When shoots go wrong...
Discussion
How do you deal with charging a client when a shoot doesn't go to plan down to the subject matter involved?
For example lets say, completely hypothetically of course, you were asked to do a location based family shoot involving adults, children AND animals.
Then, hypothetically,
One animal actually seems to be trying to eat the other due to it being a tasty snack it would naturally dine on,
The children decided they didn't want to have their photographs taken but they DID want to try and use your backdrop as a climbing frame.
Predatory animal above tries to bite you (in a friendly playful way, admittedly) and whilst you're peering through the camera jumps onto the lens.
The adults just looked exasperated for the whole shoot as a result of points above...
You know... hypothetically...
For example lets say, completely hypothetically of course, you were asked to do a location based family shoot involving adults, children AND animals.
Then, hypothetically,
One animal actually seems to be trying to eat the other due to it being a tasty snack it would naturally dine on,
The children decided they didn't want to have their photographs taken but they DID want to try and use your backdrop as a climbing frame.
Predatory animal above tries to bite you (in a friendly playful way, admittedly) and whilst you're peering through the camera jumps onto the lens.
The adults just looked exasperated for the whole shoot as a result of points above...
You know... hypothetically...
- sobs*
Not my industry, but I have to turn up on time with a lot of expensive machinery, and my customers know that the meter's running from the moment we arrive. If they're not ready, it shouldn't cost me money.
You're a professional, doing a job. The animals/children weren't your responsibility.
You should be paid.
You're a professional, doing a job. The animals/children weren't your responsibility.
You should be paid.
For a location portrait shoot I charge a sitting fee and then sell products at a viewing a few days later. If something like this happened, then at least my time for the shoot is covered by the sitting fee (fortunately nothing like this has this happened to me).
What's in your contract and terms and conditions that the client signed?
What's in your contract and terms and conditions that the client signed?
Davi said:
How do you deal with charging a client when a shoot doesn't go to plan down to the subject matter involved?
For example lets say, completely hypothetically of course, you were asked to do a location based family shoot involving adults, children AND animals.
Then, hypothetically,
One animal actually seems to be trying to eat the other due to it being a tasty snack it would naturally dine on,
The children decided they didn't want to have their photographs taken but they DID want to try and use your backdrop as a climbing frame.
Predatory animal above tries to bite you (in a friendly playful way, admittedly) and whilst you're peering through the camera jumps onto the lens.
The adults just looked exasperated for the whole shoot as a result of points above...
You know... hypothetically...
If you discussed a price, double it.For example lets say, completely hypothetically of course, you were asked to do a location based family shoot involving adults, children AND animals.
Then, hypothetically,
One animal actually seems to be trying to eat the other due to it being a tasty snack it would naturally dine on,
The children decided they didn't want to have their photographs taken but they DID want to try and use your backdrop as a climbing frame.
Predatory animal above tries to bite you (in a friendly playful way, admittedly) and whilst you're peering through the camera jumps onto the lens.
The adults just looked exasperated for the whole shoot as a result of points above...
You know... hypothetically...
- sobs*
It's difficult to suggest things without knowing what the arrangement with the client was or the cost of damage to your kit.
How about offering to repeat the shoot at an additional (modest) price to cover your extra time, but without the animals or with them under better control? If you're planning any up-selling, then this sounds the only way to re-open that possibility and maybe make some money out of this.
How about offering to repeat the shoot at an additional (modest) price to cover your extra time, but without the animals or with them under better control? If you're planning any up-selling, then this sounds the only way to re-open that possibility and maybe make some money out of this.
MartinP said:
It's difficult to suggest things without knowing what the arrangement with the client was or the cost of damage to your kit.
How about offering to repeat the shoot at an additional (modest) price to cover your extra time, but without the animals or with them under better control? If you're planning any up-selling , then this sounds the only way to re-open that possibility and maybe make some money out of this.
That's the killer for me, I put together a deal price and they get the sitting with x shots included (depending on deal) for y price - where I tend to make money is in the fact they want loads of shots over and above the included. In this case, I'm going to really, really struggle to get the included shots!How about offering to repeat the shoot at an additional (modest) price to cover your extra time, but without the animals or with them under better control? If you're planning any up-selling , then this sounds the only way to re-open that possibility and maybe make some money out of this.
sunbeam alpine said:
Not my industry, but I have to turn up on time with a lot of expensive machinery, and my customers know that the meter's running from the moment we arrive. If they're not ready, it shouldn't cost me money.
You're a professional, doing a job. The animals/children weren't your responsibility.
You should be paid.
Quite so. You were there and ready and able to do the work; their lack of preparation/training is their responsibility. Give them a discount for 'goodwill' if you think it will help, otherwise stick to your guns. You were there as photographer, not animal trainer or children's entertainer.You're a professional, doing a job. The animals/children weren't your responsibility.
You should be paid.
ETA Having read the arrangement you had, perhaps you can sue them for loss of earnings!!!
What is the client's view on how things went? If they're accepting the problem was theirs, then you can explain that due to what happened none of the shots are up to a standard you're happy with and that you need to repeat the shoot at their expense. You could as a goodwill gesture give a discount to the 2nd sitting fee. That could result in everyone getting a good outcome.
If they're not happy and aren't accepting blame, then it's really down to what the details in your contract are.
If they're not happy and aren't accepting blame, then it's really down to what the details in your contract are.
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