At Evolve Edits, we love spotlighting talented photographers who have found success in growing their businesses. Featuring our Premier Members is just one way we can show them some love while also highlighting their relationship with our editing team.
This week, we’re featuring wedding & portrait photographer Zach Dalin, a St. Louis-based photographer who has built a thriving wedding and event photography business. Recently, Zach sat down with Evolve’s owner, Dustin Lucas, to discuss how outsourcing his post-production editing has allowed him to scale his business, focus on what he loves, and ultimately provide a better service to his clients.
Building a Successful Photography Business
Zach’s journey into photography started in news media, but his passion for capturing life’s special moments led him to launch his own business in 2013. At first, photography was just a side hustle—a way to refine his craft and test the waters. But as his client base grew, so did his aspirations. By 2018, Zach took the leap into full-time photography, focusing on weddings and events while also expanding into the corporate world with headshots and branding sessions for small businesses.
Image © Zach Dalin Photography
What’s Driving Profitability?
Weddings and events remain the backbone of Zach’s business, providing the stability needed to sustain growth. More recently, he has been working with corporate clients, offering professional headshots for doctors, lawyers, and small business owners. This has opened doors to additional projects, such as creating photo and video content for websites and social media. Businesses today need a cohesive visual presence, and combining photography with video has become essential.
The Turning Point: Why Outsourcing Became a Necessity
Like many photographers, Zach initially handled all aspects of his business himself. However, he quickly realized that to scale, he had to focus on what he does best—being behind the camera. Spending countless hours on post-production wasn’t just exhausting; it was limiting his ability to take on new clients.
Outsourcing became a requirement for his growth. To transition into full-time photography and expand his business, he needed to let go of certain responsibilities. By shifting his focus to shooting, networking, and booking new clients, he was able to spend 80% of his time working on his business rather than in it, a crucial distinction that fueled his success.
Image © Zach Dalin Photography
The Power of In-Person Sales (IPS)
In the digital era, selling prints might seem outdated, but for Zach, it’s a vital part of running a profitable business. While corporate clients typically require only digital images, wedding and event clients appreciate high-end albums, acrylic prints, and canvas products.
Clients will invest in physical products somewhere, and photographers who offer them can increase their revenue while enhancing the overall client experience. By providing premium products, Zach has been able to position his business at a higher level and create a more sustainable income.
Making Outsourcing Work: Why Evolve is the Right Fit
At first, outsourcing felt like a daunting expense. But once Zach factored in the time he was saving, it became an easy decision. Rather than hiring an in-house editor, he chose Evolve, a team that specializes in working with multiple photographers. This shared-service model keeps costs manageable while ensuring high-quality, consistent results.
With an efficient post-production team in place, he can deliver faster results to clients, complete projects more quickly, and generate revenue at a faster pace. A well-structured workflow has allowed him to scale his business without sacrificing quality.
Image © Zach Dalin Photography
Final Thoughts: The Freedom to Scale
By outsourcing post-production, Zach has gained both the physical and mental capacity to take on more work. Letting go of certain tasks wasn’t easy at first, but it ultimately allowed him to provide a better service to his clients. Having a team behind him that he can trust has been a game changer. Outsourcing has given him the ability to focus on growth while ensuring his clients receive high-end work with quick turnaround times. This shift has positioned his business for long-term success and scalability.
Zach’s story is a testament to the power of strategic outsourcing. By focusing on his strengths and trusting a team of experts to handle the rest, he’s been able to scale his business while maintaining exceptional service for his clients.
What can Evolve's editing services do for your business?
Want to scale your photography business like Zach? Let Evolve handle your post-production editing so you can focus on shooting, selling, and growing. If you’re looking to grow your business and take post production to the next level, Evolve is here for you!
Contact us today to learn more about our memberships and post production services.