Prints of other people's photos

[debbry531]

Not sure this is the right place for this... if not, I apologize.

Have any of y'all had clients approach you about having canvases or other large prints made of photos you did not take? A very good client just sent me an email that her sister's horse passed away and she'd like to have a large canvas made from a photo for her. Assuming print rights are not an issue, is this something y'all would do? If so, would you charge your normal price or a discounted price?

(I haven't seen the photo she has in mind yet - of course, if I don't think it'll print large well, I'll tell her.)

[kayumangi]

You didn't say what sort of pic she had, is it on print, film, or digital file?

Depending on your answer will determine how much work it will involve.

And lastly, why would you give her a discount? what for? grievance consolation?

[KJ Smith]

"I do not strive for perfection because I know it is unattainable. What I aim is for professional excellence. "
- Tiger Woods


Is that a typo........

[kayumangi]

Sorry you're right.
-----------
Hehehe, paraphrase is more like it...

[debbry531]

You didn't say what sort of pic she had, is it on print, film, or digital file?

Depending on your answer will determine how much work it will involve.

I don't know yet... but I'd guess it'll be in digital form. I probably will tell her I can't help unless it is.

And lastly, why would you give her a discount? what for? grievance consolation?

Because I didn't take the photo - she's not paying for my time (apart from the few minutes it takes to place the order), my vision, my processing (presumably), my equipment, etc. And this particular client is already a very good one. I wouldn't offer it at cost or anything - I was thinking more along the lines of 10-15% off.

But I have a tendency to shoot myself in the foot so my thinking may be silly -- that's why I posted the question!

[kayumangi]

Whether you took the photo or not is moot. By you doing your research here about her request means you're already spending precious time for her, and she hasn't even paid you yet. That should be compensated.

Also, even if it was a digital file you're not sure if it has enough usable pixels to be enlarged. So maybe you need to edit the file who knows.

I still don't get the discount though.

[texkam]

Depends if you are running a photography business or a print broker business. No different from a graphic designer ordering printing for a job another designer did. I'm not saying don't do it, I'm saying is this part of your business. If you decide it is, go for it. Send it off and mark it up 15%.

If you are providing other services like print production consultation, retouching etc. bill for that as well.

[debbry531]

I'm definitely not in the print broker business... but I just need to decide whether I should do this as a one-off for one of my photography clients (she hired me for a full session and spent an additional $1200 on prints so far - with more anticipated once she moves). Since the subject can't be photographed now, I can't offer that option. I'm leaning toward telling her that I normally don't but that I'll make an exception for her.

This is not the first time I've had a request like this -- is it just me? They've come from both clients and non-clients. I haven't agreed to do any in the past - but in those cases, they could have hired me to photograph the animal... or they aren't a client (and like I said, I'm not in the print broker business).

[texkam]

I just need to decide whether I should do this as a one-off for one of my photography clients (she hired me for a full session and spent an additional $1200 on prints so far - with more anticipated once she moves).

I'd say yes.

[debbry531]

Thanks, Mark.

[J Eddington]

Assuming she took the shot and the file size allows you to make it the size she wants, I would do it. I would edit the photo as if I took the photo and charge her the same. It may need more editing than if you had taken the photo.(no discount)