Do I cave or do I ignore a potential client?

[rozzie]

I guess I had not realized what I was doing (heck, there's still so much I have to learn), but apparently I have 'advertised' myself as a candid and natural light photographer. Today, I was told by my sister that a VP of a fairly large corporation was interested in having me do her family pictures and some of her children. After she viewed some images I have up as examples, she told my sister that she was actually wanting studio type portraits. I don't think I'm incapable, plus I have a lot of the necessary equipment, but it's not really want I want to specialize in since I want to portray a certain look and to appeal to the crowds that prefer it. I personally find studio portraiture boring (though with models and such, it really can be fun) but I guess some people know how to make it really fun. I guess I don't want to feel rejected which is why I am conflicted about this. Should I just go ahead and do some simple studio portraiture even though that's not really what I like doing... just to build more clientele? Are there any of you that do strictly natural light or strictly studio and never bend the other way? If so.. why.. and how do you cope if you have to?

Thanks for any advice or replies

[simon]

You can't possibly be doing your best work if you your heart isn't in it. Seems to me you run the risk of shooting yourself in the foot that way, as you don't want to be judged (and become known) by work of lower quality than you are capable of. For that reason, I'd think hard about it in your shoes....

That doesn't mean don't do it! But if you feel you would drag your feet, as it were, perhaps not. On the other hand, you may find you like it more than you expect. And for one contract, you can chalk it up to experience if you don't like it.

[ShaneKislack]

Do it. If nothing else it's a paycheck and a learning experience. You have a blank canvas and the session is what you make out of it.

[Killeenguy]

I think u should do their portraits they way the want...but include ur speciality as a buffer for you needs aswell! i think it's important to make a name for yourself...but survival is allso equally important in this world.
For ex. today i got off the computer and making an album to do 1 year old pageant head shots. not that i dislike kids...it's just that i dislike the bad one's. anyhow...

i would be very eager to see you incorperate both natural lighting and studio lights to make for a very new type of look.....
wish i knew where flower mound was...there times when i get very inspired by what people say or do and need to vent my creative spirit...i'd be willing to help ya out in studio if possible.

[Wendyp]

I would talk with her about what she has in mind. Do you have props if this is what she is looking for? I have three lights and backdrops, but am finding out this is inadequate for the type of studio stuff I would like to eventually be doing.

[NoLight]

Go for it!! This may be one of those huge opportunities in a small package!!!!

[Bruce M. Morris]

Rozzie, this sounds like one of those times where you need to first sit down with the client and make sure that everyone is using the same terminology and all are on the same page. Your interpretation of "studio photography" and everyone on this forum's interpretation may have little bearing on what this client thinks it means. I would say, dont turn it down out of hand, but rather talk with them, let them know what you do really well. If they are not interested in that, it might be better to refer them to someone that you know CAN do what they want. You end up not caving OR ignoring them, and assuming they end up with what they want, they will remember you as someone that has integrity. Then when they want what you provide, you will pop to mind easily.

[Elsaspet]

Don't start down a path you don't wanna be on. Money is nice, but it isn't what puts a smile on your face.
Do what you want, and hopefully the money will follow.

[Clayton Wallace]

If you don't need the money, follow your passion. Money has a funny way of steering and dulling passion.

[Rolland]

I have the same issue about doing studio photography. What I am going to do is build studio sets, something that does not look like the "same old studio look". I haven't yet decided on exactly what sets to build but I can't afford not to do some studio type work. Outdoors doesn't always hack it with the weather.

[eyesea]

I don't know how this would work out for you, but when I have had similar situations I just sit down with the prospect and do my level best to sell them on what I do best. You'd be suprised how many will change their mind and come back for your product after a good pitch. Passion sells! Never say die! This is the crux of niche marketing.(steps down off soapbox)
My 2 cents

[Dsheree]

If you do it for one you will have to do it for all those request it. Think long and hard and consider how bad do you want the paycheck. Might consider offering her two sessions: one the way she wants it and one the way your like it....

[Alyson]

I personally refer out anything that isn't what I want to do, what I want to put in my portfolio. Just because I want to do what I "do" and not be jumping through hoops trying to do what someone else wants me to do. Does that make sense?

That said, if you haven't done it much... it would be great for an experience. I once said I'd never do families and referred out. After I did my first family I fell in love. Not with the posed shots, but with the casual interactions I found on the side. LOVE it. So experiencing something new helped me learn a new passion of mine.

One question to ask yourself- if they blow up a big 20x24 in their foyer... do you want the word of mouth and referrals that it would turn?