Working within a client's expectations versus your own vision.

[texkam]

Thinking about how many of us balance our photographer's vision with the client's expectations/preferences. Obviously I try to get a feel for what my client wants, what's appropriate for a particular shoot, and what their "artistic threshold" is. I make them aware of the creative product I expect and feel most comfortable delivering. Few of us are lucky enough to have total creative control, however with some we can push the envelope a little further. Perhaps it's the difference between the photographer marketing themselves as an artist rather than a craftsman. Any thoughts on this subject?

[Abel]

moving to business section.

[HotHolly]

i have a section on my site that tells them how things work at my studio and what to expect. the purpose is to close the gap b/t their expectations and mine as much as possible to avoid conflict. less conflict = happier clients. when expectations r met, that also means its easier to surpass them, and leave them speechless. i strive for speechless wow's. :)

[kayumangi]

I think if a client books you solely on price and you accept that booking e.g. you're starving or in dire need of money then you have to do what the clients want. Sure you may not like what they ask but then why accept the booking in the first place?

But that is not the ideal situation, if you do not love what you do, no amount of money can make you happy.

That's why its important that you photograph what you love to photograph because it attracts like minded people. If you attract like minded clients then you don't need to adjust or compromise what you do because they already love whatever your doing.

With that said, if you want to be happy and profitable, you cannot accept everyone who knocks on your doors. Too often we are too eager to accept just any gig just for the sake of it.

Hope I made sense =)

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by kayumangi

I think if a client books you solely on price and you accept that booking e.g. you're starving or in dire need of money then you have to do what the clients want.

Absolutely not. You are only required to do what your contract states the client is getting for the price they paid. As well, just because a person selects you on price, it doesn't mean anything about your situation, other than they met your price. Your price may be a starving/dire situation price, but not necessarily. Even so, you do what you promised, not what they demand. Period.

[texkam]

^ Good stuff guys. In the case of Senior pics for example, when you talk to the young person and/or parents you not only get an idea of what kind of look and feel they are after, but also just how sophisticated and adventurous they are. I wonder how many clients truly realize just how much thought is put into making the session appropriate for that individual; the whole selling point of custom photography. Holly, your "GETTING BETTER PORTRAITS" section is spot on. Thank you!

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by texkam

^ Good stuff guys. In the case of Senior pics for example, when you talk to the young person and/or parents you not only get an idea of what kind of look and feel they are after, but also just how sophisticated and adventurous they are. I wonder how many clients truly realize just how much thought is put into making the session appropriate for that individual; the whole selling point of custom photography. Holly, your "GETTING BETTER PORTRAITS" section is spot on. Thank you!

and sometimes they dont want the same things. that takes some serious diplomacy and creativity to make them both happy.

over the years ive found ppl will ask for something, but its not what they end up buying. trust your gut when it comes to figuring out what they are saying they want and what they want. second guessing yourself will make u nuts.

[texkam]

and sometimes they dont want the same things. that takes some serious diplomacy and creativity to make them both happy.

So true. Sometimes it's the "Well, let's try this" shots that are the winners.

[texxter]

The best possible situation is when the photographer has a well defined vision and style and that is precisely why a client chooses him or her. If that is the case, the client expects the photographer to "know best" and will let him or her make creative choices. Having a conversation ahead of time that sets expectations ad clarifies what the photographer plans to do goes a long way towards mutual satisfaction.

Expectations about pricing, delivery, postprocessing, etc should also be clear from the start to avoid misunderstandings later. Even if the client has signed a contract it is a good idea to go over how things work to make sure he or she understands. It is common sense, but worth keeping in mind.