Post shoot editing, why we do it

The reason photographers will often insist on post shoot edits to the images is because unlike the consumer camera models, the point and shoot cameras, and cellphones, as well as certain DSLR cameras: are set to automatically process the image in when it is shot, generating a JPG file from the CR2, or CR3  files (Canon RAW versions 2 and 3, as well as various other RAW formats from other companies using automatic processing formulas. the automatic process creates a photo that is "good enough" for some but in the end, it is not great.

Raw camera files contain the visual information as well as a host of other info about the image all of which can be linked together to make clean images, vibrant colors, subtle lighting styles without degrading the pixel count.  These changes occasionally are almost automatic.  We use calculations and templates to set things automatically based on the contained images.  But there is much we need to do ourselves to get our intended / desired results.

Costs of these edits depends on what the end goal is.  Some photographers would perform basic cleanup included in the price of a license purchase for the images,  Then if there is any need for heavy correction, or rebuilding/reconstructing parts of the image, they can be quoted based on expected time and materials.

In the first set of 3 photos, the initial look of the background was more basic urban, than it was modern urban athlete, and the fountain of hair needed to be addressed also, First step adjust the lighting and make everything stand out, then in photoshop, remove the hair bun.  We can then remove the background and you get photo number 2.  The next step is to apply an almost black background and then reduce exposure, highlights, shadows and contrast to get the basic overall look.  Finishing touches will take the bright spot off the forehead and left shoulder, accent the abs a bit more with contrast, maybe rotate the subject to the right slightly, perform some skin normalization, to remove things like acne, or blemishes (a boxer may have many or few fight marks on the face area, but a photo of a boxer with few scars screams of a more successful run than the one who looks like Tyson got to his ear.  You can also make the eyes open a bit wider since boxers often end up squinting, removing any ink that may be misconstrued by the target audience, and even make him look like he should be in a lower weight class, but personally trimming the fat is best done through diet, not photoshop.  

All of this is straight forward, but from beginning to end, and depending on how many times something seems to look just off, and you have to start again...  If you are asking for image alterations beyond light and basic cleanup, you may want to discuss what the cost could be and find ways to keep it in budget.  You might even be able to negotiate a max amount that can be drawn on, while you make changes in order of importance to you.  But remember some changes may require that other changes happen first.  

At the end of the day, its simply important to understand the process so that you can understand the cost.

In the image below, grab the little "<|>"  (or the "<" or ">" ) and drag the change line across the image As you slide it across the frame, the image will change from the Basic raw image, to the final Femme Fatale, letting you see the extent to which the image can be altered by manipulating nothing other than light