Tough client stories

12 years 3 weeks ago #222551 by Camera Diva
You ever have a client who is so darn impossible to make happy or work with. I had a family portrait session this morning and there were 4 kids, 3 of which were angles. Then there was a 16 month old that I couldn't keep looking at me for more than 3 seconds. The the mother was getting annoyed that her 16 month old wasn't looking at the camera, but I was doing everything I could. Squeaky noises, keys, making faces, and anything I could think of. What should have taken 45 minutes ended up taking nearly 2.5 hours! Ehhhhhhh

Long day and I'm tired. I need to start editing these images and send over to client. But please do share your tough client stories, I would love to hear them.

At the beginning of time there was absolutely nothing. And then it exploded! - Terry Pratchett
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12 years 3 weeks ago #222629 by Ruby Grace
I've had plenty of those! I carry dog squeaky toys in my camera bag. They work the best IMHO

Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 17-40mmL, 24-105mmL, 100-400mmL, 300mm f/4L IS, Sigma 12-24mm, 430EX, Extension tubes
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12 years 3 weeks ago #222773 by Wildfire
Toys that make noises are your friend with kids :woohoo: I crack up thinking about the faces I make when getting kids attention and that 'smile'.


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12 years 3 weeks ago #222864 by icepics
My job was working with babies and toddlers w/delays, obviously a 45 min. session much less 2 hours would be pretty long for that youngest one - probably frustrating for you and the mom. Well now you'll have ideas for next time. Besides toys as mentioned, you could try being expressive w/your voice and facial expressions, making silly noises - even wearing lipstick (w/color, not pale) can get young children interested in watching your face and keep their attention.

Sharon
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12 years 3 weeks ago - 12 years 3 weeks ago #222878 by Cre8tivefix
I had a session taking pictures of 4 kids. Two older kids and twin babies. The babies were the easy part, but one of the older kids was very awkward and self conscious. He wanted to be silly more than give a genuine smile. I can usually work through this after a few pictures and jokes ect, but the mom was so mad about it she started yelling at him and nit picking everything. Like that is going to make him smile! Sure enough he ended up in tears. Which then had the twins in tears. So we (me and the older two) took a walk outside for a few to calm the situation and I was able to get some good shots while we were away.

I have had similar issues with other clients, but that was the only one that ended up with tears. I would have to say perfectionist parents stressing out their kids have been my toughest clients to deal with. Kids are imperfect... it's part of what makes them great! It's ok.


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