Happy Client 2 months ago - Angry Client now.

[photomunkee]

During a conversation that my client and I had previous to her family portrait shoot, she was wondering how anyone could get all 38 people looking in one direction. I responded, most of the time you get most of the group looking in the same direction. There are always a few, usually children that are doing something else, so I could possibly swap a head or two that was not the best facial expression.
If I wouldn't have told her about possibly swapping out a head if I needed to, I would bet she wouldn't have said anything, because she wouldn't have noticed.

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

Thanks for answering everyone's questions.

Just one more from me if that's ok?

How did she know you'd swapped heads from a different version of the pic in to this one? You say she wouldn't be able to tell which heads you'd swapped, but forgive my ignorance that doesn't seem to add up, as she clearly can tell you have swapped heads?

If you accomplished it looking like it never happened, this then surely wouldn't have been picked up by the client? Or am I missing something here?

I dont mean to sound like I'm not believing you, but just would like some further info as I'm a little confussed, and tbh this whole story has me intrigued

[photomunkee]

This is a response to both of your comments.

I am a natural light photographer 90% or more of my images are shot in natural light. I make sure that each of my clients have seen my work and know and like my style before I will even book them. She said she looked at my website and loved my images.
During a conversation that my client and I had previous to her family portrait shoot, she was wondering how anyone could get all 38 people looking in one direction. I responded, most of the time you get most of the group looking in the same direction. There are always a few, usually children that are doing something else, so I could possibly swap a head or two that was not the best facial expression.
If I wouldn't have told her about possibly swapping out a head if I needed to, I would bet she wouldn't have said anything, because she wouldn't have noticed.
The day before the shoot, I went with her to the site. I tried to get her to reschedule her shoot to earlier in the day or later in the evening, so that we could get a group shot that would not be in full sun on that side of the house, she wouldn't. I spent an hour with her explaining she still refused.

She answered my email today and has opted to take my offer of me editing the group shot pose she didn't originally want, it was my 2nd choice for a back drop - not my favorite, but she refused to take a group shot in the area that was my first choice.

Head swapping is a 'common practice' you may not like the idea, but that doesn't mean that it isn't used. I think that maybe people just don't know it's being used because they can't tell.

Originally Posted by graciousness

Ok, I've been reading your responses to everyone.

Just to reiterate about the headswapping - I think you really need to rethink about your practice on this. Instead of resorting to extreme editing to get an image right, perhaps find ways to get the shot done right in the first place?

I really think you need to understand that this 'common practice' that you keep mentioning is not as acceptable as you think it is to everyone.

Cheers and good luck,

Grace

[prince]

Originally Posted by photomunkee

During a conversation that my client and I had previous to her family portrait shoot, she was wondering how anyone could get all 38 people looking in one direction. I responded, most of the time you get most of the group looking in the same direction. There are always a few, usually children that are doing something else, so I could possibly swap a head or two that was not the best facial expression.
If I wouldn't have told her about possibly swapping out a head if I needed to, I would bet she wouldn't have said anything, because she wouldn't have noticed.

Getting The Perfect Portrait Every Time on Vimeo

Check out this video from David Ziser. It is of another photographer who explains his (and his wife as assistant) technique for taking large family group shots. Don't miss to listen to their tips. They suggest not to discuss your process with your clients.. possibly all this could have been avoided..

[photomunkee]

Thank you for the link I will check it out.

Originally Posted by prince

Getting The Perfect Portrait Every Time on Vimeo

Check out this video from David Ziser. It is of another photographer who explains his (and his wife as assistant) technique for taking large family group shots. Don't miss to listen to their tips. They suggest not to discuss your process with your clients.. possibly all this could have been avoided..