Dennis,
I pretty much agree with what you've said - and as I've mentioned in my posting, I like to share my knowledge with others.
What makes me hesitate with this client, though, is: When I assisted him on some smaller jobs, he sometimes didn't treat me with a lot of respect (in front of his clients). Also, he often spoke badly about his other assistant - kind of "if something goes wrong it's always the assistant's fault". Therefore, I'm not sure whether any consultancy would expand my business opportunities - he'd be the type of person to claim the good work for himself.
He's got a fairly good reputation for his lighting/fashion workshops. I know that he wants to incorporate Photoshop into his workshops & he knows I'd be interested in giving workshops together with him - but he doesn't seem to be too keen on this idea of joint lectures. My instinct telle me he'd like to extend his reputation into the digital field rather than asking me to join in with him.
It's interesting what you said about 'talent'. I generally agree with you that for a lot of Photoshop work, one needs a certain amount of talent and vision, especially when it comes to composite work for advertising. But I am not sure if within 'highstreet portrait & wedding photography', "talent" on the retouching side is that important.... "craft" might be the better word I reckon.
Anyway, I am not sure what to do yet.... After what you've said, I am re-considering the whole thing... And I do like your idea of quoting a minimum of 2-3 hours. If I do production work for someone, I usually charge about $30/h - after attaching a consulting rate, do you reckon $60 would be a fair price?
Kind regards Bjorn
What if you said you would be happy to show him some of the ways you do your "PhotoShop Magic" and quoted him an hourly rate? (I would also suggest you quote a minimum of 2-3 hours so you avoid blocking out valuable time for just one hour's consulting fee.) By attaching a consulting rate to your time you are reinforcing your value, yet also put yourself in a position to benefit from "sharing" your experience with him. Chances are too that you'll have the opportunity to show him why he needs to hire you to work on the real jobs. (Just think of the time he'd have to spend on each job and what that represents to him in terms of his other responsibilities - marketing etc.) Perhaps he'll learn your "tricks" and do it all himself, perhaps not. But chances are also good that consulting like this can expand your opportunities for business, if not with this client then with others as you'll be the "guru".
HTH
Dennis Dunbar APA Digital Dept. Chair
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