Dealing with Issues from another Photographer??

[HeatherLou]

Okay, So, I'm at the Bridal fair on Saturday and a lady comes up to me and asks me if I do PS work on pics already made. I explain that its not something I have done in the past, but would consider doing it for the right project, but would have to check on what it would cost. She said she was asking because she wanted to make sure of the legality of it. She explained that she got married, the photographer did a wonderful job on her e-session, and her bridals, but when the wedding day arrived, he apparently started asking other vendors what they got paid, and he left half way through the day. It took them 3 months to get the pics the photographer did get, on a CD with Release, but no editing was done to them. Now, I know this photographer. I have met him on several occasions & one of his family members works with my husband. Granted there are two sides to every story, but sadly, I can honestly say that I am not surprised by these actions.

So here are my questions.

#1. How much is the going rate for doing something like this???

#2. What is the legality of working on someones stuff???

#3. Do I need to contact the other photographer to get permission??

[KdLaneJr]

All I can tell you on the rate is make it worth your time. What would you have been doing to generate cash flow if you were not processing those images?

The legality should be spelled out in the release your prospective client has in her possession.

If the release doesn't allow editing, then you should get it in writing from the other photographer. The last sentence of your post says you don't want to be on the wrong side of "legal" when dealing with him. (at least that's how I read your post).

Hope you come to a decision that benefits you without making the whole thing a major pita.

[HeatherLou]

Originally Posted by KdLaneJr

The last sentence of your post says you don't want to be on the wrong side of "legal" when dealing with him. (at least that's how I read your post).

Hope you come to a decision that benefits you without making the whole thing a major pita.

I never want to be on the wrong side of legal....it's not worth risking my business over. And I don't want to spend a whole bunch of time on it. From what she was describing, it sounds like it would be a lot of time LOL.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

I never want to be on the wrong side of legal....it's not worth risking my business over. And I don't want to spend a whole bunch of time on it. From what she was describing, it sounds like it would be a lot of time LOL.

Im guessing you are right there. The most time consuming part of a wedding (for me anyway) is the time that goes into PP AFTER the wedding.

If the photog gave a full release, you are in the clear. First I would tell her the price. If/when she accepts, then ask for a copy of the release. I'd charge w/in a few hundred of what I charge for a wedding. Personally, Im not even sure Id touch it. Some screw ups are beyond repair, and since you didnt shoot it, you dont know how bad it is.

[Tom]

I've had a few people contact me about retouching. I sent them some samples of what I could do - before/after - and a price sheet. Didn't hear back. Either my work sucks, or I am expensive.

[Steelsun]

Make sure the release allows it, and if possible the release also granted copyright.

Since by editing the images, you will be making a direct derivative work, and when printing out the new version would be infringing upon a copyright unless it was released.

[HeatherLou]

Well and my other concern is that....I'm not really that good at PS lol!

Holly, From what she said, it sounds like the release is a print release, not a full one. I suppose to some it wouldn't make a difference, but to me it does.

I suppose I just really need to meet with her again, have her bring in the stuff, so that I can look at what all is involved. Then go from there.

Now, do those of you that do this, do you charge by the image or an hourly rate?

[ChrisO]

I doubt the photographer released all rights to the client, so honestly I wouldn't touch it.

I charge per image.

[toverman]

If you do decide to pursue it, I think you're doing the right thing in making sure it's legal (although if any contact is required with the other photographer, I'd let the client do it).

I really agree with something Holly mentioned, and that's the fact you don't know the quality of the work. It could be that the images WERE edited but are so crummy they don't appear to be. You might want to take a sneak peak before fully committing to the project. Also, see about bridals or engagement/couple shots ... if they're really bad, those are things you can reshoot and add into your processing price (adding more work, but maybe making it more profitable for you).

[CaptainTom]

I'd stay away from this sort of job. This is one of those times when you just have to suck it up and say NO ! Offer to re-shoot.

[groovyone]

It sounds like thier photographer already violated the contract. There may be something in the deal for X amount of hours shooting, or to proved items he did not, so you may be able to get past the legality by his breach of the contract.

[AndrewCCM]

Thanks.. But no thanks...

[Jake]

Originally Posted by AndrewCCM

Thanks.. But no thanks...

Yep, no thanks.

[jasonhuang]

Isn't it almost the same as going to Walgreens and hitting the "Auto Fix" button?

[ldelacruz]

$2.50 per photo is what I have seen. Color correct, whiten teeth, brighten eyes, soften skin, color correct, stray hairs, blemishes. Some places ae .25 to color correct and brighten.