A while back we were asked to photograph something for some long time friends (I'm going to be vague here because they are our friends and we love them). While we were eager to meet their needs as photographers, we could tell that they were less concerned with our work, and more concerned with finding someone to get the job done and hopefully treat it as a "favor" (since, ya know, we're friends).
We love taking photos and we certainly don't mind helping out our friends, we have had a lot of friends give us free stuff over the years. But usually this type of request is accompanied by an admiration and appreciate of our work. Or of high quality photography in general. But I could tell our friends didn't really care that much. We offered them the service at a minuscule fee, but they even considered that too high.
At this point, I was forced to make a decision. Let's talk about the two biggest factors that played a part.
1. My feelings.
And no, these aren't in the same category as pregnancy hormones. This is not the first time I have felt insulted by someone who undervalued my work and my time. I was a little peeved that they could not be grateful for the wonderful deal we were offering them, and I knew that stemmed from the lack of respect they had for what we do. The emotional part of me wanted to make a statement of defense and recoil my offer to show them how rude they were being.
2. The greater good.
But just because these people are my friends, I couldn't expect them to automatically have an appreciation for photography or an understanding of the work that goes into it. I know that a lot of people who initially have doubts about high end photography are cured in the aftermath. Once they've received their wedding photos the bill seems a lot less important. I knew that I had an opportunity to convert these people into photography appreciators, for lack of a better term. We could be professionals and show them why we charge what we do.
Now I'm not advocating that you work with anyone who undervalues you just to prove them wrong, you can lose a lot that way. But every situation is different, and sometimes it might be more valuable to overcome what you're feeling in the name of the greater good and your friendships.
No comments:
Post a Comment