Selective Coloring

[StacyT]

What do you do when a client asks for selective coloring, and you know it is going to look bad. do you do it because they are paying you? If you dont do it, what do you say to them.

Im not in this boat, but some day may be and i want to know what to do!

[TraceyHill3]

Originally Posted by StacyT

What do you do when a client asks for selective coloring, and you know it is going to look bad. do you do it because they are paying you? If you dont do it, what do you say to them.

Im not in this boat, but some day may be and i want to know what to do!

I had that happen to me. I felt bad, but did it anyway. I should've never shown that I could do it. I did use some like that in my portfolio from a wedding I did because I thought those were the best photos from the wedding. It's when I started thinking it as cheesy that a client actually requested it. I just didn't use that photo as part of my portfolio. Ugh! I think if the client doesn't see you as a photographer that does that then you should be safe. If they ask just tell them you can't do it.

[mshockley]

Selective coloring in my opinion rarely.....rarely, looks good. Every once in awhile I see one I like, I have myself done a select few, as it like maybe 2...lol...

I feel that honesty is always the best way to go about things like this. It's not much different than helping suggest clothing choices, or poses, or location's. Honestly, most people really don't know and are looking for you to guide them through a photo session.

As the professional, it's your job to be in charge, and guide the situation as best you can without hurting any feelings. If you are certain selective coloring will look cheesy, I would tell them.

Suggest whatever alternatives you think might work. Your client might be looking for something a little different. Maybe a B+W conversion, or a sepia tone, or maybe a little Orton effect would suit the picture better. When showing proofs never present anything your not willing to have ordered.

[Niresangwa]

This was being discussed in another thread recently...

[Jim Bryant]

I'd tell them it's a special order and because of all the photoshop work they would have to pay for custom printing prices.

[kevingeary]

Originally Posted by StacyT

What do you do when a client asks for selective coloring, and you know it is going to look bad. do you do it because they are paying you? If you dont do it, what do you say to them.

Im not in this boat, but some day may be and i want to know what to do!

You have a style. They pay you for your style. Your style does not include selective coloring. Put your foot down or forfeit your style.

Doing whatever the client wants makes you boring and like everyone else. Artists don't do what the client wants...they just make art.

[StacyT]

Thanks for all the GREAT replies! I appreciate it!

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by kevingeary

You have a style. They pay you for your style. Your style does not include selective coloring. Put your foot down or forfeit your style.

Doing whatever the client wants makes you boring and like everyone else. Artists don't do what the client wants...they just make art.

I like it!

[UlpilotSC]

I disagree - they are hiring you to do a job, you do it the way they want. Charge them extra if you want for their idiocy, but they are the client after all. I used to be a galley slave for a pizza chain. People would order some pretty nasty stuff. Stuff i would never eat, but we fixed it their way because that was our job...
If you want to make fine art prints on your own time, only photographing rainbows and butterflies, thats one thing, but when a client says "hey will you selective color this", and you say "sure thing!", it may be stupid looking but your client will be happy.

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by UlpilotSC

I disagree-- when a client says "hey will you selective color this", and you say "sure thing!", it may be stupid looking but your client will be happy.

But what about when that client shows the photo to 10 of her co-workers and they all secretly think to themselves how cheesy it looks? And ask "so who did your photo's?"...all the while making a mental note not to call that photographer.......

I can see where your coming from but I still say you have to be the one in charge in the end and do what fits your style, and be willing to concede that you may possibly lose a potential client along the way.