ann_will

<p>My images are well lit and nicely composed, I should have stated I was uncomfortable with her editing them because she's not really a graphic designer even though she considers herself one. She is a fairly immature, albeit nice, 19 year old college student (studying an unrelated field to graphic design). I was hired by her parents.<br>

My contract states images are to remain unaltered though I don't care if she tweaks them for her personal use, her altered images will not be printed in the newspaper though.<br>

Your responses have given me a lot to think about and insight on how other people work. In this instance, I'm going to politely stick to my guns. We've spoken and she's on board. We didn't start out on the right foot- she was upset with mom and dad when we first met and let me know the only reason they went with me is because her parents wouldn't pay for her choice of photographer (wedding packages began at 5k- engagement sessions were almost times what I charge. Really lovely work).<br>

Thanks for the responses, I'm rethinking how I feel about altered images.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>It's an engagement session- I usually edit 20-30 from the set and send them to the client on disc with printing rights. The price is the normal package price. A few photos will be published in the newspaper with their wedding announcement others will be used in invitations. My issue with her editing the photos is it is not an accurate representation of my work yet when someone asks her "Who did your photos?" my name may be associated for better or worse.<br>

<br /> I was being generous with the 1-2 week editing estimation. I shot two weddings over the weekend and was giving myself a little leeway. Realistically, the edits will take a few hours tops.</p>

<p>Hello everyone,<br>

Quick question- I have a client who stated via email she would be editing the photos from her session because she's a graphic designer and doesn't want to wait the one-two weeks it will take me to do it.<br>

I am uncomfortable with this and told her no for obvious reasons- it is my work. She came back at me with "every professional I know is okay with this..."<br>

So here's the question- would you yourself agree to this arrangement?</p>

<p>Don- the photos is so perfect it doesn't look real. Awesome work.</p>

<p>Inquiries- 70 percent.<br /> Meetings (People who inquiry and want to sit down)- 99 percent. I've never met with a client who didn't book me. Ok. There was one. But she doesn't count. I had just moved to Virginia and she pushed an appointment on me at my home (I had arrived from across the country 15 hours earlier). It was supposed to be just her and I, but she brought her fiance, mother, father, and future in-laws and expected me to have my office space set up. Everything was in storage and she was TOLD this before the appointment (I was just supposed to go over the contract and meet her). Oy. Worst appointment ever.</p>

<p>Wow- these are amazing. Love looking at everyone's work!</p>

<p>Lanthus- very true. I smiled and agreed to stay- I'm after referrals (I'll admit, on the inside I was super irritated. They did not feed their vendors and I was afraid to step out for a moment becausethe timeline I was given had events happening in rapid succession).</p>

<p> Thanks everyone for the feedback.</p>

 

<p>Wow.. If I had the photos I wouldn't charge (if it were a disk)- but I don't keep digital files for more than seven months after delivery of the CD</p>

<p>I agree with Dave, but different people work in different ways. I should have talked to the minister prior to the ceremony, but my report time was 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and I never saw him- I did talk to the church coordinator a bit. She never mentioned anything.<br>

I feel bad about taking photos and realize I shouldn't have. I was like a deer in the headlights- this was my first time even hearing of a no photo policy. Live and learn. On a positive note, even without a flash or tripod in a dimly lit church I got some fantastic photographs. Another positive: this thread has given me several things to consider for my future events. :)</p>

<p>Thanks, Dave! The officiant form is something I will be utilizing in the future. Most of my ceremonies have not taken place in civilian religious facilities (I work with a lot of my fellow military spouses- base facilities are all pretty standard).<br>

Like Nadine said, it's wise to begin charging after an hour- but I see a loop hole in my contract. I need to put in a clause that states if I am requested to stay after contracted time X amount is added on per X amount of time.</p>

<p>Mine is up to five weeks in the contract for both portrait and weddings. I like to give myself a little slack in case something comes up. Portrait session I usually have done in a few days- weddings depends on my schedule. Like many others I'm a firm believer in sneak peaks.</p>

<p>Hello everyone and thank you ahead of time for your insight. This is a two question thread :)<br>

Question 1:<br>

While getting to know my clients I asked about the ceremony and if there was anything I needed to know. Clients replied, "nope." I arrive at said clients event and all is fine and dandy. I photograph the wedding processional, the bride being given away, etc.. All of a sudden the clergy man stops and says, "This is a holy event. Due to that there will be no photography."<br>

I froze. I know there can be restrictions with churches, but I've never been to a no photograph at all ceremony.<br>

I ended up staying in the back of the church, turned my flash off, and took some photos but didn't catch the ceremony in its entirety.<br>

My question is: If this situation happens again (situation= clients are misinformed or clueless about there being a no photography policy) should I put down my camera? Or try to shoot?</p>

<p> Question 2:<br>

Same clients. Contract states they ordered and paid for four hours of coverage. To make a long story short couple disregarded their time line and everything was done at their convenience. A half hour after I was supposed to leave the bride still hadn't tossed the bouquet, I hadn't been able to take a few photos of the rings (the bride and groom insisted on accompanying them), cut the cake, had the father daughter/mother son dance, etc.. The bride talked me into staying another hour and a half because she had to have these photos (yet wasn't willing to pay the extra rate)<br>

I know our contract clearly states I had a right to leave- I'm curious how other professionals would have handled the situation.</p>

<p> Thanks everyone.</p>