Richard:
The set fee wouldn't be a terrible idea. I've always had this percentage thing set in my mind and it always came down to the question of "a percentage of what." I do feel strongly that you have to have them prepared to give up some money before the photos are taken. Once I do a couple of hours of photography and then as much as 5-6 more hours of editing I'm not in the mood to have someone change their mind. I've always tried to keep the client open to the creative possibilities which often come up during the photo shoot. It does create an open endedness, which is what creates the question.
Marcus:
It's more transparent that I may have indicated. I do explain the possibilities to them up front, and they know what the prices are and are involved in picking the composition ultimately. It's just that I haven't been able to create a precise percentage when I want them to write the check. Maybe a fixed fee to cover the hours necessary to get to the pose selection may be best. Then you could deduct that amount from the total and then get your third, or half down when you've settled on the composition.
Then I can get busy and save for that new boat ...
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Mike McCarty
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