idobelieve

I booked an engagement session in December, session was supposed to be tomorrow. When she booked she asked if I would allow for rescheduling or refund if her fiance got deployed, he is in the Navy. I do allow this if it's for military reasons although in the past I've just rescheduled. At first she just requested allowing reschedule but then later she asked about refund and in the crazy of the holiday season I must have agreed. So she emailed me 3 days ago to say he was unexpectedly deployed and asking for a refund. I responded no problem, just send me documentation of his deployment and I will get you refunded. Her response: "I did not get documentation of his orders because I am not married to him yet and they are not allowed to bring papers home. He left within 12 hours of finding out he was being deployed."

The deposit is only $100 so it's not that big of a deal to refund it, but of course I'd rather reschedule. I'm wondering if she is just using the military as an excuse for changing her mind. I have never requested documentation before since in past instances we just rescheduled. Any military folks out there who can tell me if this sounds right? Should I just let it go?

TIA

Your work was done before that.

 

This doesn't make any difference, the photos do not belong to the client until they purchase them. A baker doesn't give away their cookies because they've already been baked.

 

But there are surely a few true cheapskates sticking to just 20 pictures they like? - I 'd lean towards pleasing even such a not great customer, hoping they'd praise me among bigger spenders. Especially in your case, where you are closing the loop hole for next ones.

Yes, of course there are. The reason I structured my packages this way was so that the "cheapskates" who kept trying to negotiate a lower price because "they just wanted a few photos" could have that option. When they see all the beautiful photos most choose to buy more or all of them. But I've found most people will try to get something extra for nothing. I do see this as a spot where I needed to refine things for the future, but I am still looking for a diplomatic way to move forward without a complete loss.

Thanks for your response though.

I'm in an awkward business situation and I could use advice on how to handle it. My portrait package includes 20 digital photos. Clients receive a Shootproof gallery and their account is authorized to download 20 photos. After downloading 20 they have the option to purchase more or buy the entire gallery. Instructions are very clear and this has never caused any problems in the past 2-3 years I've been doing it this way. I just had a client email me this: "I think my wife accidently downloaded the 1st 20 pictures unknowing that it meant she selected those. Can we reselect the ones we actually want?"

I checked, and she did in fact download images 1-20. The problem is it's not like they can un-download them. So by allowing them to choose now they are getting a bunch of free product. I'm very intentional in the way I set up my packages and I am able to set my sitting price a little lower knowing that most people will buy more photos upon receiving their gallery. I state clearly in my contract and on my website that because of the nature of digital downloads I don't allow returns, refunds or substitutions.

I’d talk to the other photographer and offer a referral fee. If you take the job without talking to her and she finds out it could ruin your relationship. If you ask the client to call the other photographer it would be awkward and you could both lose the business.

Thanks, I took your advice and came to a quick and easy agreement with the other photographer about a referral fee for this one with no drama. I really appreciate your input :)

Hey, so I am in an awkward situation and I am not sure how to handle it. I shoot as a contracted associate for a photographer who lives about 1 1/2 hours away, she also shoots for me sometimes. I shoot for her clients in my area and vice versa. We each shoot and deliver raw images to each other (no post) and make a little less then half of what we would make as the booking photographer (we have a similar price structure). We have been doing this for years now, and usually it's good but sometimes problems arise. So I've just been contacted directly by a client that has always booked me through her. She has hired me specifically 3 times now and this time (4th) she skipped past the other photographer and contacted me directly to book through my company. I don't know if I should tell her to contact the other photographer or just book her myself. I have other associates that shoot for me and I am trying to look at it from every angle. If it was a 2nd shoot for this client I would tell her to book me through her, but by shoot number 4 I'm not sure. They are specifically seeking me out for what I bring and the relationship they have developed with me. I have not responded to the client yet, it is time sensitive because they want a shoot this weekend. Advice requested, I am open to every side of the argument but please be kind. TIA

Edited to add: I also only book sessions for the other photographer on weekdays during school hours, this would be outside of my normal booking times for her.

I run a studio with a couple of associate photographers, priced by experience level. So this girl booked a last minute shoot this week with my least experienced (cheapest) photographer (btw - I am very upfront and transparent with clients about who is shooting, galleries are shown, prices are explained, I try to be extremely clear about everything).

The shoot went well but the day after she emails to tell me how she wants to see all the images taken and choose which will be edited. Then later responds to my auto email that she can't wait to edit the photos. From her first message: "Photographers tend to choose different photos than I would choose due to an eye for lighting and camera angles. While I, as a professional model, I know a lot about, and care most about, correct body positioning over lighting, angles, and background. To me, our/my positioning would make-or-break the images for me."

I state on my FAQ page that photos will be chosen for the final gallery by me, I just checked and I did not have that down in my contract (now I do!) I have already started drafting an email nicely stating no, and why. But I'm pretty sure this girl is going to be a problem if she doesn't get what she wants. She has also already mentioned how she can't wait to review our services. Had she brought this up prior to booking I would have said no and happily allowed her to find another photographer. That window has closed and now I'm just trying not to start a fire. I'm considering allowing her to view the images on dropbox, maybe with a big of watermark stating "raw photo" all over it, possibly for an additional fee. What would you do?

Wonderful. Glad it helped and thanks for letting me know. Let us know how the shoot goes.

I let her fuss around everyone (and oh did she fuss over every little thing!) and it actually felt really good to relinquish the control and just let it happen. She took charge of her family and I mainly focused on what was in my frame. Luckily, the kids were very well behaved and happy (7y/o, 3 y/o and 6mo). Once we got a round of her photo list completed she relaxed (a little). It ended up being a very good experience for everyone. Thank you so much for the advice. It was so simple but incredibly helpful and I know I will apply it a lot in the future.

Empathy to the extent you can muster will help. Understand the mother wants everything as perfect as possible. Everything you need can flow from there. Let her do her thing for a bit, let her fuss and fidget over the kids while you put just that kind of love and attention into YOUR work and all should be fine. Don't judge, photograph. Once she's fussed, say something relaxing and get to it. A joke or saying something light can help. Take a few pics when she's fussing over them. It's real. Might produce a candid winner even if it's not ultimately what you're shooting for, which may be a more formal portrait. This is about the family, and the mother plays a big role in that. Let her be who she is, not who you want her to be. Your job is more to work with her than hers is to work with you. Remember, your shooting more expression than behavior and good expressions come even in the midst of behavior that may not be what you desire or expect.

Thank you Sam Stevens, this is exactly what I needed to hear today.

<p>Hi Scott, I am a wedding photographer in Hawaii. There are so many beautiful locations here in the islands to choose from and so many different venue options depending on personal preference and budget. From simple feet in the sand weddings, to fancy hotel packages, to ocean chapels, to private estates (many that are very reasonable) there is a long list of possibilities. I would be happy to give your friends all sorts of great advice if they would like to contact me with more details of their vision. I can also connect them with a network of other fantastic Hawaii wedding pros.<br>

As for midweek, if they are comfortable with it, it does open the possibility of some good savings. I know that quite a few venues and vendors are willing to negotiate lower rates for midweek weddings.<br>

<a href="http://www.idobelieve.net">-Michelle Scotti, I Do Believe Photography</a></p>

<p>I've read all the threads about how far along into pregnancy I should work (I'm thinking 7 months seems safe), but what I need to know is how long <strong>after</strong> my due date I should give before opening up the schedule. I am due the first week of April with my first and I have an inquiry for the middle of May. I haven't really grasped how much my life is going to change yet ;) but I am inclined to take this booking. I would love to hear some getting back to work experiences from all you moms out there.<br>

THANKS!</p>

<p>Thank you so much for all of your feedback. Obviously, this is a topic that we all have a strong interest in with times being tough.</p>

<p>I did not agree to a 15% discount. Instead, I custom built a package for her that comes out about the same price as she would pay for 15% off my biggest package. I also threw in a free engagement, day after or rehearsal session. She is getting most of what she wants for the price she is after and I threw in a perk if she's just after getting something for nothing. I feel like I have given a little but she is not just be getting a discount because she asked for one. Regardless of how it all turns out, I feel good about my offer.</p>

<p>I responded to my client before many of you added your ideas. After reading through everything I have a lot to think about. You have presented so many great approaches. I think I will be revisiting and studying this thread many times as I work out the kinks of my business. It is definitely the business and sales part of the job that is the hardest to keep on top of. Thank you for your ideas and I welcome any more feedback on the topic.</p>

<p>I had a meeting with a bride. She likes my work, we got along well and my package offers everything she is looking for. She is looking to book my largest package. She just emailed to say that she has met with other photographers that are willing to offer her 15% off, and am I willing to do the same? Of course, I have no idea what these others are offering. I don't know if this is true or if she's just scheming for a discount. I do want the job but that does seem like a fairly hefty discount. How would you handle this situation?<br>

-Thanks</p>

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My web design skills are on the lower end of my talent scale and I have a bludomain template for my site. Any ideas on anything that is pre-made for tech-dummies like myself?</p>

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