what would you pay to have someone photo shop your pic?

[StevenGWebb]

Originally Posted by bondarnes

I'm not sure, but the next time I see Olan Mills I will ask him. I'm thinking it is several thousand dollars per hour, but then he runs it like a business.

Don,

I would not think you the sort to take such a jab. Mr. Mills has been dead for decades. Unless you are referring to his older son, Olan Mills, II who I both know and worked for. If there is anything about the Mills company or family you would like to discuss at length I would be uniquely qualified to participate in that conversation.

Inarguably, Olan Mills Incorporated being, at one time, the largest portrait company in the US with international concerns owned more cameras, was Photogenic Machine Company's and Kodak's largest private sector customers probably created a huge wealth for Olan, Mary and the boys. I cannot say that being the largest means being the best nor being the most consistant. The only high school students I recall working for the company were receptionists; certainly not photogrpahers, artists, processing or printing personnel.

[lscottpht]

I send my weddings out now for LR work...white balance, exposure dodging and as much that can be done in LR. I do the finishing of the images myself. I pay about $325 for them to take about 2000 files, narrow them down (they do that) to anywhere from 1000-1200 images, and do all the LR work on them. The turn around is about a couple of days. I just started with them, and they've processed 3 weddings for me and an engagement, but we are still ironing out the tweaks. I'm very specific with my processing in LR, and they have yet to get it perfect, but they are trying very hard. I still end up going into LR to do more correcting to get the exact colors I want, but in the next week, they should be pretty perfect when they get to me. Then, I will do the Noiseware and any additional PS work myself. So, I'm not sure if that's on the low end or high end, but it will give you an idea of what someone might be willing to pay. I had no choice with this. I need some free time because I have absolutely none right now. So, I know there will be photogs out there willing to pay this if you can do a great job for them. It does take time between you and the photog, so you have to be willing to really go through things with them a number of times. You will also have to provide about a 50 image sample gallery once you get their images so they can see them and make sure you are both on the same page. It will definitely take patience on your behalf, so be prepared for that. My editors have been very patient with me and have yet to even charge me a dime for all their efforts. I'm sure they will, but it's obvious that money isn't their priority yet. My satisfaction is. I'll be happy to help you if you have any questions about the whole process from the photographer's side of things. Oh, and they also charge more for black and white conversions and going beyond LR, applying actions and such.

[Ahh!]

Let's try and give April the information she is asking for and keep all the talk of dinasaurs, dead photography business owners and their heirs out of it. (Although that was a nice trip down memory lane, I can smell the developers and dyes from here).

Looks like Steve wouldn't trust contractors at any price. Don has had hourly employees without a college degree doing his, and he uses websites for his overflow. Photographers have actually contracted with me to touch things up and I charge them $30 per hour, which I think may be a little high.

[abril1127]

I'm pretty sure Don was only pointing out how successful Olan Mills has been by delegating his business rather than running the whole show. Sounds like Leslie is taking it to the next level as well. You go girl!

[bondarnes]

Originally Posted by StevenGWebb

Don,

I would not think you the sort to take such a jab. Mr. Mills has been dead for decades. Unless you are referring to his older son, Olan Mills, II ................ artists, processing or printing personnel.

My point exactly. They have made tons of money without pressing a shutter button which was a reply to your original question.

[CaptainTom]

On topic.

I would hesitate to pay an hourly fee for PS services. A per image fee would make more sense. I also think several levels of service would be needed.
1- batch editing of a complete event: elimination bad images, color correction, etc.
2- cropping, balancing, minor corrections to individual images.
3- special work. removing braces, eyeglass glare, head swap.

Off topic.
Michael Redford suggests that you will be more productive in using your time to market your business than sitting in front of the computer and editing your events. This assumes you have the marketing skills.