitment: This phase requires several days of concentrated focus, often resulting in a final gallery count of 500-1000 expertly chosen images.
Phase 2: Color Correction & Consistency (The Foundation)
Once the images are selected, they all need professional attention to establish a consistent look and feel.
- The Global Polish: This involves applying fundamental adjustments to every keeper image. This includes correcting the exposure (brightness) and, most importantly, the white balance (color temperature).
- Achieving Signature Style: I work to ensure skin tones are accurate and the colors in the dress, flowers, and décor are true-to-life and consistent across the entire day, even when moving from a dark indoor ceremony to bright outdoor portraits.
- The Long Haul: Because hundreds of photos are being adjusted individually and then batched for consistency, this foundational editing work takes the largest chunk of the delivery window, often several weeks of focused work.
Phase 3: Retouching & Fine Art Details (The Final Polish)
This is where select images receive their final artistic touch before delivery.
- Spot Corrections: While I embrace a natural, authentic style, I take time to perfect the high-priority images. This involves tasks like gentle skin softening, removing distracting elements in the background (like an exit sign or an unsightly electrical outlet), or correcting a harsh fold in the fabric of a dress.
- Focus on the Core: I prioritize a journalistic look, so I do not offer drastic body modifications or remove permanent features. My goal is to enhance the reality of the day, not alter it entirely.
Exceeding Expectations: The Sneak Peek!
I know waiting is tough, which is why I offer a phase to ease the anticipation.
- Your Immediate Fix (Within 48-72 Hours): I deliver a curated set of images to your online gallery. This instant gratification set is perfect for sharing on social media, sending to close family, and getting a little taste of the magic while we focus on perfecting the rest of your story.
Conclusion: Quality Over Speed
I take my delivery time seriously because your wedding memories deserve nothing less than my complete, professional attention.
Every image in your final gallery is a finished piece of art, safely backed up, carefully selected, and meticulously edited. When you invest in professional photography, you’re investing in the time it takes to guarantee this level of quality.
Ready to see the magic? I’ll send you a personal email notification the moment your final gallery is ready!
