I was just wondering how you all handle charging for retouching for things other than basic fixes. My maternity client has asked me to paint her toenail polish back on and to fix a broken finger nail on her shots- which I did. I didn't state these fees up front so I don't feel right about charging her now, chalking it up to another lesson learned. But I feel that in the future I should be charging for these type of things- what are your thoughts. Sorry I know I'm picking your brains a lot lately, but I want to get it right!
Why don't you just adjust your basic prices to include things like touch ups and some other editing. If it is something a little more significant, than it could be an added charge, but I htink if you just bump up your basic price a bit, you could include the little touch ups that rerally do not take too long.
Lol, I would never ask for someone to paint my nails or fix a broken one in a retouch, I think I would have done those things before the shot, I may ask someone to take another / different shot, but not do touch ups like that. people are different I guess, but if I was selling my stuff and the client asked for these touch ups, and it bit into my time other that what they paid for I would tell them that it would cost more for touch ups, you should get paid for your time. If they worried that much about how they look they should have fixed themselves up before the shot...
@nikkers@barrymikhal thank you both for your imput! Yes, the toenail painting was on the selective coloring photo, and the fingernail was on the heart hand photo (in my second album). I agree with you all that these things really should have been fixed before the shoot, however they weren't, and now I need to deal with them. Since this was my first maternity shoot I feel like at this point a happy customer is one that will give my name to friends and family. I will however in the future make basic retouching included in the price, however anything like painting toenails, or fingernails extra cost. As it is I already softened stretchmarks from 2 shots- all adding up to several hours of retouching. Ah well lesson learned I guess. Sorry for the long ramble :)
Remember the most important thing about being a pro... what the customer thinks and that is what they will tell other clients...
having a 'perfect' image after a little retouch lets the client 'love' their photo that much more... they tell their friends how much they love what you did and you get more clients... suddenly not charging that $20 this time may not seem like much if that lost $20 and few hours means more gigs down the road...
I do basic retouching as part of my service - blemishes, scars, bruises etc. But if the client is silly enough to not listen when I say not to wear clothes with logos and such, they pay an hourly fee with a minimum two hours if they want it fixed. Basically, if it's normal stuff I don't charge, but if it's something they should have sorted before the shoot, they get charged for it - I value my time, so my clients learn to value it too.
So, I do my basic retouching and show the proofs. If they point something out that they want further retouched, I check to make sure it wasn't my mistake and, if it wasn't, quote them for the work. I know how long it will take me, most times, so they pay in advance for it.
One thing to remember is that if you get a "picky" client (by picky, I really mean a PITA who wants adjustment after adjustment) and you keep saying yes, they will keep asking for more and more. And then they will tell their friends how much they got you to do for them, so they'll expect it if they book you.
I am not afraid to fire a client who wastes my time. I do this job because I love it, and for the lifestyle it allows - if I lose either of those things, it isn't worth doing.
I'm friends with a portrait photographer in this town. He includes Enhancing and "Repair" in with his prices. Bottom line is a happy customer to promote your work ! Including enhancements sets your work apart from "family" P&S shots ! He says you really DON'T want the customer knowing you did enhancements to the photos ! All you want the customer to know is that your work makes THEM look better than any one else does ! Sometimes what you DON'T know won't hurt you ! Just makes the photographer look better ! People won't know why they look better when you take their shot...they just see that you make them look better than anyone else.........more work !
Setting basic package prices or base prices for services would be a great idea so you don't run into this problem. Charging for your time is also a great way of pricing things.
jinx has some great ideas as well. If additional fixes are requested besides the basics, have a base price and an hourly wage added (since some edits take longer than others).
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I agree with Madkota, be upfront on editing options and cost of
having a 'perfect' image after a little retouch lets the client 'love' their photo that much more... they tell their friends how much they love what you did and you get more clients... suddenly not charging that $20 this time may not seem like much if that lost $20 and few hours means more gigs down the road...
jm2c
So, I do my basic retouching and show the proofs. If they point something out that they want further retouched, I check to make sure it wasn't my mistake and, if it wasn't, quote them for the work. I know how long it will take me, most times, so they pay in advance for it.
One thing to remember is that if you get a "picky" client (by picky, I really mean a PITA who wants adjustment after adjustment) and you keep saying yes, they will keep asking for more and more. And then they will tell their friends how much they got you to do for them, so they'll expect it if they book you.
I am not afraid to fire a client who wastes my time. I do this job because I love it, and for the lifestyle it allows - if I lose either of those things, it isn't worth doing.
Just my two cents. :)
jinx has some great ideas as well. If additional fixes are requested besides the basics, have a base price and an hourly wage added (since some edits take longer than others).