Stock photo via Dreamstime Stock Photos
If you’re professionally engaged in doing something that you love doing for a living, it gives you satisfaction and a steady source of income. Photography may be a great hobby for some people, but it can be a wonderful profession for all those who enjoy creating wonderful memories. Like all other professions, photographers can have their bad days too, with cranky, impossible clients. It is essential to know how to deal with difficult photography clients who can leave a photographer feeling frustrated and worthless.
There are many ways to deal with dissatisfied clients, but as they say, prevention is better than cure. It makes sense to communicate with the client on every aspect of the contract to avoid future complications. Be sure to keep the following points clear:
- Quote your exact price: Make sure you clearly mention the price of the actual shoot, initial booking deposit, extra charges for additional photo shoots, charges for prints, total working hours, and taxes. You must also mention if you will be editing the photographs for free or charging some more for them.
- Don’t lower your price: Sometimes you simply have to deal with clients who are looking for ridiculous bargains. Stick to the discounts you have to offer but don’t go any lower than that.
- Insert the appropriate clauses in the contract: In these uncertain times, it pays to spend some time discussing what happens next. Sometimes there may be hurdles such as an unexpected cancellation or any untoward incident that may disrupt the proper execution of the contract. Discuss all this at length.
Once you’ve handled the contractual stuff, it’s time to get down to actual work and handle your clients in the best possible way. Sometimes a client may be disappointed with the way he/she looks in the photographs. Understand the fact that not everyone can pose perfectly for the camera, and you will need to guide them along to get that perfect shot. Here’s how you can click professional photographs and increase your list of satisfied clients:
- Working with kids is very challenging, and if you’re going to have a photoshoot with young children, be sure to discuss the entire schedule with the parents. Keep them in the loop about every activity so that the children get adequate rest. If not, children and babies may end up sleepy and moody during the photoshoot.
- Dealing with adolescents is very crucial, too, since they’re quite obsessed with certain idealistic body types. More than being themselves, they try to fit into these preconceived molds that portray a false notion of perfection. Encourage them to bring out their best in the photographs while emphasizing their finest features. You can also make a mention of the latest editing software (read more about it) that you might be using to make the photographs clear and flawless.
- Let the client know exactly what you have in mind for the photoshoot and what he/she could expect on that day. Give him a complete draft of the photoshoot schedule and a clear idea of what he can expect. Encourage feedback on this point early to avoid negative comments later.
- Visit the location before the shoot to make appropriate arrangements for the lighting and to set up any required photography equipment in advance. As far as possible, try to avoid doing things in a rush at the last minute.
- If you receive feedback and the client wants certain changes, tell them how these changes may affect the outcome of the overall photoshoot. If you can explain why you have included certain aspects that may seem unnecessary, it will be easier to convince the client and leave him satisfied with your work.
In addition to all the above, make sure you verbally discuss the following:
- The deadlines: Keep all deadlines well-defined and practical. Right from the beginning, make sure that the client knows exactly what he can expect and when.
- Keep in touch throughout: Make sure that you keep in contact with the client, either by email or telephone and keep him updated at every stage of the contract. It will help you build confidence in your work and increase your client base.
- Appropriate time to communicate: Arrive at an appropriate time when you can discuss important matters related to the photoshoot. Communicate at a convenient time to convey all updates and avoid unwanted delays in the schedule.
- Time and mode of payment: Discuss the payment method. Thereafter, mutually settle the matter verbally as well as in writing. Any conditions regarding advance payment, photo editing, and portfolio costs must be clarified at the very beginning itself.
Stock photo via Dreamstime Stock Photos
If you’re professionally engaged in doing something that you love doing for a living, it gives you satisfaction and a steady source of income. Photography may be a great hobby for some people, but it can be a wonderful profession for all those who enjoy creating wonderful memories. Like all other professions, photographers can have their bad days too, with cranky, impossible clients. It is essential to know how to deal with difficult photography clients who can leave a photographer feeling frustrated and worthless.
There are many ways to deal with dissatisfied clients, but as they say, prevention is better than cure. It makes sense to communicate with the client on every aspect of the contract to avoid future complications. Be sure to keep the following points clear:
- Quote your exact price: Make sure you clearly mention the price of the actual shoot, initial booking deposit, extra charges for additional photo shoots, charges for prints, total working hours, and taxes. You must also mention if you will be editing the photographs for free or charging some more for them.
- Don’t lower your price: Sometimes you simply have to deal with clients who are looking for ridiculous bargains. Stick to the discounts you have to offer but don’t go any lower than that.
- Insert the appropriate clauses in the contract: In these uncertain times, it pays to spend some time discussing what happens next. Sometimes there may be hurdles such as an unexpected cancellation or any untoward incident that may disrupt the proper execution of the contract. Discuss all this at length.
Once you’ve handled the contractual stuff, it’s time to get down to actual work and handle your clients in the best possible way. Sometimes a client may be disappointed with the way he/she looks in the photographs. Understand the fact that not everyone can pose perfectly for the camera, and you will need to guide them along to get that perfect shot. Here’s how you can click professional photographs and increase your list of satisfied clients:
- Working with kids is very challenging, and if you’re going to have a photoshoot with young children, be sure to discuss the entire schedule with the parents. Keep them in the loop about every activity so that the children get adequate rest. If not, children and babies may end up sleepy and moody during the photoshoot.
- Dealing with adolescents is very crucial, too, since they’re quite obsessed with certain idealistic body types. More than being themselves, they try to fit into these preconceived molds that portray a false notion of perfection. Encourage them to bring out their best in the photographs while emphasizing their finest features. You can also make a mention of the latest editing software that you might be using to make the photographs clear and flawless.
- Let the client know exactly what you have in mind for the photoshoot and what he/she could expect on that day. Give him a complete draft of the photoshoot schedule and a clear idea of what he can expect. Encourage feedback on this point early to avoid negative comments later.
- Visit the location before the shoot to make appropriate arrangements for the lighting and to set up any required photography equipment in advance. As far as possible, try to avoid doing things in a rush at the last minute.
- If you receive feedback and the client wants certain changes, tell them how these changes may affect the outcome of the overall photoshoot. If you can explain why you have included certain aspects that may seem unnecessary, it will be easier to convince the client and leave him satisfied with your work.
In addition to all the above, make sure you verbally discuss the following:
- The deadlines: Keep all deadlines well-defined and practical. Right from the beginning, make sure that the client knows exactly what he can expect and when.
- Keep in touch throughout: Make sure that you keep in contact with the client, either by email or telephone and keep him updated at every stage of the contract. It will help you build confidence in your work and increase your client base.
- Appropriate time to communicate: Arrive at an appropriate time when you can discuss important matters related to the photoshoot. Communicate at a convenient time to convey all updates and avoid unwanted delays in the schedule.
- Time and mode of payment: Discuss the payment method. Thereafter, mutually settle the matter verbally as well as in writing. Any conditions regarding advance payment, photo editing, and portfolio costs must be clarified at the very beginning itself.