michael_doran

Another update: As of this morning my official declination of moving forward with the photo session was accepted with very little to no issue at all. This makes me feel 100% better. Thanks all for your support and effort in helping me. Your encouraging words and support here in this community helped me and I can't thank you enough. Much respect!!

I want to thank everyone for the support and advice. I just wanted to follow up with all that helped out and update you. I also did some more research, talked to a few business people in my area, a few legal and law enforcement people as well, crafted what I felt was a dignified and respectful response, had it proofread by some people and sent the message to decline the session. I am patiently waiting for a response, if I get one. So if you pray, send good vibes, or good thoughts please do.

Was money exchanged? Does your standard contract have language that covers this type of situation. I think there are precedents. I believe a bakery didn't want to make a cake for a gay marriage. I think there was a lawsuit but don't know what the outcome is. If you are facing this dilemma, then you probably need to consult an attorney in your jurisdiction. Or call the ACLU and see if they will advise you, though they might side with the client. Are suspected neo-nazis a protected class when it comes to discrimination. There's just a lot of legal questions that you will probably not get proper advice on from a forum.

No money was exchanged, just discussed my fee and talked scheduling. We also talked about doing a family session. We talked about a good time to meet. I received the picture after the fact and then they told me what they wanted.

I can understand, and sympathise fully with your dilemma - surely the easiest way would be to reply and say that you are sorry, but that you cannot currently undertake this assignment, and wish them luck in finding another photographer. No explanation, no comments on their lifestyle, just plain and simple. You have not stated where you are, but I am assuming the USA. I do not know what the law is regarding such activities - maybe a local community law expert could assist you, free of charge ?

 

Good luck anyway.

 

Thanks Tony, much appreciated.

Well, its a choice you have to make. It seems you know you don't want to do it. What ramifications are you worried about? That no-one on the alt-right will want to hire you? In short, if you think they are neo-nazis and you don't want to take pictures of them, then don't.

 

I guess my biggest worry is getting sued for discrimination as crazy at it sounds these days. If you read my original post. We discussed my prices and scheduled the session first, I did not know who/what the person was until after scheduling the session. It was then after the scheduling they sent me a photo with their neo-Nazi propaganda. I definitely do not want to do the session at all. I am wondering how to approach the situation with tact, that is all.

I am seeking some help about a photo job I am uncomfortable with. I placed an add on a Facebook job specifically looking for models. I had a person reach out to me about doing some family pictures. We discussed my prices and scheduled the session. After we scheduled the session, they proceeded to send me the last picture they had done together and it was a picture of them with Neo-Nazi flags and banners. I am not comfortable with this at all and I did not respond back yet to the message. I am looking for help before I respond because I am scared. I do not want to do this because of the ramifications that this may bring. I am also afraid that I if I say no after the fact that I scheduled the session, it will lead to other ramifications. I only scheduled the session we did not sign anything in terms of paperwork or anything like that. Just scheduled a session. That is all. Can I refuse the job because I am not comfortable with the session at all? I am in no way shape or form a racist nor do I believe any of the ideology. Looking for some help here. Any direction would be great. Again I am really scared here and just need some advice.