I have been in a bit of a discussion with an individual over the past few weeks. She wanted to purchase a series of my prints, as canvas mounted things. Nice...
I am not by any stretch a high-priced pro shooter, but I figure I need the cost of the prints (obviously), a little compensation for the time to prep the files and coordinate with the lab, and a token amount to put toward my ridiculously expensive camera, boat, time, expertise, risking my life in frigid water (drama added intentionally). I arbitrarily figured an extra $50 a print, or $150 in total, plus the prints.
She balked, I lost interest.
She came back and asked again. I quoted the same cost. She said she couldn't afford it. I said, "ok".
Then I suggested she could look at either smaller prints (she wanted 30" x 40"), or perhaps a photopaper, mounted to Gatorfoam or something, which I could have done for half the price...
Nope, she wanted, 30" x 40" linen, gallery mounts bla, bla, bla. I mumbled something about "Champagne taste, beer budget".
So two weeks goes by, and she has just emailed me:
"Hi Stu. I wondered if you had decided to the prints for the price I can afford. I like them and I would prefer to go through you to get them, but if you won't do them for less money, I will just get them done myself. I an (sic) get them done for a lot less at (ABC Camera) anyway"
I replied pointing out that the lab I use prints 9 colours and ABC prints 5 and won't do nearly as nice a job... and oh, ya you need a file. I presume she's thinking she'll lift the image from my FB page or someplace, ignore the watermark and Bob's yer uncle.
I didn't take the bait, but pointed out that (a) that would be a direct infringement of my copyright, (b) that ABC Camera is owned by a guy who knows me well, and he was the one who referred me to the other lab because he just couldn't get the blue greens right, and most importantly © the 78 Kb file she can grab from FB, might render a "bit" of a course print.
But here is where I need your advice...
I am tempted to call my friend at ABC Camera, and explain what is going on, and tell him that when she comes in, he should feel free to make the prints, but that he should insist on payment in advance... and advise her that the files were too small. My bet is that she will insist that he go ahead...
Would that be sporting of me, or in bad taste? I couldn't give rodents hindquarters about doing these prints for her, but I do have the opportunity to teach her a lesson about the evils of stealing someones images!
What say ye, fellow starving shooters?
