Clients from hell

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KWJams

Senior Member
Gave this a little more thought and figured that maybe the best way to get your point across and a learning experience for them would be to ask them what makes their restaurant and food better than you can get at Perkin's or Denny's for a cheaper price (free at Denny's if it your birthday) while wearing a T-shirt.

Then once they go into their spiel about how they only use the finest ingredients and blah - blah - blah. Just smile and say nothing while you are packing your bag and maybe comment on how much your equipment costs -- none of that cheap point and shoot gear.
 
Browncoat

Browncoat

Senior Member
Well, here's the point...

The most difficult part of turning photography into a business is knowing that it is in fact a business. You have to be able to say no, and as easy as that may sound, it can be very difficult to not put up with someone's crap. We all do it in our 9 to 5 jobs. There are days when you just want to punch your boss in the face and walk out the door, but you can't. They have you by the short and curlys, and they know it. They know that you need them a lot more than they need you.

I've had this happen a few times now. Awhile back, a book publisher contacted me about putting one of my photos in a book for nothing more than photo credit (if interested, you can read that story on my blog here). Some jobs just aren't worth taking because they're far more trouble than they're worth.
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
The art of diplomacy is a fine line to walk. It's like punching someone in the face and having them enjoy the experience. :) Anthony's right......it ain't easy......but it can be done. :)
 
Eduard

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
fotojack said:
The art of diplomacy is a fine line to walk.
Click to expand...

I tell the people that work for me to try for a "Two Step Kill" which I define as making a comment so subtly, that the true intent isn't realized until you've taken two steps away.
 
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theregsy

Senior Member
Used to have a T-Shirt with "will photograph for beer" but this is just stupid, OH WOW a free bowl of soup, too kind!
I do take photos for free, but we are talking about struggling bands, some of whom can't afford new strings half the time, so in my book thats OK, but for a business not to want to pay a professional for their services just isn't right :(
 
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