how much should I ask a customer they want their pictures retouched.
Dec 3, 2017 10:43:32 #
Shootist wrote:
Perhaps you could do several versions with light touchup, medium touchup and something a little more aggressive. You could present them to the client and ask them to comment on what they like of each. That way they are the ones who make the choices and you don't get in the doghouse. Just an uneducated suggestion.
I wouldn't have the time to do three different version of retouching for everyone I shoot. I do what I think is right, and most of the time the client likes it. If they end up wanting more or less, then I do a different version.
Dec 3, 2017 12:03:47 #
applepie1951 wrote:
I have been doing portrait photography for most of my 18 years of shooting and I never ask them especially women I just do my magic a little of this a little of that and I never remove wrinkles I just touch them up a little, I agree with your wife never ask a lady cause they already know and I usually show them before and after and they always go with the after just do a little touch up not too much. Good luck next time
...exactly how I approach it.
Dec 3, 2017 12:43:35 #
Jamers
Loc: Michigan
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
I have to agree with your other half on this one.
By providing services as a Professional, your clients expect you to do your magic, and as a photo retoucher, you task is to make them look as perfect as possible. I once took a head shot of a friend who, by her own admission, had not really taken any precautions with sun protection over her life. She was so pleased with the results that the image was her Facebook profile picture for almost 1 year.
By providing services as a Professional, your clients expect you to do your magic, and as a photo retoucher, you task is to make them look as perfect as possible. I once took a head shot of a friend who, by her own admission, had not really taken any precautions with sun protection over her life. She was so pleased with the results that the image was her Facebook profile picture for almost 1 year.
Dec 3, 2017 12:56:18 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I never ask customers... I just do the retouching as a matter of course, keeping it subtle (unless asked to do otherwise). I typically don't charge for it. It usually only takes a few minutes.
Dec 3, 2017 13:06:13 #
picsman wrote:
If you are in business do you need some kind of contract with some prepayment with your customer and if so why not list the editing options on it from which they can select their preferences? Or maybe just a questionnaire when taking customer details?
This is an EXCELLENT suggestion. You r wife is right in that asking an individual implies you saw something unattractive in the person and think they need to hide it. If it is on a standard form as a list of common items that can be corrected or enhanced, the client is less likely to take personal offense.
Dec 3, 2017 13:18:03 #
Jamers
Loc: Michigan
I am mainly a out doors/land scape sea scape photographer and have done a few portraits for friends in my 45 plus years of photography. I have learned the hard way that vanity is to be respected (especially with females). It can be a double edged sword, taking out wrinkles, reducing body size, removing moles, whiting teeth "Just don't remove dignity". Your subject would be insulted if others asked if their photo was taken 25 years ago when in fact you just took it last month. Leave character lines (I call it mile markers). In my opinion, if I asked a subject if he/she wanted me to remove certain flaws, I feel I would be risking the vanity barrier, show them the previews first, your client will most probably point out certain characteristics/imperfections/flaws, and ask if you can correct them.
Dec 3, 2017 13:35:46 #
Jamers wrote:
I am mainly a out doors/land scape sea scape photo... (show quote)
If someone thinks a photo was taken 25 years ago, then obviously too much retouching has been done. The trick is to do it with enough subtlety that it stays realistic. I think often when you show people the preview photo, vanity might prevent them from requesting corrections, but if you do some subtle touchup, they will like it.
Dec 3, 2017 14:06:12 #
Jerry Coupe
Loc: Kent, WA
An option for you that avoids asking the direct question is to do 'reasonable edits' as suggested in other posts and then present the initial image plus processed images and let the client select their preferred image. I suspect the clients will often be very appreciative of some edits that are not overdone or grossly change what the client really looks like.
Dec 3, 2017 14:13:45 #
chapin in utah
Loc: Utah
Thank you. That os exactly what I did with this customer.
I texted a before and after and she was pleased with the whiter teeth and the vibrant hair, but asked me to leave the wrinkles.
I texted a before and after and she was pleased with the whiter teeth and the vibrant hair, but asked me to leave the wrinkles.
Dec 3, 2017 14:25:13 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Adjust as you see them. Re-adjust as they prefer. I think the key is all photos need some processing, but avoid over-processing. Only suggestion I have.
Dec 3, 2017 16:57:21 #
chapin in utah wrote:
Hi everyone, it's been some time since I posted so... (show quote)
That is something you usually don't ask your clients about, but is just a normal routine in pp. You always remove a few blemishes etc., but you do it in a way, so its not noticeable and just looks natural in your shots! And for that, its all included in your price (because its not "really" there)!
Dec 3, 2017 21:22:37 #
chapin in utah wrote:
Hi everyone, it's been some time since I posted so... (show quote)
Your wife is right on. Never ask this kind of stuff.... Use pose and lighting to help hide the bad and show the good..... Do minimal post work.... Show them a few samples and you will get the feedback to tell you what you need to know...it is your job to take the photos and make the subject look as best as possible.
Someone said not to do backgrounds of nature, but that can work also if done right. My granddaughter is a photographer in Flagstaff and does this quite often...a family playing in the snow, a fisherman casting his line, etc......it can work.... That is what a lot of her clients ask for....just saying....
Dec 3, 2017 22:43:34 #
I say have the dialog. Your other option, of doing the retouching, also may work. It depends on the person how you proceed. As the photographer, you have to say the words that need saying about your work. I say to people that I want to take a picture that flatters them. I will pose a person, too. In a polite but firm way you have to take charge.
People will respond when you use a professional approach.
People will respond when you use a professional approach.
chapin in utah wrote:
Hi everyone, it's been some time since I posted so... (show quote)
Dec 4, 2017 00:42:12 #
Photography & Editing, they both are close to each other. I think that "I should be asking questions about what they want..." is the demand thing. But I want to appreciate " jerryc41" about "Asking the subject..."
Dec 4, 2017 01:00:11 #
Beholder
Loc: Kansas City, MO
Seeing as you are being paid by someone wanting your work I think the question about retouching should be posed, just ask when setting up your shoot. You can ask if they want retouching done and if they ask "like what?" then have a standard list you offer, like whitening teeth, enhancing hair color, removing wrinkles, etc. I might do a little post processing without concern but would not change physical appearances without pre-approval. That said, I think you are both somewhat right. :-)
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