What You'll Master
Post-production is where your wedding coverage transforms from raw files into deliverables that will move your clients to tears. This module covers the complete workflow from importing thousands of files to delivering a cohesive collection that tells their love story.
We'll cover both photography and videography post-production, teaching you efficient workflows that don't sacrifice quality. You'll learn professional culling strategies, develop your editing signature, master color science, and create delivery experiences that exceed expectations.
Hawaii weddings present unique editing challenges: balancing intense tropical light, managing the vibrant blues and greens of ocean and foliage, and handling the complex mixed lighting of sunset ceremonies. We'll cover techniques specific to the Hawaiian color palette throughout this module.
Lessons in This Module
Culling & Organization
Master efficient workflows for sorting through thousands of images, organizing projects, and selecting the strongest frames from each wedding.
Photo Editing in Lightroom
Develop your signature editing style with comprehensive Lightroom techniques from global adjustments to local retouching.
Video Editing Fundamentals
Learn the art of wedding film editing from assembly to final cut, including pacing, music selection, and storytelling structure.
Color Grading for Film
Master color correction and creative grading to give your wedding films a cinematic, cohesive look that defines your brand.
Audio Post-Production
Clean up ceremony audio, mix multiple sources, add music and sound design to elevate your wedding films.
Client Delivery & Archival
Create memorable delivery experiences, establish backup protocols, and build systems for long-term file management.
The Post-Production Pipeline
Understanding the complete workflow helps you plan your time and set realistic turnaround expectations with clients.
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Day 1-2: Import & Backup
Transfer all cards, create redundant backups, verify file integrity
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Day 2-3: Culling
Review all footage, rate selections, identify hero shots
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Day 3-5: Photo Editing
Develop editing style, batch process, local adjustments
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Day 3-7: Video Assembly
Sync audio, rough cut, music selection, fine cut
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Day 7-10: Color & Audio
Color grade video, mix audio, add finishing touches
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Day 10-14: Delivery
Export, upload, prepare gallery, client presentation
Essential Software
Adobe Lightroom Classic
PhotoIndustry standard for photo culling, organization, and editing. Catalog-based workflow handles wedding-sized shoots efficiently.
- Price$10/month
Photo Mechanic Plus
CullingFastest culling software available. Many pros use Photo Mechanic for culling then export to Lightroom for editing.
- Price$139 one-time
DaVinci Resolve
VideoProfessional-grade video editing and color grading. Free version has nearly all features needed for wedding films.
- PriceFree / $295 Studio
Adobe Premiere Pro
VideoIndustry standard NLE with tight Creative Cloud integration. Excellent for those already using Lightroom and Photoshop.
- Price$23/month
Final Cut Pro
VideoMac-only but incredibly optimized. One-time purchase and excellent performance, especially on Apple Silicon.
- Price$300 one-time
Imagen AI
AIAI-powered editing assistant that learns your style and applies consistent edits. Major time saver for high-volume shooters.
- PriceFrom $7/month
Keys to Efficient Post-Production
Create import presets, folder structures, and editing templates before your first wedding. Consistency saves hours.
Fast storage (NVMe), plenty of RAM (32GB+), and a calibrated monitor pay for themselves in time saved and consistency gained.
Never edit photos or video clips one at a time. Group similar content and apply changes to batches for efficiency.
Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite. Wedding files are irreplaceable.