The process of selecting your photos

Taking photos can be the fun part. Selecting photos can be the difficult part.

For the most part, my photography subjects are excited about their photo shoot. They are excited too when they get their photos back. But then comes the challenge.

For most photo shoots, I deliver small resolution proofs and ask the subjects to pick the photos they want to order. The problem is – when they are looking through 100 to 200 photos it can be a challenge to narrow that down and make selections.

Here are some tips for choosing your photos.

1. Look for the photos that draw your eye right away. Usually when you are looking through a group of photos there will be some that stand out immediately. Make note of those photos as they should be the ones you select.
2. Eliminate the ones you don’t like. Selecting photos will be easier if you have fewer to choose from. Pulling out all the photos you know you don’t want will make it easier to choose as you’ll be looking through fewer.
3. Which photos include all the elements you want? Some photos may have a certain background you love or that has special meaning. Maybe you love the fall colors in certain photos. Maybe you love the way you are smiling or your facial expression in some pictures. Those factors should be considered when selecting your photos.
4. Determine the number of photos you need and your budget. Are you going to have a photo album? If so you will have to select more photos? If you just want some to put in frames around the house or on the wall, you will likely be selecting fewer.
5. Don’t stress. Usually you don’t have a strict time limit to select your photos. If you need more time to look through the sample photos, take it. Don’t stress over selecting your photos.