Session Fee question

[CallMeAl]

I'm a "part-timer" with a regular full time job. However, I don't want to let that keep me from being professional in quality, service or business. As part of my full time job, I'm "on-call" every three weeks for one week at a time.

After reading and following the forum for the last couple of years, I realize that I need to re-vamp my business from the ground up. Like every other photographer, I charge a session fee to reserve my time. I know the session fee is for more than that, thus re-vamping my business, etc. I have been waiving the session fee when I am "on-call" with the client knowing in advance that should I be called, I would have to leave or cancel the session. Many have chosen to book on those days specifically to save money.

Here's my question...should I just not accept appointments when on call, or offer a reduced session fee or continue with no session fee at all? Or do you take the session fee and offer a refund and reschedule should I get called. I've never had to leave or cancel a session due to being called out, but that's always the possibility and each client knows this. What do you think?

[patsy easley]

I would put a clause in your contract to address your on call status. I don't think I would be willing to work for free on those days. Offer to reschedule and if they do not want to reschedule you can refund and not post any images or if you have enough images you could offer them $XX in print credits.

[toverman]

If I was in your situation, I would not book photo sessions when I was on call. It is less professional to cancel a session and give refunds or have to reschedule ... if it can be avoided. Sometimes life gets in the way, of course.

Alternately, you could find another pro to work with (who would get your fee) to cover sessions you aren't sure about or get called away from. That way you get the good will from the booking, but the clients are taken care of no matter what.

[bondarnes]

If I were in your situation I would have a "Prime Time" session fee at double my regular session fee during the time I was on call. If someone still books during that time you can afford to pay another photographer to accompany you to that session in case the call came in. Most people will choose to book their session at regular session fees and save the difference for purchasing prints. You don't even need to mention being on call if you just say it is "Prime Time".