I've done some further research on this Forum about how the pros approach this topic and they ALL seem to mirror your responses, Michael, Leslie, Mike and Alicia.
I'm curious what Cynthia's opinion is, as she has seen this business as an art consultant/agent, as well as some of the other pros out there. Marvin? Karin Wells? John de la Vega (you're one of my favorites!) William Whitaker? And other names that we don't normally see on this forum??
I guess I see the camera as one of many tools to explore the subject; but the results of a photoshoot can take over the whole medium, to the degree that the client has to have a piece of the exploration process.
I'm a chef, and trust me, the restaurant guest does not thankfully have any idea of the process. In truth, the best food is nowhere near "Emeril Live" or its nemesis, "Kitchen Confidential." If the food works, the process has transcended the raw ingredients, the chef's technical skills, the waiter's mood, the general manager's profit & loss statement. Does anyone see the point I'm trying to make?
In art, something elemental and great happens despite all the hands that have to touch the product to get it to the point where it peaks. I think the bond between the artist and the client has to be built on trust and an open communication of goals, of course. I think this should have more to do with the artist's portfolio of similar paintings, exploratory tonal drawings and color oil sketches -- in other words, a small body of exploration -- than with the client picking a particular photographic reference.
I'll go back to hiding under my rock, now...
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