How should I handle a photographer (who I spent a lot of money on) who is retouching my photos too much?

[Anonymous]

So I am building my modeling portfolio and so far not really getting booked for jobs because the photos are too retouched compared to the raw versions. I spent a lot of money on these quality photos. Once I added an additional photo to be retouched and it was $20 extra and when I told her what needed to be fixed she sent the wrong photo back. Modeling agency I work with said to just correct the lighting and such but not so overdone which is what she did.

[Anonymous]

Photographer here!

First, if you had something on contract and in writing as to what you were specifically wanting in your finished product, it should be easy enough to pull up those specs and ask that the work be done according to your specifications. If the photographer is unclear, explain very clearly in writing, what you'd like done and what images you had already requested be worked on or not. In this era of social media reviews, no photographer worth their salt is going to want you going online and talking about how horrible of a job they did or the fact that they ignored a clients wishes.

If this is not the case that you had a contract and/or you used an amateur photographer, you may have a harder hill to climb to get the results you want if you can even get them. These photogs often care a lot less beyond getting a quick paycheck and with no paper trail, you can't exactly claim with proof that you requested anything be done.

In either case be very direct and clear about what you are looking for in your photos but of course when you request just be respectful about it with an initial assumption that this was not done intentionally. Also going forward, always always have a contract in place, speak to the photographer prior to a shoot, and write down what you want with your pictures, and request both raw and edited images because if all else fails, if you have the raw files, you can always get someone else to edit them for you if you don't do photoshop yourself.

[Oliverlogan263]

Here are my recommendations for handling this situation:

1. Have a direct but respectful conversation with the photographer. Explain that while you appreciate their artistic vision, the level of retouching is negatively impacting your ability to book modeling jobs. Offer specific examples of changes you'd prefer, based on feedback from agencies.

2. Ask if they would be willing to do minimal touch-ups on the existing photos, just correcting lighting and blemishes, to make the images more usable for your portfolio. Offer to pay any additional costs.

3. If the photographer is unwilling or unable to make the requested adjustments, politely but firmly request a partial refund for the photos that are unusable. Explain that you paid for high-quality portfolio photos, but the excessive retouching has diminished their value for your purposes.

4. As a last resort, you could consider having another retoucher/photo editor make the minimal adjustments needed on the existing photos. However, this risks lower quality results and potential copyright issues, so I don't recommend it.

5. For future photoshoots, be very clear upfront with the photographer about your needs - minimal retouching focused only on lighting, blemishes, etc. Have samples to show them. Agree on a per-photo retouching cost beforehand to avoid miscommunication.

The key is having an open yet firm discussion with the photographer, politely but honestly expressing how their work does not meet your needs. Focus on finding a compromise or solution that works for both of you. A good photographer should understand and want to help you achieve your modeling goals.

Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to provide further advice.

[slatyb]

Do you have the raw photos? I pay photographers by the hour with the stipulation that I get all the photos.

[Asker]

Yes! I have all the raw photos