I'm stuck shooting engagement photos.

[Murph]

I got roped into taking some engagement photos of a co-worker and his soon to be spouse. I was placed in a position where I could not say no. I originally said I would photograph them, give them an hour. Now she wants me to also take photos of her bother, his wife and their baby, and take maternity photos! I told her the deal was I would shoot the photos, not charge her anything, burn a DVD on the spot and give it to her and then I was out of it. Talk about mission creep! Tomorrow promises to be painful. I AM NOT comfortable with taking the maternity photos at all, and I told her that but she refuses to hear what I am saying. Not taking the engagement photos would cause big problems at work that I don't need.

Plus tonight I got TOLD by Lupe that I WAS going to be the photographer for our nieces quincenera. I'd rather go to the dentist for a root canal. But again there is no way to back out.

HELP!!!! Suggestions please?

[Daniel Bates]

When you shoot the wedding, can I second shoot?

[Murph]

Wedding is in Los Vegas, so I won't be there. I would not do it anyway. Man, I hate getting put in a position where there is literally no way to say "no" without reprocussions.

[HeatherLou]

Start charging them. Everyone, friends, family and co-workers! Once you start doing stuff for free, people take advatage of that, so charge ALL of them LOL!

[AndrewCCM]

Originally Posted by Heatherlou

Start charging them. Everyone, friends, family and co-workers! Once you start doing stuff for free, people take advatage of that, so charge ALL of them LOL!

When I used to manage our companies IT Help Desk, I finally had to create a policy of NO personal co-worker (home) jobs (ie, fixing a co-workers computer on the side...). Although I really couldn't enforce this, it gave the guys an easy out when asked. There was WAY too much asking (some paying, some not).. which caused friction (especially if they did not want to help a particular person but already helped someone else they knew down the hall). Just created a bad situation at work. Of course, when I moved on from that role.. the new manager allowed them too... And it started all over again..

PITA.

[ShutteredEye]

Come down sick.

Like with tuberculosis, or leprosy.


UGH, what a deal. You got bushwhacked, hoodwinked, and codswalloped all at once my friend. I feel your pain, because I've been there.

[Daniel Bates]

...and I am being there as we speak. Yay.

[Michelle Allmon]

i am getting out of that myself. the move to pa will help me. :)

[LadyShutterBug]

My suggestion?

Learn to say no.

There IS a way to do it. You have to learn to have a spine when it comes to these things, or you will make yourself miserable-- and yes, i sad "make yourself" miserable for a reason. No one is holding a gun to your head. People can be presumptuous, demanding, rude, and ridiculous but honey, you're captain of your own ship.

The more you say yes to these demanding and assuming people, the more they will expect from you. It doesn't matter if htey are family or friends or if they saved yourlife five years ago and you feel you owe them.

Every time you agree to do something (for free or for pay), be comfortbale with it. The minute you agree, you lose the right to whine about having to do it... because YOU made your choice.

The first time you say no or ask to charge family/close firends is always the hardest... but it's a very valuable skill to be able to stand up for yourself.

[Redmouse]

Send your camera in for an extended repair and clean up?

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

YEah just tell her that your camera wents bonkers on you, them blasted digitals and just tell her that you can't make it today and your sorry but the camera won't cooperate and you are at your witts end.

[rusty_tripod]

Since I have not yet had the opportunity to do what you refer to, I have a sense of jealous at the challenge. If the only motivation from those asking your favors is that they are free, emphasize that there is a price and stick to it. Otherwise, just say no, and remain consistent.

A co-worker is getting married later in the month, and I hoped to take some shots for parctice, but deferred due to a chance to go to Nashville instead.

Just stick to your guns and say no or quote an exorbitant price.

Rusty

[simon]

Originally Posted by Murph

HELP!!!! Suggestions please?

Sounds like you need this book: http://www.thebookofno.com/

[HotHolly]

It seems like this goes beyond being able to say "no"...from this limited info anyway. I get the creating weird work dynamics and wanting to avoid drama. Is the person asking you a superior or a coworker? I guess it doesnt matter. You have the same problem.

Im guessing they think a photog is a photog - and they dont realize the different areas we focus on. I'm great at shooting children, but if someone asked me to shoot their dog or a track meet - it would suck beyond belief. For ANY work that I dont want to cover, I have another photog in mind and start raving about their work. I'll even offer to put the photog in contact with them. Combine that with Heather's idea of chraging everyone...and you should be able to wiggle out without looking like a jerk or creating a hostile work place.

As for leading the Clark Kent life, you might have less drama if you dont mention too much about your photog stuff at work. When you go pro 100% of the time, then talk up a storm. But not too many value your time/ work when this stuff happens - I speak from expereince.

I would think - do the engagement pics and then have names of other photogs for the other stuff. RAVE about them, say you dont do that area, and it should help. You can also have a rate sheet ready if she INSISTS on it being you. Make sure you cost more than the person you recommend...she'll back off or you get a wad of cash. We charge $275 for a maternity session with proofs only, to give you an idea.

Good luck! Hope it works out well...

[Stephen H]

"My regular camera is broke, so I I brought my old 110 camera instead. Anyone got some flipflashes?"