Soft focus problem

[photopam]

I have a client who ordered 5 5x7's of an image that is not tack sharp. I am not sure if she is going to like them once she sees them in print. It was not out of focus enough for me to can it in the original deletion, so it got put in the on-line album with the others to be seen by the client.

Should I go ahead and order it, even though it is slightly out of focus, or should I call her and have her pick another one?
I am so frustrated with this order as it is! Rrrrrgha!

Thanks for your thoughts!

[Daniel Bates]

How out of focus is "slightly"? Most clients will probably not notice softness the way that you and I as photographers would, and if the image depicts a singular moment, the content of the picture may trump its technical aspects.

Without knowing anything more about the situation, I would suggest that you go ahead and order it for her. If she comes back and mentions the softness, you could offer her an equivalent credit.

Just a thought...

[toverman]

Agree with Daniel's comment. There must be some reason she is ordering prints of that particular photo, so maybe "slight" softness won't matter.

[photopam]

Not sure if you can tell from this small picture. Please let me know if you think it is too soft.

This is the image she saw

[photopam]

This one was shrunk to go on web, other than that it is the final version. I made it a little bigger than the web cart image.
Too soft?
Or is it passable??
Thank you soooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[S-Man]

I'd say run a USM on it and hit the eyes a little, an they should be happy. People don't usually know the difference.

[Kalrog]

I would do the order - especially since it is a 5x7. Be ready for a credit if there is an issue, but as a parent I see nothing wrong with that picture at all. And remember - neither did you since you put it online. Place the order and make the customer happy ;-)

[toverman]

Still agree with commenters here regarding fulfilling the order and being prepared if the mom wants a credit.

Couldn't read any EXIF data, but to me, it appears to be a camera-shake issue rather than soft focus, as he is uniformly blurry. Do you know what your settings were? Just curious, because it's a good shot otherwise.

[photopam]

Ok, Thanks for your help everyone!