This week's blog theme leaves it to us, the photographers, to decide exactly what we'd like to feature. I have decided to talk a little about the phenomenon called: what-I-like-isn't-necessarily-what-you-like.
I often am asked by clients, "how do you decide on which photos to keep?"
I go through a selection process that involves getting rid of photos that do not showcase the subject well. Perhaps they moved when they should have been still, or they look worried, or they are crouched instead of sitting pretty, or their eyes are closed, or one of my lights did not fire on cue, or a multitude of other reasons that are so evident you know the photo will not work out.
The remaining photos, I categorize into the following 3 categories: (1) BEST, (2) ACCEPTABLE, (3) I MIGHT NEED A PIECE OF THIS SHOT LATER.
I often am asked by clients, "how do you decide on which photos to keep?"
I go through a selection process that involves getting rid of photos that do not showcase the subject well. Perhaps they moved when they should have been still, or they look worried, or they are crouched instead of sitting pretty, or their eyes are closed, or one of my lights did not fire on cue, or a multitude of other reasons that are so evident you know the photo will not work out.
The remaining photos, I categorize into the following 3 categories: (1) BEST, (2) ACCEPTABLE, (3) I MIGHT NEED A PIECE OF THIS SHOT LATER.
 |  |
While the photo on the left, above, is a completely acceptable photo, for an older pup with older bones and issues with sitting, the photo on the right is really the best representation. (When viewing this blog on your phone, these photos may appear one on top of the other. The left photo is a full body shot, the right photo is chest up.)
For the owner, however, who sees their dog every day, the full body shot may be the best world. My job is to make the owner happy with the final product, while still feeling comfortable knowing I have given them the best quality photograph. We work together to make it happen.
It's important to have honest conversations with clients from the start. If I don't like the photo results at all, I am going to offer a reshoot. Sometimes there are things we don't see in camera that are so evident on the edit screen. I guarantee satisfaction with my work, and that is my goal for every single person and pet that walks into my world of photography. I am my own worst critic, so while a client probably would be satisfied with something, I don't just want satisfaction. I want them to be ecstatic, overjoyed, moved, and connected to their photos.
For the owner, however, who sees their dog every day, the full body shot may be the best world. My job is to make the owner happy with the final product, while still feeling comfortable knowing I have given them the best quality photograph. We work together to make it happen.
It's important to have honest conversations with clients from the start. If I don't like the photo results at all, I am going to offer a reshoot. Sometimes there are things we don't see in camera that are so evident on the edit screen. I guarantee satisfaction with my work, and that is my goal for every single person and pet that walks into my world of photography. I am my own worst critic, so while a client probably would be satisfied with something, I don't just want satisfaction. I want them to be ecstatic, overjoyed, moved, and connected to their photos.
In answer to the question: "do Golden Retriever puppies move around a lot?" the answer is: holy whirlwind Batman, do they ever!! That's where saving a face in focus from one shot, a bench from another, and paws from a third come in very handy. (And another case is made for why photographers need to be well-versed in some type of good editing program.) Taken at the same focal length with a tripod, these pieces of the puzzle make for a complete, and very acceptable photo.
I am in the group of photographers who does some editing before presenting your gallery, then once you have made your choice, I finalize the image for print or artwork, whatever you have chosen. For in person viewing, I may even edit a few photos completely and print them for display, so you are not just seeing photos on the screen, but what they look like in person.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. While I did the initial triage, I did it after talking with a client extensively and learning what they are looking for in their final photos. My choice is to always listen, and do my best to meet the clients' wishes for their final selection.
To see what others in the blog circle have chosen for this week's theme, start with Kim Hollis of BARKography based in Charlotte NC and traveling the US and Canada. Look for the links at the bottom of each blog to move forward and read the next. I hope you choose to have a good weekend!
I am in the group of photographers who does some editing before presenting your gallery, then once you have made your choice, I finalize the image for print or artwork, whatever you have chosen. For in person viewing, I may even edit a few photos completely and print them for display, so you are not just seeing photos on the screen, but what they look like in person.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. While I did the initial triage, I did it after talking with a client extensively and learning what they are looking for in their final photos. My choice is to always listen, and do my best to meet the clients' wishes for their final selection.
To see what others in the blog circle have chosen for this week's theme, start with Kim Hollis of BARKography based in Charlotte NC and traveling the US and Canada. Look for the links at the bottom of each blog to move forward and read the next. I hope you choose to have a good weekend!
RSS Feed