How many images do you submit for client selection

[LittleRed]

Hi there, just wondering what some of you guys do... I have had two instances over the last few months where the same thing has happened.

Thing is, I don't know what to say when people come back and say " what happened to that great shot where my daughter/son was doing such and such...I don't see it anywhere".

Where clients want to purchase a cd of images, I advise that I will give them 30-40 of the best images from the shoot. After the shoot, I send them email size versions of the final images and from here I ask them to pick out 5 or six which I print off for free. Then I hand the prints and CD over for $250 aud. Although I say 30-40 images, it usually ends up being 60-80.

So, am I not being genrous enough...and what do you say if this happens to you. Problem is, if I was to process every shot from the sessoin, I'd be there for days and days.

Looking forward to your responses. Thanks

[Jim Bryant]

I give mine 25-30 to choose from.

[Xposurepro]

# of selection images for me depends on what session options they choose .. studio only, 1 location, 2 locations, 1 location plus options like buddy shots, etc but it sounds like you are on track for image selection. If they ask what happened to an image just explain that you are particular and choose only the very best combinations of composition, facial expression, etc. .. Maybe they blinked, maybe their posture was not as good as the images you selected, maybe their was something about their expression that just didn't make it the best, something about it just didn't click, whatever the you just focus on emphasizing the fact that you are known for offering only the best professional images and that's why you shoot a few extras so you can narrow it down and make them look their very best. If you offer them enough variety they won't think twice about it.

[prince]

Originally Posted by Xposurepro

# of selection images for me depends on what session options they choose .. studio only, 1 location, 2 locations, 1 location plus options like buddy shots, etc but it sounds like you are on track for image selection. If they ask what happened to an image just explain that you are particular and choose only the very best combinations of composition, facial expression, etc. .. Maybe they blinked, maybe their posture was not as good as the images you selected, maybe their was something about their expression that just didn't make it the best, something about it just didn't click, whatever the you just focus on emphasizing the fact that you are known for offering only the best professional images and that's why you shoot a few extras so you can narrow it down and make them look their very best. If you offer them enough variety they won't think twice about it.

I like your advice. I agree. Additionally, I think giving a wider range like 40-60, depending on your average number you have delivered, will make them feel you are consistent.

[SuperDan]

personally... my goal is a min of 30
but... also, i ask alot of questions with the client and gauge what they are looking for and all...
one of my old friends wanted me to do a family shoot for her... i ended up presenting with 60 images on her proof gallery... she ended up ordering 52 of those as prints and really that included some of my special effects on the pics

i understand though about the "where is that pic".. ive only had that once... i offered to the client to go back.. reedit and present it, as ive noted from the get go that it is up to me, the photographer to hand pick and process only the best of the best for them


good luck