how to be tactful?

sarahs440
sarahs440 Posts: 405
edited September 2024 in Chit-Chat
i have a minor dilema. I have recently started photography. i have always enjoyed it but never done much with it. But recently I have had people ask me to take their kids senior pics, younger kids pics, maternity, etc. I have charged them a small amount (I am not a pro, and I want to keep things affordable for people). A good friend of mine is pregnant and asked me to do her maternity pictures. I of course said yes, as I love to take pics of a pregnant belly! But, she has not asked about a price yet, and we are meeting tomorrow for the pics. I know they don't have a ton of money, and I wouldnt charge her much, but I am thinking she thinks I will just do this for free. How do I tactfully let her know there will be a charge?

Replies

  • kao708
    kao708 Posts: 813 Member
    Maybe send her a list a available "packages", including the costs and see which one she might be interested in. Or, maybe you could make the pictures your baby shower gift to her.
  • missy1970eb
    missy1970eb Posts: 1,209 Member
    hi, just be upfront with her and tell her u have 2 cover ur costs, and as much as u like 2 u dont work for free, i wouldnt b offended if someone told me that, but is just a suggestion:smile:
  • TonysMiss
    TonysMiss Posts: 128 Member
    Agreed, I think you could send her "package" prices and ask her to let you know what she might be interested in. You can ask her to give you an idea of what she is looking for so you can come prepared! = )
    Good luck to you!
  • iamhealingmyself
    iamhealingmyself Posts: 579 Member
    have a price list and a business card? offer to give her a reasonable discount for first time customer or friend/family discount if you make prints or offer an hourly rate for your time and give her digital copies to her computer or by email or add 1-2 dollars for burning a cd. explain that you have expenses like gas and props over your time and with the increase in demand you want to start a paid hobby or begin your own business. if shes a good friend she'd support your new venture and would understand or you could offer your services as her baby shower gift.
  • danielle53102
    danielle53102 Posts: 22 Member
    I think that's a great idea to just make it a baby shower gift :):) I personally wouldn't charge a best friend ... Now if she is just a associate of yours and not to close that's a different story . Sending a list of prices is also a great idea ....I loveeee Taking Pictures !! I was just given a Cannon Rebel for my Birthday and it is just amazing !!!!
  • Carl01
    Carl01 Posts: 9,307 Member
    That is a tough one because unless you have let it be known up front you have been doing this as a sort of business enterprise she may think it is simply a hobby and under the circumstances just a fun thing.

    I would suggest the simplest and direct approach and just ask polietly that she reimburse for the outlaid costs you have and if she is taken aback by that it is going to be a question of how good the friendship is and how much you wish to keep it.

    This one may not work out as well as you like but if so after the fact perhaps when approached it is best to say right then and there what you charge.:smile:
  • mikeyml
    mikeyml Posts: 568 Member
    That is a tough one because unless you have let it be known up front you have been doing this as a sort of business enterprise she may think it is simply a hobby and under the circumstances just a fun thing.

    I would suggest the simplest and direct approach and just ask polietly that she reimburse for the outlaid costs you have and if she is taken aback by that it is going to be a question of how good the friendship is and how much you wish to keep it.

    This one may not work out as well as you like but if so after the fact perhaps when approached it is best to say right then and there what you charge.:smile:

    Agree 100%. Also think of her as a networking opportunity. She is going to show those pictures to EVERYONE...and everyone is going to ask: who took your pictures? If she is happy with everything she is going to give your name out and you might pick up some unexpected business. I would just be upfront with her and say "you know normally I charge x amount to do pictures and then charge x amount for the prints. But since you're a great friend to me and this is a special occasion, I will only charge the actual cost of getting the prints made." Or give her the pics as a baby shower gift if you haven't given one already - that is a great idea.
  • binary_jester
    binary_jester Posts: 3,311 Member
    Mention it on the way. If she says no, drop her off at Sears studio. :)
  • sarahs440
    sarahs440 Posts: 405
    Mention it on the way. If she says no, drop her off at Sears studio. :)

    hahaha that too funny! I did my sister's for free but I have a lot of pregnant friends and I am afraid if I do hers for free she will tell the others and it will snowball. I will probably make a quick price list. And the above post was right, she may not know I am trying to do this as a business. I will just have to grow some balls by tomorrow afternoon....lol
  • darkrider42
    darkrider42 Posts: 5,472 Member
    Good suggestions above....good luck. I hate getting caught in situations like that.
  • iamhealingmyself
    iamhealingmyself Posts: 579 Member
    Mention it on the way. If she says no, drop her off at Sears studio. :)
    :laugh:
  • michelegbowman
    michelegbowman Posts: 195
    Great question.

    You should definitely talk to her before the pictures are taken. The sooner the better.

    You could thank her for helping you get your new business started and send her via email, a price sheet.

    Then offer her a friend discount -- a percentage off your card rates.
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