After a shoot, do you ask the client what kind of editing is their preference or do you edit it the way you feel like it?
Your client hired you to make those choices.
this is something you ask BEFORE the shoot. like much much before. it should be in the contract.
some photographers have a specific style that clients are hiring them for but that should be put in writing. some clients just think your stuff looks cool BUT want it a different way like cooler or warmer or grainy etc almost like your a graphic designer almost but its baked into the photo edit and i’m happy to oblige to that for my day rate , edit fees and usage fees. :)
For the most part they are paying you for your skills, and your “style”. As far as blemish removal and other options go, that can be discussed. You need to learn to manage clients, meaning give them realistic ideas as to the end result. If they are for silly things to be done, make sure you have other charges in place.
You’re paying for me, you’re getting me.
If you show them your portfolio before they book you, it should be understood that their pictures will look similar to that.
The thing is, every time I do a shoot I edit my photos differently. So all my photos look different. Based on how I like it. People still book me but I still ask how they would like their photos edited.