I knew something like this would happen!

[filemanager]

For those of you who haven't been following my posts lately... I've switched from giving out high-res CDs, to prints. And as I suspected, huge uproar from my clients! I'm charging $40 for my 8x10s (which is about the middle-ground from what I've researched in my area.), and they're saying "I'm not spending $40 on an 8x10!"

Knowing that this is the "digital age" I do sell web-sized files so they can keep images on their computer or whatever, or email them to friends. (Free web-sized image comes with every print purchased.)

So I'm thinking to myself multiple things:

1 - They should probably go to Walmart portrait studio if they want $7.99 packages!
2 - I'm a little sad they don't think my work is worth that much.
3 - At first, I thought maybe I should go back to the CDs. But then I had an epiphany and realized, what would they want the high-res files for if they didn't want to print them themselves? Low-res is fine if you just want to email friends or the pose. So obviously they like my work, and are all unhappy because they would have to pay my print prices to have them printed!

One customer said she wanted to make a photobook, and when I said I can do a photobook for her she said "no, I want to pick the pictures and layout myself."

Gahhh...

[theosus]

I'm with her on the photo book. I would want to pick the photos and lay out each page myself.

[autofocus]

One customer said she wanted to make a photobook, and when I said I can do a photobook for her she said "no, I want to pick the pictures and layout myself."

You just say, sorry, no. You're the professional, and they hired you because you are. You list all the options and choices with them, show them samples, and tell them you will have your lab produce it for them perfectly. Why is it we photographers have to compromise our services, and no other service providers have to do so. You hire any other service provider and either you do it their way, or no way at all. This is how you make your living, and they simply have to understand that. You hire a plumber or an electrician...do you think he's going to give you a break just because you offer to carry his tool bag for him? This is the very trouble with precedents set...once set, they're extremely hard to reverse or change.

[funcrunch]

Originally Posted by theosus

I'm with her on the photo book. I would want to pick the photos and lay out each page myself.

I would too, but I respect each photographer's choice whether or not to sell high-res image licenses, and how much to charge for them if they do sell. I no longer include high-res images with my base hire rate, but I still license them individually, with bulk discounts available.

[candidrachel]

I've seen other photographers websites that say words to the effect of "bespoke photobooks created between photographer and client. All photographs and layout are designed in partnership together." Something like that anyway. Seems a good idea that keeps everyone happy.

[monstermum]

I was going to comment along the same lines. I would rather be the one to choose what goes in the photo book as I would be the one looking at it and showing it to friends and family. In conjunction with the client sounds like the best way to go for both party's. :<)

[autofocus]

The making of the book should always be a collaborative effort between you, the photographer, and the client. You would be no more likely to pick the enlargement(s) order for the customer..it's always their choice, but the choice of lab and order process goes through you, the photographer. I guess I just have a problem with giving up your rights as a photographer as to how, and what people do to your photographs. Those photos subsequently seen by all represent your abilities as a photographer (and also designer of the book). If you want the risk of some kluge representation thrown together of your talent and your ability, than let the client do it. I know I take a hard line on this, and I'm sure my attitude on this will not be agreed to by some here...everyone can and will use their own terms and conditions when it comes to running their business...this just happens to be my position on it.

[Jim Bryant]

We're finding that more and more clients would rather purchase our 4 x 6 (72) dpi digital downloads, but are also ordering bigger size prints from us. 4 x 6's are usually sent out to family members and friends, however, if they want an bigger print they can order from the website.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

We're finding that more and more clients would rather purchase our 4 x 6 (72) dpi digital downloads, but are also ordering bigger size prints from us. 4 x 6's are usually sent out to family members and friends, however, if they want an bigger print they can order from the website.

Jim, our solution to that is we simply sell them the 4x6's, and often at a premium. If they want to scan them later for the web purposes it'll always be their prerogative, albeit illegal from a copyright point of view. But we get $18 each for 4x6's (in small quatities..the price does go down in larger quantities) They also need to purchase $250 or more in an enlargement order before we offer the 4x6 purchase option.

[mshockley]

I think you've made the right choice and you just have to hold your ground and maintain your position so to speak. I "almost" started out with the notion of selling the High Res CD, and am thankful that I changed my mind. I have what I feel to be some extremely reasonable print prices, and do offer the High Res CD when the print order reaches a certain dollar amount, and that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Of course I say this in a very professional way to my customers

And the Photobook thing? Obviously your client would tell you what images they wanted used in the book, but as the photographer/designer of the book, I will lay out the design, and it will go through my lab thank-you very much. I think your client who responded to you in that way probably was just looking for a way to save a buck.
To Quote Autofocus-- "You just say, sorry, no. You're the professional, and they hired you because you are."