editing proofs - to what level?

im still trying to balance the level of effort I put into editing proofs.

Knowing that a client wont order a print of every proof, what level of editing do you put into each image?

do you just color correct and process to a point so they can confidently choose and then finish touching up the ordered images images or do you try to blow them away with fully edited nearly perfect images of every proof?

I think the differences might lie in what sort of proofs you are offering. For portrait work I would edit each shot as I would want the client to see them. But I'm probably only showing 20 or so of the best shots. For wedding proofs its more likely to be color correction, and if neccessary any other tweaks but not not skin softening or such an all the proofs except those that I identify as "money shots".

gonzogolf wrote in post #16338959
I think the differences might lie in what sort of proofs you are offering. For portrait work I would edit each shot as I would want the client to see them. But I'm probably only showing 20 or so of the best shots. For wedding proofs its more likely to be color correction, and if neccessary any other tweaks but not not skin softening or such an all the proofs except those that I identify as "money shots".

This

I edit my proofs in Lightroom. They are cropped, color corrected, sharpened and basic lightroom adjustments with tone curves. You could print them if you wanted. Thats it. Final edits are done to files client selects for printing

also. I present all proofs with watermarks. Ive had many HS seniors put the proofs on their facebook pages so make the watermarks BIG

Generally, I just do basic editing (RAW editor slider adjustments). Once the client picks out the ones they want, I'll do a little more intensive editing. IME, I've found it to be a waste of time to do detailed editing to proofs. I make the process clear to the clients also.

I've never done proofs. But I also don't sell prints. If it has the potential of being shown to, given to or be printed by the client it is edited.

I personally work on the basis that if you set that as you minimum standard you stand apart from what many other photographers are prepared to do.

thanks guys, im torn because i hate showing unfinished work but i dont want to waste time editing all these images that a client will never pick but i also want them to have to want every image i show them and that is best accomplished by showing a finished product.

Personally, I look at the proofing process as a step towards the finished product. It's the step where you get the clients input as to what they like and what direction they would like to go as you put the finishing touches on your product (and I always make it clear to clients that the proofs are not the finished product but only a step towards the finished product where I ask for their input). Why spend anymore time than necessary working on and building product that will never ever be purchased?....Instead, get the clients input at the mid-level point so that you can concentrate your efforts on finishing things that actually will be purchased. At least that's the way I now look at it.

Never show a client an unfinished product. Why on earth would you do that??

I understand the point of view of minimizing unneeded effort, and that clients aren't going to buy all of them anyway, but especially for portraits I don't show clients unfinished products. Sure, some of the time is not completely necessary, but if a client is undecided about a particular proof, going the extra step to edit it is going to make them that much more willing to buy it. Presentation is key, and unedited proofs aren't showing you on the best possible light.

Tl;dr: I edit all my proofs.

White balance, straighten, crop, exposure, contrast >> Convert at web size and upload to gallery for proofing.

Time consuming stuff like zit removal, eye & teeth whitening and other touch-ups won't get done until they order.