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Group photo goes bad, client not happy


5 years 1 month ago #636945 by Jacob Fisher
Last month an insurance company hired me to take a group photo of their team.  This took place at the company owners home where he had a party going on and most of his people had been drinking already.  So when I got everyone together for this 58 people group, getting everyones attention proved to be very difficult considering many were clearly drunk already.  Or at least on their way.  

So to make a long story short, it wasn't till afterwards that it was noticed there were 7 people in the photo making either goofy smiles or just not looking at the camera.  

The client, is not happy and I have a scheduled meeting with him on Tuesday. 

Can I ask how you would handle this?  I spent 50 minutes alone on trying to get everyone put together for this shot.  I even warned him that we should do this photo in the start.  But he opted that I can handle his people, plus, let them "get warmed up".

I warned him.  As I see it, this isn't my fault.  I just want to get outside perspective.  So your opinion would be greatly appreciated.  
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5 years 1 month ago #636991 by Harrison J
Seems to me, he should be speaking to his employees.  You're a photographer, a professional, not a babysitter.  If his employees can't act like adults for 2 minutes for a photo, that isn't your problem.  

Sorry I have a low tolerance for stuff like this.   
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5 years 1 month ago #637036 by garyrhook
Gently remind your client that there was some discussion beforehand regarding procedure. And that your expectation was that everyone would fully cooperate (being adults and all).

Given that the staff was a bit too loosened up, per the client's direction, and did not cooperate, how would the client like to proceed?

Wait for them to ask for a free re-shoot, and ask how they arrived at the conclusion that that seems reasonable? I.e. you're going to have to get him to back himself into a corner and admit this is all on him. Good luck.
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5 years 1 month ago #637049 by Owen

garyrhook wrote: Gently remind your client that there was some discussion beforehand regarding procedure. And that your expectation was that everyone would fully cooperate (being adults and all).

Given that the staff was a bit too loosened up, per the client's direction, and did not cooperate, how would the client like to proceed?

Wait for them to ask for a free re-shoot, and ask how they arrived at the conclusion that that seems reasonable? I.e. you're going to have to get him to back himself into a corner and admit this is all on him. Good luck.



OMG no kidding great advice!  I wouldn't blow up, remain calm and get them talking.  They will likely see that this was no on you, but partially their fault for not setting clear expectations with their staff.  They will likely come to their senses and hopefully, make a suggestion that doesn't include a free shoot.  
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5 years 4 weeks ago #637064 by icepics
How was this contracted? Were you taking photos of their event/party? Was there a specific time planned for a group shot? I don't see any way around a reshoot, the photo is probably not usable.

Hopefully he will realize doing a group photo at a party where employees would be drinking should've been done shortly after the party started. It would have been up to him to make sure his staff arrived in time for the group photo. For future reference it seems like it would help to learn more about how to do a large group shoot so it doesn't take so long to get everyone gathered and set up.

Hope you can work it out.
Sharon
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