I do not do a lot of studio photography, I’m not sure why. It’s a part of GRT2 Studios‘s business mix but we seem to get pulled in on live evenst or location photography/video projects.
Saturday night at Gangplank, I booked a session to shot the fellas from ASH (Arizona Stronghold) Music. Ten guys – individual photos and group shots.
I tested everything. Made sure the lights were positioned approximately where they needed to be. White balance set. Flash Set. The shoot was all systems go from the photographer’s point of view. (Remember that sentence.)
I photographed the first three guys as a group and then let them get comfortable and “mug” for some individual photos. Repeat two or three times and everyone is photographed including many group shots. (I got the shots I need to deliver a great product to the client.) I sent for the next group of guys when I knew I had the photos needed.
As a photographer, I know when I capture an image that works. I see the shot on my camera’s LED display or on a monitor when I shoot tethered and know when I have the photo.
I get a call the next day saying that some of the guys felt rushed through the shoot and didn’t feel like they got their money’s worth. I listen to the client, I understand his point of view, I recognize where I went wrong and I agree to re-shoot anything if they are not happy with the photographs delivered – all I want is a happy client.
This is where I went wrong. Sometimes people want to get the photo shoot over with and just want great usable photos delivered. Other times, clients want the experience of getting their photo taken. I FAILED to recognize who I was working with and that’s entirely my fault.
I knew however incredible the images were I deliver the client still wouldn’t be happy. In their mind I cheated them of the experience. They were paying me for the experience as well as the delivered photos.
This week I’ll schedule time and re-shoot any one who is unhappy because I want everyone I work with to have a great photo experience from GRT2 Studios.
If you take anything away from this post take this with you: Recognize who you are working with. Are they there solely for the images or are they there for photographs and the experience. We are the professionals and it’s our responsibility to meet the client’s needs and expectations whatever it may be.
Any other photographers ever experience this? Leave a comment and let me know how you handled it or what you think of this situation.
Article by Greg Taylor
Founder, Markerting Press. Vegetarian. Hopelessly addicted to music. Blogger, Collaborator, Phoenix Suns fan. NJ Native living in AZ
Greg has contributed 159 articles to this site.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
We discussed this briefly before … I find many times my clients put their trust in me to get the shots they want. My thing is 90% of the time I have a rapport with the client beforehand so they’re comfortable enough to tell me what their wants/needs are.
I’m going to make up an FAQ of sorts to give out/email out expectations of the shoot so there are no surprises, etc…
The studio is a particular experience. Intimidating for those who are not familiar with it. Expectations are high; client thinks they are shooting with Richard Avedon as soon as the strobes start kicking. That is all well and good except for the fact that Dick was the master and he basically chose his clients.
Point of the story is that as soon as the client steps on to the seamless you are the director. You know that creativity from both sides of the lens is my mantra. I love bouncing ideas around with the client, but the studio is my house. Everything is controlled by me and the client respects that. No Starbucks meet up, no pre rapport with the client. The client can see and wants a photographer. Never forget that we are getting paid to direct the shoot for a reason.
At first you will encounter situations that you have described. Of course bend over backwards to please them. Soon you will find that the studio turns into ultimate creativity with no reshoots.
Love & Bass
Craig you are right as rain. Thanks for your valuable insight, it’s always appreciated.
Yeah Taylor!!!!! Psyched to help.
Love & Bass