Photo editing

Let the photographer do their job.

Most, if not ALL, professional photographers will flat out refuse to release their photos to you unedited. The reason being that they have a particular style that they've worked hard to achieve through their hours of editing and that is conveyed within their work and portfolio. That's why when you see their photos you go "oh wow I like their style!" It's not just the way they shoot that makes their photography look so good, it's also their editing. Their name will be attached to the photos, even if you've edited them, and if it clashes with their style it would be a huge problem for them--especially because future clients could see their regular work and then see your photos and be put off by the amateur editing or the lack of cohesive style and the photographer could potentially lose clients because of that. That's why they won't agree to give you raw images--it's an unfinished product. Your editing skills could be great for all I know but that still won't change the fact that the photographer won't give you their raw images. It would be like paying for a sweater but then giving you a sweater that was half knitted and having you knit the rest. It just doesn't make sense, and no professional business owner would do that.

If you are set on going this route, find an amateur/hobby photographer but no pro would go for this. I don't even think a student would go for this because they too are trying to build up their portfolio with their own personal style. And if you get an amateur, you run the risk of having terrible photos. I would suggest finding a place to save elsewhere. Cut your guest list, have a Sunday wedding, or a cake and punch wedding. Something other than this.

Also, just a note but some videographers will release their raw footage to you BUT at an additional fee. So this is not the way to go if you're looking to save money, regardless.

I'm stuck on how saving money editing (if you can find a photog who would allow it) is worth all the time you are going to put into it as newly weds.

Surely there are other things you would rather do with your FS besides the tedious task of editing.

Saving on a dress can't be improved?

Really? Id think photography is much more important than a dress. A dress is just an article of clothing. Photography is something last your entire life, you will go back and back and back to them. You wear the dress once.

There are fantastic dresses for what Im sure you are wanting to spend on the dress with that kind of statement.

It's going to be very difficult to find a photographer who will do that for you unless you're one yourself...even then. Let them do their job. Even if you did find someone, it probably won't save you money, and it'll probably end in disappointment. I would find another place to cut down on.

I've actually seen this on a "10 things photographers hate when clients do/ask" list on Facebook. It's insulting and borderline disrespectful.

Also, if you don't have a photographer yet I suggest finding one soon. Good ones fill up fast, and I had a super hard time finding one for October.