Help with a client

[Jean Kelly]

Kim,

Here's a tip that I've started using to help me convince clients that I need my own reference. I've purposely taken some very bad ref. photos that look like the typical "good" photo that a client might provide. These typically are flash, with sharp shadow lines, hard edges, and no detail shots. I show them an example of what I need in order to do a portrait, including detail shots of hands, eyes etc.. I point out that I must have this info in order to "paint" a portrait. I never make a reference to anyone's photography skills, simply that a portrait needs different information.

So far I've had an excellent response with this technique. I try to do this before even seeing their photos. The last time I presented my needs in this way my client ended up critiquing their own photography through my eyes. They saw everything that their beautiful photo lacked to create a painting and work of art. No feelings hurt, and I get what I need.

Jean