Ouch! If you've ever gotten the "I'm sorry. We're just not a good fit," response from your photographer, then you know how it feels to have been fired. Most business owners who provide in-person services have a nice way of telling clients they are unavailable for a project, or just terminating the relationship indefinitely. The reasons for such a response varies but ultimately comes down to a few factors which we'll go over below.
So if you've ever gotten fired by your photographer, here are a few reasons why:
"What we've got here is failure to communicate."
If you're into 60s crime dramas (like me), you'll know where that piece of dialogue originates and how much miscommunication can cost you.
Clear and open communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, and that includes working with photographers. Make sure you are clear about your expectations, what you want to achieve from the photoshoot, and any deadlines you have. This information helps photographers to prepare and make sure they can deliver what you need.
R.E.S.P. E.C.T
Aretha said (sang?) it best but it bears repeating (unfortunately without a catchy melody). Photographers are artists, and they take their craft seriously. That means they value their time and expect clients to do the same. If you show up late, cancel last minute, fail to respond to session proposals/emails, or belittle their services/offerings it can create frustration and potentially harm the relationship. So, ya know, let's not do that.
"Pay me what you owe me!"
Who else watched RiRi kill her Super Bowl performance (with a surprise guest to boot!)? The hook of her popular song brings us to our next reason why many client/photographer relationships turn sour.
This one is self-explanatory, but it's important to remember that photographers rely on payments to make a living (because who can work for free in this economy?). We all know that sometimes things happen and delays occur. But when it happens repeatedly and your photographer has to chase down payment, they may elect to not work with you again in the future just to avoid the hassle altogether. So make sure you pay on time and in accordance with the agreed-upon payment terms. This shows that you respect their work and value their time.
Be open to feedback
If you've done your due diligence prior to hiring your photographer, then you should be confident in what they can provide. Pro photographers are experts in their field and can offer valuable insights into how to achieve the best results. If they suggest changes or tweaks to your ideas, trust their experience, and be open to their feedback. They want to make sure you're happy with the final results, so let them do their job.
Show appreciation
A little appreciation goes a long way, and that's certainly true when working with photographers. Whether it's a thank-you note, a referral to a friend, or a kind review, showing your appreciation for their work will not only make them feel valued but also improve your chances of working with them again in the future.
To wrap up, being a good photography client is about treating photographers with respect, valuing their time and expertise, and showing appreciation for their work. By following these simple steps, you can create a positive working relationship and get the results you want. After all, you don't want to open your inbox one day to find the dreaded "I'm sorry. We're just not a good fit" email.
XOXO
Sharde