greenwork Loc: Southwest Florida

I try to make a point of not letting my subjects know there is any one behind the post processing curtain.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

How did she find out that the ones you faked were not the originals?

anotherview Loc: California

Common request for unpaid work. The "someone" tries to exert ownership or control over the images after the fact. You have to consider your reputation here. Plus, as owner and copyright holder, you, not the "someone," control the product -- unless a signed agreement states otherwise.

Write a polite but firm letter saying that you as the photographer have decided not to release the originals or to show them to another due to their subpar quality. Say that your decision is final in this matter, and ask the "someone" please to understand your position and your decision.

You could apologize in this letter for doing photography below your standard on this occasion.

If you have any doubts here, then consult an attorney conversant in copyright law pertaining to photographs.

My experience: Twice now two others have asked for originals of my photographs of an event. I set my camera to take two formats of an image: one in RAW and one in JPEG file format. I give the photographs in the JPEG file format. This compromise satisfies the other.

If you do not want to do unpaid photography of events anymore, then tell others who ask you that have to decline this volunteer work. Do not explain yourself.

In this position, I've added that I lack the skills and experience to do justice to an event. So I suggest hiring an event photographer because he or she will know all the standard shots to take to record the event properly.

I've offered to pay half the cost of an event photographer. You may consider this option. You could offer a set amount toward the pay of an event photographer.

I say all this reply from experience.

Let me add finally that if invited to the event, I will agree to take snapshots and cameos as they present themselves. I will agree to turn over the JPEG files of my work. Or I may develop the shots that most flatter the subjects in my view.

I hope this reply helps.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Did you give her JPEGs or did you give her prints?
Did she give any indication why she wants the originals?

Hamltnblue Loc: Springfield PA

Hi,
If the originals show many of her 'Imperfections', it isn't a bad shot.
If by contrasty you mean that it shows every mark on her face etc, once again, that would be considered a good shot.
Did you shoot in raw or jpeg?
Also, have you considered that she thinks the PS makes her look worse?

ICN3S Loc: Cave Junction, OR

Absolutely! What I give them as finished product is what they get!

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

As said before, not just this case but any case going forward, state that you are sorry but as a matter of principle you never give out any file or print that is not up to your standard. If you are agreeable say that while this one was unsatisfactory you would be happy to retake the photograph and get her a photo that she can be pleased or proud of. Be firm and that is the end of it.

ICN3S Loc: Cave Junction, OR

👍

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

I shoot a number of ladies at ballroom dance events and they love my photographs of them. Most of these folks are 50 to 90+. Why do they like my photos rather than others? Simple. I always postprocess and carefully "glamorize" them and fix anomalies, plus some pop of the eyes and jewelry. Typical comment is "Your photographs always make me look 10 years younger … it must be that fancy camera you have." And I never charge anyone because their joy in seeing themselves in all the reward I need.

jcboy3

First, I don't deliver unprocessed portraits, under any circumstances. Because I shoot RAW, so I use a couple of portrait presets.

On the other hand, inexperienced portrait photographes tend to over-process photos and produce an unnatural result. This can often result in a dissatisfied subject.

If you post a before/after shot, it will be easier to assess.

And if you are getting bad results, then perhaps you should take a class or seminar or workshop to learn how to take portraits that don't need a lot of processing.

User ID

Fake it.

Gilkar

Show her the images on screen if she agrees they are not the best you are home free. If she still wants them, tell her it will cost XXX dollars for your time and trouble to transfer them (i.e put them on a flash drive or a disk). Usually when a person receiving a freebie finds out that not everything is free they have second thoughts. It's not wrong to do someone a favor , it IS wrong for them to take advantage of your generosity.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I still think knowing why she made this request is central to knowing how to respond.

anotherview Loc: California

Think through your position as a photographer. If you do credible work, others will seek you out even if you do photography only as an enthusiast. The implied compliment may cost you to fulfill it. Consider that if you willingly do a shoot at no charge, the one you did it for will still want results, thus obligating you to perform to please. Find a way to decline with courtesy and firmness when you don't want to do a shoot.