Client requesting color pics of newborn

[naeno]

I did a newborn shoot recently. The client is happy with the pics, but is requesting to see some of the B&W ones in color. The baby was very splotchy, and the red magically melts away in b&w, but doesn't look so good in color. Do I tell the client I changed them to b&w for a reason, and no I won't turn them back or attempt to somewhat even out all the splotches (which I haven't been able to do) and show them what it looks like. There's an example below.

[IMG]http://www.wellerimagespe******t.com/Critique/Blank_files/Asher%202.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.wellerimagespe******t.com/Critique/Blank_files/Asher%202_1.jpg[/IMG]

[Christian Michael]

Personally, I would let them see the blotch as it’s a reminder if their newborn the way it was. And let them ASK you if you can remove. They may be offended they were removed in the first place without consent. Obviously if emailing make sure the images are either stamped with your logo or that small printing would give poor results to protect your work.

Just my opinion of course.

[MGP]

I don't think the color looks that bad! That's the way newborns look. LOL
I would let them have their choice if it's a portraiture thing. If they hired you to take pictures of their baby, for instance. From a strictly artistic pov, I do like the b&w better, but some people just don't get it.

[Photologyst]

Most people have very little imagination as to how something could look without a concrete example. I would offer them a sample of an unadjusted, splotchy photo, one with the skin adjusted and the B & W of either. I should be very easy to clone/heal out those red splotches and even out the whole of the skin tones in Photoshop.

It’s a very personal thing as to whether parents want to see the “natural” actuality or have that softened a bit. To some people birth is beautiful; to others it is a bloody mess.

[candleman]

I would explain why I delivered B/W and show a patch of splotches..

If they want the colour, just remember that they are the client. (I would give them over if they did want them)

explain the colour doesn't look good, and you suggest B/W's do look better on the wall.

[autofocus]

why not take the red blotches out...it's a fairly easy fix

[autofocus]

do you edit in Photoshop?...the Patch Tool does a pretty good job of cleaning that up. I did a quick edit on it and I'll post it if you'd like

[nickbedford]

You could provide both a "touched up" proof and an original proof and ask the client which one they want. They might go with the touched up one if they think it'll be nicer to hide the red spots for the next 10 years the photo is around the house :P

[scootermcq]

I see you are OK with edit & repost....

This is a 45 second edit, so please understand it is not perfect.

I repaired the blotchy parts, and applied some skin smoothing to even things out and I think you can have some pictures the parents will love.

[mandyatm]

DON'T say that the color picture doesn't look good because of the skin. As a mother, I would be offended by that. Show them the color picture as is. They will either agree that black and white looks better, decide that they like the splotches (which looks a little like a angel kiss birthmark to me), or ask you to retouch the color image.

By the way, I LOVE your black and white conversion here.