StephenEastwood wrote:
I found recent clients seem to be spending more on the retouching ans saving on models and photography, at least the stuff I have been sent from other productions.  Since paying more on retouching is a one time fee per image, rather than paying higher rates on usage for better level models and photographers.  In some of my own productions, I have noticed they have lowered the standards of models if they feel I can enhance the models overall look in post, which leads to hiring lower price per use models, with lower dayrates.  Not in all cases, but in a few. 

Stephen Eastwood
http://www.PhotographersPortfolio.com

Thank you Stephen,

That's a interesting perspective on the way things are going at the moment. I never thought of it that way, but it seems to pay off for everyone.

Solstice Retouch wrote:

Thank you Stephen,

That's a interesting perspective on the way things are going at the moment. I never thought of it that way, but it seems to pay off for everyone.

not everyone, models are hurting at time because of it, and by that so are their agencies, and possibly even photographers who get passed over for a slightly lesser one. 

Stephen Eastwood
http://www.PhotographersPortfolio.com

MinisterC  wrote:
Yes, it's impacting it positively.

Playing off the term "staycation" I've been marketing "Fake-ations" for those who can no longer afford to vacate. I offer to photoshop a family doing various activities into their desired location. I print the images into a little photo book along with a cd/slide show.

And since I often charge less then "pro" studios, I'm getting new clients as well, who are simply looking for a price break.

Maybe you can retouch me into holiday parties I don't want to attend so I can claim I did and they just don't remember seeing me.

Stephen Eastwood
Http://www.StephenEastwood.com

StephenEastwood wrote:

not everyone, models are hurting at time because of it, and by that so are their agencies, and possibly even photographers who get passed over for a slightly lesser one. 

Stephen Eastwood
http://www.PhotographersPortfolio.com

Models are hurting, mainly since, from my experience, photographers aren't contacting the models to shoot, not even for TFP.

Wendy Fryer wrote:
Models are hurting, mainly since, from my experience, photographers aren't contacting the models to shoot, not even for TFP.

Personally, once I worked out the numbers and realized that the average amount of time I put into a TFP shoot is worth about $1,000 if I were doing design work, the fun kind of got sucked out of the idea.

Strangely at the same time I've gotten more unsolicited paid offers from models than ever before so I'm guessing the TFP party isn't just over for me right now.

Ken Marcus Studios wrote:
This would be a good time to own a few Mc Donalds' franchises.

They seem to be the only businesses that are actually doing better than before.

KM

Ken, I agree