Disclaimer for images on disc?

[erock901]

Hi All,

I’ve been experimenting with different printing labs, using their ICC profiles (i.e. Costco, Bay Photo, Mpix, etc.). As I expected, there is some variance between the output from each lab (with or without the lab’s color correction). So if I sold images on disc and the client took them to a lab that I don’t normally use, there may be some color variance between what they see in their online gallery and what is actually output from their lab. If the difference is big enough, the client may notice.

So do you think a disclaimer should be included when providing images on disc? I was thinking of saying something like, “…print output quality is only guaranteed if files are printed at the recommended photo lab…”.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[tfizzle]

I don't know if I'd guarantee anything printed by the client somewhere else. Even if you know the place. You don't know if they'll check the "do not color correct" or "color correct" or if they'll fidget with the colors when they have it in the machine at walmart (crop, etc.).

I tell clients that there could definitely be a possibility that that there will be variance in colors for wherever they print and point them in the right direction (through me is the best option). I'd put a disclaimer in the contract or when you send them the disc that any orders other than through you will have the possibility of having a variance from what they see on their screen.

My editing computer does a good job at getting me what I want. However, on my pc laptop the highlights always look blown (don't use it for editing) even though I know they aren't.

[erock901]

thanks tfizzle. i'll definitely take your advice and not guarantee anything printed by the client unless printed by me.

[Andrushka]

yep - it is one way to provide the client with what they ultimately want (photos on disc) while still encouraging print sales without "requiring" them

[L5intoR5/Cr]

Don't forget to factor that people often times have their monitors horribly calibrated unless they are into photography. They could print your images with no corrections at the right lab and still never receive what they saw on their computer...

[PhotosGuy]

,,,I’ve been experimenting with different printing labs, using their ICC profiles (i.e. Costco, Bay Photo, Mpix, etc.). In addition to the prints they paid for, I give the car guys a CD of web images & printable files for their own personal use. Most of them have a Costco membership, so I profile the prints for them & caution them about printing anywhere else.
Like you, I've seen too much variation in prints from other sources, especially from drug stores & WalMart.

[HappySnapper90]

Don't forget to factor that people often times have their monitors horribly calibrated unless they are into photography. They could print your images with no corrections at the right lab and still never receive what they saw on their computer...

You mean computer screen uncalibrated, right? The average computer user will not calibrate nor know about calibration of the computer screen.

A better statement might be something along the lines of prints made from the disc are at your own risk. But giving out a CD or DVD of images large enough to make prints is a sticky issue with no right answer. Why should the flexibility of the image storage medium make for giving the client your finished image "masters"? Would a painter who creates a painting for a client also give that painting on a CD or even in lieu of a physical painting on canvas? No. Photographers shouldn't consider it either.