This image is the only one I'm really worried about from last weekend. The couple that ordered it insist that they REALLY like it because it has a soft look to it.

I tried to talk them out of it, but the are set on it.

On one hand, I can see the soft, artsy look, but on the other I would have tossed it immediately.

It almost has a LensBaby look to it I guess.

What do you all think? I've even thought about dropping in a new eye that is a bit sharper.

This would be another vote against on site proofs

Well, the nose is in focus . Say after me: "I'll never do onsite proofing again. I'll never do onsite proofing again. I'll never . . . . ."

Don't try to sharpen the eye because it will look unnatural. If this is what they like, then sell it to them. But letting people see your "rejects" is always dangerous. Just grit your teeth and insist that was what you were trying to do .

Jim

Jim, if this were mine, I would oval around the dog and get the percentage of softness reduced. Yes, the client is always right, but....
When you have a client that wants something you shot, it is a compliment. But we may have a different opinion on what you want to show. I just had a client that canceled one appointment because of weather. She really wanted outdoor shots. So when her appointment came, we shot inside and outside on a misty day. I loved the inside. But she liked and picked the outside shots.
If they had a great experience with you photographing their dog, that is what they also will remember. You obviously pleased them. I love terriers. How was this group to shoot?

Hi Peggy,

I'm not sure what you mean by oval around the dog. Do you mean like a digital mat or an oval selection and some darkening?

The group, both people and dogs, was great to work with.

I'm thinking about offering them a selection of other images that I think have the same soft glow, but better quality when I send them their prints. Either that or just send them one along with this one. This couple placed my biggest order of the day by a long shot and they did want some of the more artsy looking images as well as some special retouching and BW conversions.

This is what I meant. You could do it with a matt or on the image.

Oh ok, that's kinda what I thought. Thanks for taking the time. It looks a lot better.

I've decided to find a similar pose in a better image and do an "Orton treatment." I'll send the new image along with the one they decided on with a note telling them that I think I accomplished what we thought we had come up with, but that I wasn't happy with the way the original image turned out once I got it back to the office.

Thanks again,
Jim

Jim

I agree this is not an image i would have shown but since the client picked it I would not try to do much with it-the client liked it for a reason

I would not tell them "I wasn't happy with the way the original image turned out...", I feel the client choose this image for emotional reasons-not technical. Any comments about the technicals will most likely effect their emotional feelings to the image.

I agree with Jim Garvie, never do on-site proofing without pre-screening the images; nevertheless, the damage is done. Time to deliver the order "with a smile". I would not worry to much, I think anytime they show the image to anyone, it will come with a explaination of how they like the "dreamy" quality of the image

Well, I sent out an E-mail to all the buyers telling them that I'll be shipping the photos (today actually) and giving them a link to a sneak preview online. I got an email back from the owner of this do telling me how great they all are, so I suppose they are happy, which is what matters most.