Bridezilla?
Jan 25, 2019 14:31:31 #
Bob Locher
Loc: Southwest Oregon
I think you said it yourself perfectly - It is just not a good fit. A wedding is an intense and personal experience with a crowd watching and participating. If you are not on the same page you can't do the job the justice they expect and deserve for their money. And that is exactly what I would tell them...
Jan 25, 2019 14:58:27 #
Your unease seems to flow mainly from the bride. It is well to remember that old adage "the hand that rocks thr cradle rules the world." You are running a business, you do not have to apologise for not accepting. Of course, diplomacy in declining would add to your résumé. Good luck.
Jan 25, 2019 15:19:20 #
Insp Gadget
Loc: St Louis area
fotoman150 wrote:
Ok. I thought about recommending another photographer but I don’t want any of my associates to have a bad experience.
You don't have to recommend anyone. Just tell her/them someone else would be better. Follow your gut instinct and run away. If she's whining now it will only get worse. IMHO
Jan 25, 2019 15:20:46 #
Life is too short to spend your quality time working with negative people. I like someone else's response that "maybe another photographer would be more to your liking" and leave it at that. You do not owe them a referral.
fotoman150 wrote:
I just finished a wedding consultation. br br I’... (show quote)
Jan 25, 2019 15:29:25 #
Almostageezer
Loc: USA
Just say that you thought their day was free, but you just signed someone else. Over, simple, done.
Jan 25, 2019 15:39:39 #
I found saying thank you but I feel that someone else will be their perfect fit.
Did it twice. Be polite. There is enough stress doing it right without a bride with a negative attitude.
Did it twice. Be polite. There is enough stress doing it right without a bride with a negative attitude.
Jan 25, 2019 15:40:37 #
Longshadow wrote:
I personally would decline to enter into a contract with them and state that another photographer may be more of their liking. Explain to the groom that in all reality any and all wedding photography jobs are based on the bride's acceptance, and liking the situation. In this case when you and the bride do not see eye to eye I would back away and smile and asked them to find somebody else. IT IS A MATER OF Professionalism
Jan 25, 2019 15:53:09 #
Always trust your instincts! But, if you must do it double your normal rate and that should take care of the problem.
Jan 25, 2019 17:45:03 #
Jan 25, 2019 17:53:28 #
That sounds like an alligator client. Only one thing you'll get when the gator decides it is time.
The old adage 20% of the clients will take up 80% of your time is true. You will walk on eggshells, put in too much extra time being conscious of the issue and in the end she isn't going to be pleased because ....well she isn't one who can be pleased.
The only issue with saying it isn't a good fit is they know they have been declined. If they have yet to fulfill every one of your requirements to set the date I would take their wedding date on your calendar and if you don't have another gig to write in put "Nature shoot" on it and truthfully tell them the date was taken.
The old adage 20% of the clients will take up 80% of your time is true. You will walk on eggshells, put in too much extra time being conscious of the issue and in the end she isn't going to be pleased because ....well she isn't one who can be pleased.
The only issue with saying it isn't a good fit is they know they have been declined. If they have yet to fulfill every one of your requirements to set the date I would take their wedding date on your calendar and if you don't have another gig to write in put "Nature shoot" on it and truthfully tell them the date was taken.
Jan 25, 2019 17:54:21 #
I think I would simply say that for a wedding shoot to be successful, the couple and the photographer need to be in sync. Tell them that unfortunately you don't think this is true in this case so you would recommend they find someone who is more in tune with them.
fotoman150 wrote:
I just finished a wedding consultation. br br I’... (show quote)
Jan 25, 2019 17:55:22 #
I'm a commercial photographer for advertising & editorial clients, educator and one-time studio owner. I've shot weddings as well. It's hard to turn down work, but the one thing you have as a business owner is the ability to say 'no'. You obviously have read the flags, which say 'walk away'. You need to be able to retain your sanity before, during and after the shoot. If you shoot the wedding, you may do a fine job, but this bride-to-be sounds to be a problem. Even if you do a great job, she may badmouth you in a number of ways which could seriously affect future jobs & earnings. Avoid the aggravation, possible litigation and damage to your reputation. You've seen the flags, say 'no'. One way out is to say, "I just got back to my studio and checked my schedule for the date you requested and that date is booked". You can say 'oops' and be a bit apologetic if need be. Better to eat a bit of crow than suffer the grief that's surely down the road.
Jan 25, 2019 18:15:17 #
Jan 25, 2019 18:24:36 #
PAR4DCR wrote:
I plan on having the flu on your wedding date. Might work.
Don
Don
I’m getting a lot of responses so I can’t respond to everyone but I just had to laugh on that one that’s funny as hell.
Jan 25, 2019 19:00:39 #
itsnoelb
Loc: Edgewater, FL. Originally: FLINT. MI.
Strodav wrote:
It's hard to walk away from work, but if your gut ... (show quote)
Hear hear. Old guy taught me to never tell the customer NO. Bid yourself out. If they take the bid....it makes up for the effort.
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