What would you do in this situation?

[MohaimenK]

I have an e-shoot coming up in a few days and the customer says this

"We need clarification about utilizing and publishing our pictures on your website. In general, we are okay with it, but would like to approve the pics you select."

Which kindda sux. But this was my reply to them

Dear ___________

Unfortunately, that is my standard agreement with all of my clients. I would not change it and could not go by each pictures. Only because it maybe something that is to your liking but I may not like it myself and would not want to use for my portfolio and vice verse. Especially because I'm new to business, I cannot change that as I need to be able to show my work on my portfolio and marketing purpose, such as brochures and pamphlets. I hope you understand. If you are still willing to work with me, I will be more than happy to work with you. Thank you Mo

was that a good answer?

 

[Juice]

Straight to the point, respectful.

You're up front about it, that would be good enough for me. Integrity!

 

[Robin Usagani]

I would have said, sure!

She probably meant about using their photo on the front page of your site or something.

 

[tirediron]

Agree.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

I would cater to their desires, but charge them a little extra.
Extra trouble = extra $$$

 

[e.rose]

I would have just gone with it.

They're paying you, no? So there's no loss there working with them.

And if the pictures they select for your use are ones you like as well, then great! And if not... then you don't use them. They're just one client.

I would rather work with them and not use the photos (if I was getting paid, that is), than put a bad taste in a potential client's mouth.

But that's just me. Maybe that wouldn't be a business smart decision on my part.

 

[jake337]

It's your business. It's not their decision what you put on your site.

 

[MohaimenK]

Thanks Juice. She replied back quickly

"No problem. That sounds reasonable. I can truly understand from a business perspective. We are on and will send you the signed contract. I don't have access to a fax. I'll remind ______ to fax it to you today. I am copying him on this e-mail"

Bitter, I thought of that for future clients. If they do not want me to use their images for my advertising then I would charge double that.

Schwetty, I don't do shady business like you brotha!

Em, this isn't anything new. Basically, I charge $150 for an e-shoot which is about average for new guy like me. It's also a cheap price. You also have to see it in a way that it covers your marketing cost. So when you send them a contract, you also send them a release form with it. That's pretty much standard and as Bitter mentioned, if they don't agree to it, the price is generally more.

 

[RauschPhotography]

Sounds like you did the right thing, both from a business standpoint and from the response of your client! :thumbup:

 

[bigtwinky]

great reply, nice job.

I would of done the same

 

[e.rose]

Em, this isn't anything new. Basically, I charge $150 for an e-shoot which is about average for new guy like me. It's also a cheap price. You also have to see it in a way that it covers your marketing cost. So when you send them a contract, you also send them a release form with it. That's pretty much standard and as Bitter mentioned, if they don't agree to it, the price is generally more.

Gotchya. And this is why I haven't tried to "go into business" yet. I don't know nuffin' 'bout nuffin'.

Glad it worked out for you. :sillysmi:

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Cool!

I am of a mindset that you at least try to meet in the mutually beneficial "middle".
You would be surprised how many people think that, for my very competitive custom jewelery design prices, the design should be a "one of" and never made again. I will do that, for a very hefty fee.

I always feel you can stand up for yourself, and still be fair.

Glad it all panned out.

 

[KmH]

I would not have started out with the word 'Unfortunately'.

Embed the release form in your contract, rather than present it as a separate document.

 

[MissCream]

Let her pick from a bunch that you already like.

Problem solved!

 

[thingsIsee]

sounded like they were giving you free rain on what shots you wanted to use they just wanted to see them and make sure they meet their liking. as a paid photographer you wouldn't put a tasteless shot on your web site would you? sounds like they just wanted to make sure. I would like to review shots someone took of me before putting them out for the world to see. If you and the client didn’t agree on a shot or two maybe there were other ones that could be used.

It’s nice to hold your ground but ask yourself would you want pics posted on the web of you that you didn’t want or like.