The Value Of Proofs For Your Headshots
Ever confused about the role of proofs in the process of a shoot? Why can’t you typically keep them all, and what about those pesky “PROOF” watermarks? The proofing process for any photographer is critical in helping clients get the best images possible. Proofs are not the final images typically released to clients for their use, but they help a client establish their best images. Proofs narrow the field down, and they’re simply a tool. There can be some misunderstandings of their purpose, though.
The Role Of Proofs
The proofs are the starting point. I edit my proofs from our shoot down, eliminating test shots, eyes closed, duplicates, and seriously unflattering images so the client isn’t overwhelmed with images that look the same or mediocre content. I DO, however, include as many variations possible. A shoot is, of course, organic. Depending on the shoot and the person photographed, we might have a huge variety, or there may not be much variety.
How Many Proofs?
When I photograph several people in one shoot for my corporate clients, different people get different quantities of proofs. Some get more than others. Again, photography is organic — meaning, while I go through a variety of poses and expressions with everyone to find their best look, some are just more comfortable with varied expressions. Others are much more particular in what images they like. Knowing this, if someone gives me lots of subtle variations, I should include more proofs. If others can really only pull off a few looks, they’re going to get less proofs.
I occasionally have a marketing director or whomever is hiring me state they want precisely 10 or more proofs of each person or some other number. This is not reasonable, as it may require including duplicate images, eyes closed, etc. This request may happen as a result of previous photographers only providing a couple proofs, which isn’t good, but requiring an exact quota is also not feasible. I’ll always make sure we have as much of a variety possible.
Why Can’t I Keep My Proofs?
The purpose of hiring a photographer isn’t to get as many images possible. It’s to get the right images, images that represent you or the subject perfectly. Part of that process is taking lots of images with a trained eye, usually with great equipment. As a standard of copyright law, the photographs do not belong to the client, they belong to the photographer — anyone, essentially, whoever takes the picture (even if it’s your mom with her smartphone). You’re hiring a photographer for their services, years of experience and investment into the craft, and the product usage they promise — whether it’s 1, 2 or 10, 20 final images, not ALL of the images they take. The proofs are typically unedited or minimally edited, so they’re not going to be the most flattering representation of the person in the photos — or the photographer’s work. The post process and retouching really makes things work, which is reflected in your final images. As well, there’s a presumed value to each image, hence the releasing of 1, 2 or however many final images that were agreed upon. You wouldn’t release half-finished work, so why would you want a photographer to do that? Essentially, photographers don’t release proofs. They release the final images that were agreed upon.
Why Are There “PROOF” Watermarks on My Proofs
The proof watermark serves as a helpful reminder these images shouldn’t be used for anything but private client viewing to get their best images. They’re low resolution and stamped with the proofs overlay, which makes their unauthorized use unlikely and unappealing. Of course, I trust my clients aren’t going to intentionally break the rules, but this helps ensure people understand. I try to make the watermark as unobtrusive as possible so people can still make sound judgements of their images, but people occasionally still have problems seeing details the way they’d like. I can’t turn the watermark off on select galleries without turning it off on all galleries, so it’s best to reach out to me and I can show specific proofs privately without the mark.
In closing, your proofs are a valuable way of getting your best images, but they need to be seen as only a tool in the process, not part of the image package you’ve purchased, and they’re certainly not the end-product where a lot of things may be improved from lighting, skin tone, removal of imperfections, etc. Even things like modifying the background and lighting come into play.
Your final image selections are where the gold is. If you have any other questions about Dandy Headshots, please feel free to reach out and thanks for reading!
— Josh