Potential high-maintenance client - wwyd?

[joyful-moments]

I have one more opening for the next couple months, and am not in a huge rush to fill it (a day off sounds kind of nice! :) )

A new client (referred to me by someone else) has contacted me about that slot, but has all sorts of red flags - starting the email with "I hope this doesn't sound rude, but...." She just sounds very demanding.

She sent me examples of exactly the pictures she wants (she found them online), but wants hers to still "look candid." Like, pose them, then tell them to act candid?

While I DO feel like I would be able to accommodate all of her requests/ideas, I feel a bit like this would only be the beginning with her.

Would you take her? What do you do with these types of clients? I've never turned anyone away before, so if that's your thought - what's a respectful professional way to word that?

TIA!

[bondarnes]

In this case I would have to say, "I'm sorry, but that date is no longer available."

[joyful-moments]

That date is on my website... maybe I'll take it off. I have some other potentials that I can contact and try to convince to schedule and take that date so I won't be an all-out liar.

[abril1127]

If It makes you feel better, I met with a bride last week who has interviewed a "whole bunch" of other photogs and still hasn't picked one. I know of 5 others she has met with, but if I had to guess, she is making a career out of the photographer experience. I would guess 15 photogs. You think this will be a fun or easy women to please? HA! go with your gut!

[joyful-moments]

April - that's too funny about the bride. I vowed to stay away from brides. Lo and behold, I'm doing a wedding March.

I appreciate the advice. I'm thinking NO for this client. Anyone else want her?

[toverman]

The original poster of this thread seems like a good candidate: http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...sing-help.html

[Tom]

That date is on my website..

Never put your calendar on your website. It keeps people from contacting you. It also keeps you from being able to blow off clients you don't want to work with.

If they see you are booked, they don't call you. If they call you, maybe you can book them on something else. You can also refer them to a photographer that you have a good relationship with any luck get referrals from them when they are booked or possibly even a referral fee.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by toverman

The original poster of this thread seems like a good candidate: http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...sing-help.html

.... you are wrong, wrong, dirty and wrong....

[Jessica Merritt]

It happens. We've had clients do that in the past, especially when we were at a lower price point-I think it's more common among clients who just want a photographer, rather than you in particular. But I don't think it's an automatic write-off.

Explain to her that you have your own personal style, and that you hope she'll be booking you based on the work YOU have created in the past. We also tell clients that we are too busy capturing what is *actually happening* at the wedding to worry about working off a posed shot list.

[Wil_Bloodworth]

Sarah,

If you don't want to tell her the date is no longer available and then offer to help her find another photographer, you can always just take the (more honest) route and say, "I just don't feel you are a good match for my style of photography but I would love to help you find another photographer would be more fit what you're looking for."

There's nothing but good in that and even if she gets peaved... she was gonna get peaved anyway. You cannot control her reaction... only she can do that.

- Wil

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by ParkImaging

Sarah,

If you don't want to tell her the date is no longer available and then offer to help her find another photographer, you can always just take the (more honest) route and say, "I just don't feel you are a good match for my style of photography but I would love to help you find another photographer would be more fit what you're looking for."

There's nothing but good in that and even if she gets peaved... she was gonna get peaved anyway. You cannot control her reaction... only she can do that.

- Wil

good advice !

Send her my web site. If she calls, I'll talk to her and see if I like her.

[jeffreypkane]

Sarah - what's the harm in meeting her? Maybe she feels that she's wasting time by being unclear (perhaps she has met with other photographers) in her expectations. While people may seem difficult it may be worth your time to meet her (not during the shoot) and talk to her - something is driving her...either experience, expectations or wanting to be in control.

Perhaps you could explain that you'd love to do her photos, what she sent you are well done - and understand if she wants the same poses, lighting, "feel", etc? What about her samples excites her?

While I defer to the other comments photographically (I'm an amateur), my vocation is selling complex things to people who don't know they have a need - and this feels like a first sales call. I coach my team that no deal is ever signed on the first call - spend time figuring out the client motivations then, perhaps, you can make a more informed decision about whether to take them or not.

Either way - it's great to be called when you think about it.

[ngoduyviet]

If it walks like a duck...
go with your instinct, that's how we exist till today ;-)

[joyful-moments]

Thanks for all the advice! I really appreciate it. :)

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by jeffreypkane

Sarah - what's the harm in meeting her? Maybe she feels that she's wasting time by being unclear (perhaps she has met with other photographers) in her expectations. While people may seem difficult it may be worth your time to meet her (not during the shoot) and talk to her - something is driving her...either experience, expectations or wanting to be in control.

Perhaps you could explain that you'd love to do her photos, what she sent you are well done - and understand if she wants the same poses, lighting, "feel", etc? What about her samples excites her?

While I defer to the other comments photographically (I'm an amateur), my vocation is selling complex things to people who don't know they have a need - and this feels like a first sales call. I coach my team that no deal is ever signed on the first call - spend time figuring out the client motivations then, perhaps, you can make a more informed decision about whether to take them or not.

Either way - it's great to be called when you think about it.

Some people subscribe to the One Call Close method....