So humorous, sad, confusing, and tempting?

[CCGamer]

All -

Just received a phone message this weekend that I just have to share with everyone...(perhaps for my own comprehension as well as entertainment for everyone else...)

A family that I casually know is preparing a quinceanera for their daughter, and silly me - I suggested that I might be available to shoot it for her. Weeks go by where I offer weekend times to review my portfolio and discuss whatever she had in mind. She's just too busy to meet, over and over again.

Now the complication is that I have a relative girl invited to be in the girls court, so I have the opportunity to drive her to one of the rehersals this past weekend - and naturally I bring my camera (don't we all? ) to shoot some candid shots of the kids and more specifically my relative. That must have set off some eirie alarm in this womans head, because that very evening I get the phone message asking whether I would be willing to photograph the event. Huh? Didn't I offer that months ago?

Then she continues to describe her expectations of 2-3 hours formal onsite portraits of all members of the court and expecially her daughter. This is to be followed by the hour or so shooting the actual ceremony, to be then followed by a couple of hours shooting the party. She expects no prints, rather that I should be just giving her a CD of all of the images that she can get printed herself.

Oh, and did I mention? She is sure that I would be certainly willing to do all of this for $200.



So, is it that friend of a friend mentality that expects something of significant value for practically free just because I should be a nice guy to them? It ticked me off enough that I haven't even called her back yet a day and a half later.

Of course, she is probably of the mind that good 'ole uncle fred or cousin chip would do just as good of a job and it's not worth anything more to her in her mind. Now, I've seen an example album of one of her relatives Qunice's that she dotes over - and believe me, it's really sad. Can it be that's what her expectations really are?

Due to her "my way or no way" attitude and the phone call, I really thinking about just bowing out with a "conflicting job" or should I really respond with the quote I was really going to give her? (about 3-4 times that much... including formal studio portrait, album, slideshow video, etc.)

I'd hate for her attitude to sour my relatives experience in the event (if she's of the mind to take it out on her...).

Sorry for the long story, but it helps to write this all out...

Any suggestions anyone?

Edit: The Title spelling of humerous is humorous - sorry 'bout that...

[bigjon0107]

Well, i would just give her a call back and let her know your normal rate for what she has requested. If she has a problem with it, politely decline her counter offer and wish her luck in finding a photographer. You could even go as far as explaining how doing this for $200 would be a bad business decision and actually cause you to lose money (potentiality full priced clients turned down, gear ware and tare, etc) if you are worried about her taking it out on your family.

[CCGamer]

Originally Posted by bigjon0107

Well, i would just give her a call back and let her know your normal rate for what she has requested. If she has a problem with it, politely decline her counter offer and wish her luck in finding a photographer. You could even go as far as explaining how doing this for $200 would be a bad business decision and actually cause you to lose money (potentiality full priced clients turned down, gear ware and tare, etc) if you are worried about her taking it out on your family.

Yes, I think you're right - the more I think about it, I don't really see it as a "favor for a friend". It would certainly depress any referrals she might give.
Good angle - thanks for the reply...

[bigjon0107]

Well, good luck with them. Also as for the not getting any referrals part. i would not worry about that angle to much. What is she going to tell folks, "Hey go to Mike, he did a $1000 event for $200, you may be able to talk him down to! Oh, and the stuff looked good..."

[FreshPhotography]

I would leave her a chipper message thanking her for contacting you, and then asking her if she meant $200 per hour. Of course, I'm snarky like that some days. ;) Ok, I probably wouldn't actually do that - but I sure would be tempted to!

I would explain to her what your normal rates are, and go from there. It is hard, but stay firm. She shouldn't pay you less than you're worth. Offer again to show her your portfolio, etc. and make her realize she doesn't want $200 photography!

[CCGamer]

Originally Posted by bigjon0107

Well, good luck with them. Also as for the not getting any referrals part. i would not worry about that angle to much. What is she going to tell folks, "Hey go to Mike, he did a $1000 event for $200, you may be able to talk him down to! Oh, and the stuff looked good..."

And before long, at at rate I'll be paying folks!

Looking up with sad, tearing eyes, "Please sir, can I have s'more?"
"Ah 'ave me a couple of shillings 'ere in me pocket. You can 'ave em if I might can work 2 days for you!"

[adirty1]

walk away from it. you dont need the headaches.

[LIPstudio]

I agree w/ above, do educate her on pricing and process but I'd also walk away.

[HotHolly]

We learned the hard way - do not shoot for family. I initially thought it would be stupid to shoot for family, and then 2nd guessed myself and changed my mind after some prodding from this relative. Short version - too much drama. And even though we have everyone sign a contract, including the one wedding we did for a relative, they still thought we would be able to give them a lot of freebies. And I'm sure you know, freebies cost you money. Total HUGE headache and very difficult to smooth over. Everyone is happy now, but it so wasn't worth it. Never again. My brother just told me he got engaged. My sister also has wedding bells coming her way. My answer now is, I'd rather be a part your special day, rather than work it. They are OK with it. And since she never booked you, it would be very easy to bow out. Be careful if you bring your camera to this event - they may wrangle you into doing it on the spot, ya know, if the other guy doesn't show.