Queston of Pricing

Patricia Joyce · 09-09-2007, 10:41 AM

I had donated a portrait, head and shoulder last spring. Not caring for my photos she used a friend who is a professional photographer. With all parties in agreement we viewed the images and I picked the best one for a portrait drawing. She asked me to stay and pick out some more family shots "trusting my instincts" (I guess I did something right in my presentation!).

That evening she telephoned to say that she had thought about it and not wanting to converse in front of the photographer's assistant my client told me that she would like to commission me to draw from a ref shot of all three children. It is a beautiful photograph and one that would be very useful for a portrait but I have some questions and need some advice

1. I am assuming, even though the photographer agreed to my using one photo of one child I would have get written approval to use a different photo, one with all three children. This could be sticky as the studio was really doing the sales pitch on her having a large, over the mantel type of photo of all three children. My piece would usurp their business. I think my client may have to work that out with the photographer?

2. Pricing: She purchased one head and should at the auction. Now I would be doing three kids sitting together, no hands, but more than my typical head and shoulders, you know, I would actually include real shoulders and some clothing!!

3. I have never done a triple portrait, With doubles in one piece I charge full price for one head and half price for secpnd. What is the standard formula, if there is one??

I was flattered that she preferred my drawing over a photo considering I have been in her house and it is full of photos from this photographer. The day of our meeting the actual photographer was not there, we met with her assistant. As is done in any business, I want to develop and maintain healthy relationships with others in their field of art.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be a great help.
Thanks
Patty

ps how do I get rid of that dang winking smile???