Hypothetical Question: Selecting clients

[janikphoto]

I wouldn't turn down work based on skin color, religion or other factors that don't really matter. I would turn down work from someone who is starting to demand too much, but not be willing to pay extra for it. Those clients are too much hassle. "You want me to throw in an extra couple hours of shooting AND you want a discount off the price?!? How about you just go find another photographer."

[Atfulldraw]

Silly, but you could always change your pricing to charge per bride.

"oh, the reason it is twice as much is because you have twice as any brides"

seems perfectly reasonable to me.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by venchka

OK, the answer is basically "NO, you can't refuse service just like Burger King or Holiday Inn."

Au contraire, mon ami. Basically, "Yes, you certainly can." Wisdom would dictate the reason given. I, after interviewing a bride and mom, sent them out the door to look for another photog. I did it as professionally, and sweetly, as I could.

They were taken aback, to be sure. "You're refusing to photograph my/her wedding?"

Having visited with them for quite awhile I couldn't see them for the red flags waving in my face. I explained to them, gracefully, that one thing brides never consider is while they are interviewing a photographer, the photographer is interviewing them.

I pointed out it is quite acceptable for a bride to get up and walk out, if the photographer is not who she thinks is best for her. Likewise, I said, the photographer, if he/she operates in a professional manner, will do the same.

They left, with referrals for other photogs, understanding my point. In fact, they thanked me for being honest.

I have, also, sent portrait clients down the road.

My theory is it is better to have a little bit of aggravation, if any, at the beginning stage, than to have really hard feelings down the road.

Every client is not for you, just as you are not the photographer for every client. Choose wisely, grasshopper.

[my3peas]

I didn't read all the answers, but here's mine, sorry if it's a repeat!

If I feel they aren't a match for me I am sure to refer them to a photog that might be better suited for them. For instance, I am not a wedding client so if they ask, I refer them. I do not shoot maternities, so they are referred as well. I explain that because custom photography is such an investment, I would hate to photograph them and not provide the best work I can, especially when the genre is not my specialty.

I also let my pricing choose my clients for me. If they know in advance what they will be investing in and are ready to meet at least my minimum order, then I'm happy!

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by Atfulldraw

Silly, but you could always change your pricing to charge per bride.

"oh, the reason it is twice as much is because you have twice as any brides"

seems perfectly reasonable to me.

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