Unbelievable Reasons Why You Should Dump Your Client! 💔

In the world of photography, every snap of the camera doesn't just capture a moment; it also captures a piece of your heart and soul. As a one-person photography business, I've had some fantastic clients who've made my job a breeze. But, let's be honest, in any business, you'll eventually run into a client who doesn't quite fit the bill.

Running a photography business on your own presents a unique set of challenges. It's not just about taking stunning pictures or mastering lighting; it's also about managing client relationships. And sometimes, you have to make a tough call – parting ways with a client.

The Tricky Business of Managing Clients

Imagine this: I've just landed a gig with a client who, on paper, seemed like a dream come true for a photographer. They had a clear vision, a generous budget, and an exciting project in mind. However, as the project progressed, it became evident that our collaboration was more like two puzzle pieces that just didn't fit together.

The truth is, dealing with clients isn't just about taking great photos; it's about communication, understanding, and trust. But when these elements start to crumble, it's time to consider ending the partnership, even though it's a decision that doesn't come easy.

The Reluctant Choice

Letting go of a client isn't a decision I take lightly. It's similar to parting ways with a friend you've outgrown, but you know it's the right thing to do. There's a sense of guilt and uncertainty because, as a small business owner, every client counts. But sometimes, preserving your sanity and creative integrity is more important than the financial aspect. A majority of the time I’ll always do what the client wants but there are circumstances where i’m never going to make them happy. I never know what’s in a clients head or how they’ve treated other vendors. I’m always going to be honest and stand up for myself and do the right thing.

Just a couple quick stories. I had an out of state client that needed photos of a property that he was about to list. It was a three hour drive each way and I explained to him my price as well as examples of what other people in his office paid me that I had previously worked for. He kept telling me he could get someone cheaper to do it and I of course said I totally understand and he backed down and agreed to my price. I offered to shoot a video for the property as I include it with each listing for a little extra, he declined. But since I was there I did a video anyways just incase he changed his mind later on. The owners of the house loved it, he loved it. He didn’t want to pay for it though and asked if I could just include it since we would be beginning a lovely working relationship together. I was happy to give him a freebie. Three weeks go by and the house isn’t selling and now he’s contacted me saying that the owners don’t like the video and he doesn’t like the video and it has to be reedited. I’m heading out of the country and know I don’t have time to handle this and additionally I was getting vibes that he was going to be difficult. I suggested that he use Fiverr.com or ask around for a video editor to adjust the video the way he wants. He says he’ll wait for me but I still mention that i’ll be gone for two weeks and then busy when I return. So two or so weeks go by and he’s calling and texting me again asking about the video and how we’re going to make his clients happy. I told him that I no longer had the original footage and that he should go to a professional video editor and work with them to adjust it. I had a big workload and conveyed that to him. He kept pushing and eventually we did a phone call and I agreed to adjust the video. So Joe (yes, that’s his real name) says that he doesn’t like the part in the beginning of he video and that the rooms are messy. All the rooms were messy, the property wasn’t staged and this realtor never showed up when I was at the property. I asked which part of the video and he said the beginning to which I replied, which room. He gets angrier and angrier by the minute and I ask at which minute mark does he not like the video and he just keeps saying “the beginning!”. So i’m obviously not going to just start editing the video again and again without clear direction. Keep in mind that this is a free video I gave him and it’s been at least a month now. He’s pretty much yelling at me throughout this whole phone call and I knew that I didn’t want to work with this client anymore. I gave him a quick analogy to help him pet things into perspective. I said to him “You give me a free sandwich and I looove the sandwich, but… I want it more sandwichy “ Joe: "What do you mean?” Me “I want it more sandwichy, you know what I mean!” Joe: “Well, what part of the sandwich don’t you like?” Me: “Just make it more sandwichy!”. So Joe doesn't like this and says that i’m being unprofessional. I posted this on my Facebook when this happened because it got to me, this difficult client. I had some people that actually know him reach out and say that I didn’t do anything wrong and the video was great, which obviously made me feel okay about the situation. I always want to be honest with my clients and never eat crow in regards to any attitudes or issues that get forced on me that are out of my control.

One more story. I shot an engagement shoot about ten years ago for a beautiful Middle Eastern couple where the mother of the groom hired me and was my go-to person during the whole exchange. I met up with the couple and did some photos for them as well as an engagement party with all their family and friends. Everything went great, everyone was happy. Afterwards the mother of the groom asked about the flash drive, so I sent it out and two weeks later she said she never received it. I still had the receipt in my car but it’s not worth arguing. So I sent another one and again a week or so later she says she never received it. So this time I drove a flash drive over that day just so there was no issue. The couple ordered an album of the party and their engagement photos and It was drop shipped to their house. The couple told me they loved it and posted on social media about it giving high praise. The mother of the groom reached out to me to tell me that she was not happy with the album. I asked what she didn’t like about it and she told me that she didn’t like the photos selected. I reaffirmed that I did not select a single image and that the couple had chosen everything. She said that the photo selection is no good and that I should have said something. I explained that If I selected photos for someones album then we might be back at this same exact spot where someone wasn’t happy about the selection. I mentioned to her son and new daughter love the album and she said they don’t know any better. She asked how I would make this right… I told her I wouldn’t be doing anything and she was perplexed and repeated her question. I said that I don't think anything I can do will make you happy so the best thing to do is part ways. She did not like this and had some nasty words for me. So to follow up on this I had a friend who I recommended to shoot their wedding because I was unavailable and he too dealt with flash drives not arriving through the mail and he had to buy an additional album because the album “never arrived”.

So, how do you handle this tricky situation with a positive attitude?

1. Reflect on Your Boundaries: Before making any decisions, take some time to think about why you're considering this step. Is it because of unrealistic demands, constant changes, or a lack of respect for your work? Understanding the underlying issues will help you communicate your decision more effectively.

2. Be Honest and Clear: It's crucial to communicate openly but politely. Set up a meeting or send an email to express your concerns. Avoid blame and focus on how the collaboration isn't aligning with your artistic vision or business values.

3. Provide Alternatives: If possible, suggest alternatives to your client. Maybe there's another photographer who can better meet their needs, or a different approach that might salvage the project. This shows that you genuinely care about their goals, even if you can't be the one to fulfill them.

4. End on a Positive Note: The goal is to leave the door open for future opportunities or referrals. Thank your client for their time, express your hope that they find the right photographer, and assure them that you're open to working together again if circumstances change.

5. Learn and Grow: After everything settles, take the opportunity to learn from the experience. Evaluate what went wrong and how you can avoid similar situations in the future. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity for growth.

The Bright Side

Firing a client isn't about cutting ties completely; it's about preserving your creative passion and maintaining a positive work-life balance. As a solo photographer, every project should bring joy to your heart, not stress to your doorstep. I never realize how much pressure they brought down on me until i’ve actually walked away from a project.

Ultimately, it's all part of the incredible journey of running a one-person photography business. Sometimes, you have to make room for new, exciting clients who appreciate your artistry and vision. So, don't be afraid to let go gracefully, smile through the process, and keep focusing your lens on the beauty of the world.

Remember, every "goodbye" opens the door for a new "hello." Embrace the change, capture those breathtaking moments, and continue to spread the magic of photography.

I’m always bummed out when I have to cut ties but then I think about all the extra time i’ll have to market or work with a client that I vibe more with.

Firing a client can be a tough decision, but it's sometimes necessary to maintain your creative passion and the health of your business. Have you ever had to part ways with a client? How did you handle it? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!