Frustrated with a client: I have a question and I wanted to know if anyone else has ever had this problem. I have a client that I am shooting a wedding for and she keeps asking me if I...

sandheinrichc Loc: Illinois

I have a question and I wanted to know if anyone else has ever had this problem. I have a client that I am shooting a wedding for and she keeps asking me if I have something because so and so's photographer had it? or
will you be using such and such piece of equipment? Like tonight she asked me if I had a portable changing booth for engagement photos. I didnt even knew there was such a thing. I have never had a client like this before. I dont know if I am going to be able to deal with her, her wedding is in just under a year and we have engagement photos to get through, her maid of honor has hired me to photograph the bridal shower and then I am also going to be shooting family photos of the extended family the day before. How in the world do you deal with demanding clients?

ptcanon3ti Loc: NJ

If the $$$ is worth it to you, deal with it for the year. Will they give you good word of mouth that will lead to other work? If not, cut bait and run.

sandheinrichc Loc: Illinois

ptcanon3ti wrote:

If the $$$ is worth it to you, deal with it for the year. Will they give you good word of mouth that will lead to other work? If not, cut bait and run.

its okay money, its just frustrating. I was recomended for the job by a friend, I wish I had known she was like this before we signed the contract. I keep wanting to tell her if she wants to go with someone else that has the equipment she thinks I need then she should just go for it.

GrandmaJoy Loc: North Carolina

U can find a folding changing room for about 50$. Lightweight . Tell her u have all that is needed to shoot her wedding.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

sandheinrichc wrote:

...

A simple answer for you:

Drop the client. If she comes back treble your price.

Folks like that will always create problems and you have not even started.

I bet you are low priced too as this type of behavior is typical of the lower end market. If this is a high end market client, answer her demands and charge her for it, the higher you make her pay the better she will feel.

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

I'm gonna guess this is a client you should cut & run from ASAP, while there's time for her to get another photographer without undue inconvenience.

If she's like this a year before the event, 2nd-guessing at a detailed level about equipment, etc - can you imagine how bad she'll be when the stress of the event is imminent??

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

sandheinrichc wrote:

I have a question and I wanted to know if anyone e... (show quote)

I'm not a professional photographer, but I've dealt with a lot of "clients" over the years. I suggest you put together a synopsis of what you can provide in the way of photographic services and, if necessary, how you will provide these services. Explain to her that she needs decide now if there is something additional that she will require so that either you can make the necessary arrangements to provide it or she can arrange for another photographer. I've always been in the habit of pointing out to people that they are free to go elsewhere if they don't think I can provide them what they want. Very few ever have.

sandheinrichc Loc: Illinois

Allen Hirsch wrote:

I'm gonna guess this is a client you should cut & run from ASAP, while there's time for her to get another photographer without undue inconvenience.

If she's like this a year before the event, 2nd-guessing at a detailed level about equipment, etc - can you imagine how bad she'll be when the stress of the event is imminent??

I can only imagine.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Rongnongno wrote:

the higher you make her pay the better she will feel.

For the "high dollar" clients, you are absolutely correct. It was remarked to a driveway contractor on a job in Westchester County NY that the work he was doing was probably worth $18,000. His reply? "You're right, but if I don't charge $50,000 they will think I am cheating them!" True story from one of our crews.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

sandheinrichc wrote:

I have a question and I wanted to know if anyone e... (show quote)

I quit shooting weddings in 1998 just because of having to deal with people JUST like that, it just wasn't worth it after almost 20 years. I prefer wildlife, they never offer opinions, never have derogatory comments, and never make unreasonable demands! And I don't even miss all the money because my health is more important to me.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

But you don't need to worry about a bride eating you like with grizzlies. (at least not often)

MT Shooter wrote:

I quit shooting weddings in 1998 just because of having to deal with people JUST like that, it just wasn't worth it after almost 20 years. I prefer wildlife, they never offer opinions, never have derogatory comments, and never make unreasonable demands! And I don't even miss all the money because my health is more important to me.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

robertjerl wrote:

But you don't need to worry about a bride eating you like with grizzlies. (at least not often)

Wanna bet???

You should have been there when I walked out on a wedding after the Maid of Dishonor passed out disposable cameras to guests where I had a signed "Exclusive Photographer" contract! She sued me for walking out, and the suit was thrown out because of my signed contract and the shots I took of the disposable cameras in the hands of almost 50 guests.
I would much rather deal with any Grizzly than a pissed off bride any day! :wink: :wink:

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Ever watched the show Bridezillas?

http://www.wetv.com/shows/bridezillas

Maybe you should, before she fires you later on. :hunf:

Rongnongno Loc: FL

MT Shooter wrote:

Wanna bet???

You should have been there when I walked out on a wedding after the Maid of Dishonor passed out disposable cameras to guests where I had a signed "Exclusive Photographer" contract! She sued me for walking out, and the suit was thrown out because of my signed contract and the shots I took of the disposable cameras in the hands of almost 50 guests.
I would much rather deal with any Grizzly than a pissed off bride any day! :wink: :wink:

Personally I would have kept my end of the bargain then once the day was over and the bride makes contact announce that she was in breach of contract therefore she would not get anything. This way the couple still has an undisturbed day and the bad news and crisis is delayed.

The result in court finding would have been the same but all the guest who are likely potential clients would have seen you professionalism vs your 'temper'.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Rongnongno wrote:

Personally I would have kept my end of the bargain then once the day was over and the bride makes contact announce that she was in breach of contract therefore she would not get anything. This way the couple still has an undisturbed day and the bad news and crisis is delayed.

The result in court finding would have been the same but all the guest who are likely potential clients would have seen you professionalism vs your 'temper'.

Yeah, but then MT wouldn't have a great story! I prefer wildlife for all the same reasons he does. Am doing my nephew's wedding next month and dreading every minute of it. I've never done a free job in any field of endeavor that didn't cost me a lot of grief and money. You can pick your friends, but...