My 2c.
I purchased my first wide format printer just over 3 years ago and in hindsight its cost me thousands (including purchase price, ink, paper) to learn what I have learned in the past 3 years owning it and I've probably barely touched the surface of what others know. I think I'm the only one on my street with a $2000 stretched canvas digital print hanging in my hallway:-0
So on one hand, I do understand not wanting to "give it away". I have toiled and tormented myself on the entire process, including glazing, wrapping, and final packaging.
So - to the op, speaking for myself, to be honest, while I would appreciate your super duper expertise, I'm not the kind of market that wants you to do it for me - I'm the kind of user that wants you to SHOW me how I can do it. Its not efficiency - its passion.
But, I don't expect knowledge for nothing and I WOULD pay for classes or workshops. I see some photographers advertising this kind of help on their website and if they were in my area, I think why not. They can possibly sell some supplies or equipment as well- and while some people will just come to "steal" their ideas without returning to use their services - so what.
Having done this photography thing for a while now, I have learned its as much an art, as a science, and while you may explain to me by rote how to do your workflow - it still requires practice, style, flair and a fair degree of skill and artistic eye to replicate because every image is different.
I admit I am not self-employed as a photographer or printer - but I am self-employed and have been for many years and I have yet to find myself without competition. I realize part of selling myself, is being open about what I know (within reason
) to my paying clients to develop their trust, and earn their business.
Yes, I've been screwed by a few, and expect you will be too. It doesn't negate the benefits or the life long partnerships you may develop and if I become so insecure about my abilities that I won't give any advice without money upfront - I think I'm likely on the wrong end of the bell curve anyway.
Edit to add : Blunt and as unattractive as it may sound, photographer is no long an elite membership. People today can buy a DSLR for under $1K and get some pretty nice looking prints - or more importantly, THEY are happy with them. And the printing market seems to be growing - more competitive, less revenue. I see far more shops in my area than even 3 years ago, and prices are coming down. Same for framing.
In my humble opinion, I don't see a future in this giclee printing market "as is" beyond 3 more years - I think many will not survive the competition ...so if anyone here can make a living at it, and keep making a living at it, they must be really doing something right. And if you are one of those people, who the hell cares what I think.