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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> How many proofs do you offer?
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10/19/2006 12:17:08 AM · #1
Just a quick question. How many proofs do you normally offer up for viewing from a standard portrait shoot? We are doing 45 minute portrait sessions and normally end up with between 40 - 50 photos. Is this too many? Should we narrow it down a bit more?

I'm curious to here other peoples opions. Many thanks!
10/19/2006 12:39:38 AM · #2
I probably would try to narrow it down.

Just show the ones that you're really proud of, and would like them to show to all their friends and brag about, and if they're your best work you'll probably get more clients. They'll probably pick the ones where they have the best expression, or whatever, even if they aren't as good technically, and then all their friends might think they suck and will look elsewhere.
10/19/2006 01:28:39 AM · #3
i offer a proof for every photo that turns out well. on select photos, i even make a proof in color, b&w and sepia. of course, i would never proof photos that weren't technically good unless the emotional content was high. i sold more prints from this proof than any of the others in the session. not technically perfect but the mom loved it and ordered two 11x14's and several 8x10's, in addition to the other prints of different proofs.


10/19/2006 02:33:36 AM · #4
that is the key- (IMO) show them everything you can. you would be suprised at what people buy or consider their favorites :0)
10/19/2006 03:01:58 AM · #5
I always show everything that's technically OK.
10/19/2006 03:21:19 AM · #6
Ok! Sounds like there is no written rule! Cheers guys!


10/19/2006 09:19:19 AM · #7
Originally posted by sher9204:

i offer a proof for every photo that turns out well. ...of course, i would never proof photos that weren't technically good unless the emotional content was high.


This is a very good statement. Not all people understand what a technically good photo is, but as photographers we cringe at subtle mistakes that might go unnoticed to the average viewer (with probably the exception of poor focus). With (minor) blown highlights or a funky composition, people might think you were just being creative.

They also know themselves or their kids better than anybody else, and might see a rare gleam in their eye or smile, and to them everything else is secondary. I (and I'm sure a lot here) have picked out in my mind what shots somebody would absolutely love, and become strangely surprised that the client instead orders one of your least favorites in the group because that photo has captured their true essence or personality.
10/19/2006 09:30:24 AM · #8
The temptation is to show every good photo - none of us like to throw away our work!

But there are two reasons to limit the nuber of proofs - one being your time, especially if you edit and tweak and sepia and b&w all the options too. The second reason is more important though- give them too many choices and they buy fewer images. Give them 100 proofs and none are special, too many too choose from so they shut down, etc. Give them 15 to choose from and it's easy an they'll buy more poses.

So everyone tells me. I have a tendency to shoot too much and show too much. The couple of times I've followed the traditional way I sell more and do less work...a win/win if there ever was one!
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