REQUEST FOR ONE OF MY PHOTOS...

[Steve Parr]

I received an e-mail concerning a photo that I took.

Basically, the person saw the photo, and would like to print it out on what I'm assuming is a large format printer, in order to display it.

Needless to say, I'm flattered.

I'm also somewhat reluctant to do it, primarily because it would require me to send him (or her, not sure which) the original file.

Despite the assurance that nothing else would be done with the photo, I just don't like doing that with one of my images. I should also add that I have no doubt that the person is sincere.

Other than working under contract for some local bands, I've never sold a picture before. Despite that, I would feel far more comfortable retaining the original file and offering, instead, a nice double-matted framed print of, say in 8"X12" or 11"X14" for a reasonable price.

So, my questions would be:

1) Am I right in opting to not send the file (I'm pretty sure I am)?
2) Is there any downside to offering a print, for a price, instead?

And, to the person who e-mailed me (if you happen to read this), thank you; I just have to look out for my best interests...

Steve

[dispatchermike21]

imho
1. your right.
2. no downside.

[MattyB]

i can't help, but congrats

[Maureen Souza]

I would ask myself: "Is this a photo that is very personal and important to me?" If it is, a printed copy would be in order.

If it's just a nice photo without a personal meaning and not something that you would use in the long run, I would sell it to him on a disc.

Just my opinion. Some folks are much more protective of their photos than others. Me, I give stuff away all the time and I feel great about it.

[Red]

I'd never send the RAW file. There's no reason to have that over a TIF

[Big_B]

I agree with you Steve. I'd offer to print and post it to them for a reasonable charge. Alternatively you could put it on one of those photo websites such as www.photobox.co.uk that would allow them to order their own print but wouldn't give them direct access to the full sized files.

[Big_B]

oh, and congratulations by the way Which photo was it?

[kenyc]

I get this all the time my softball photography and generally don't have a problem giving the people the file (.jpg) at some level of reduction or even full rez, mostly because I (at the moment) do the photography for the players and have no real attachment to most of the images (along the lines of Maureen above). (my landscapes or nature shots are a different matter however ).

By doing the print you protect yourself, but you have to do the work, so you'll have to determine a fair price for that. If the person really does just want a print of the image, they they'll be happy and you'll be happy......unless what they really want is a print of the image for free.

KAC

[SkipD]

What would concern me greatly is what the recipient would do with the file. If it's just a photo of someone's kid playing ball that's going to the parents, I wouldn't worry. If someone wants to make and sell prints from my image file, that's a whole different story. Offer to make and sell a print - at a decent markup from the cost of having the print made, shipping cost, etc.

[J Rabin]

Why not send it? Just create a discreet signature or logo layer in a lower corner like "© 2005 So-and-So". Flatten the layer. Sell the file. Be happy.

[Steve Parr]

Originally Posted by Big_B

oh, and congratulations by the way Which photo was it?

Thanks.

It's the third photo from the lion series I posted...

Steve

[kona77]

Originally Posted by Maureen Souza

Me, I give stuff away all the time and I feel great about it.

I would love to make you feel even better about yourself. Please list all of your equipment so I can choose what I like. I will gladly pay the shipping to me house.