Taking good pictures can't hurt a thing, but most taxidermists each have their own way of painting fish. To keep it in the freezer, wrap it in a soaked towel, place that in a plastic bag and freeze. It will last for a VERY long time that way. You have some great taxidermists up your way. Frank Katula does beautiful work. http://hometown.aol.com/basswtrout/F...udioindex.html
For really good work, expect to pay over $12/inch. Possibly a good bit more, but everybody has their own price. I'm not so up to date on fish prices.