How to say "no"?

[jnelson]

Mods, move this if it is not in the right area.

For the past three days I have been shooting an event at the Denver Childrens Hospital. It was called the Alice 105.9FM 36 Hours for Kids Radiothon. My sister works for the hospital in and asked if I would want to photograph the event (unpaid) as a portfolio builder. Obviously I jumped at the opportunity, and I am glad I did, it was a ton of fun. I also met another photographer who asked if I would want to assist with a few weddings this summer. So my question is this:

My responsibility for this event was to shoot for the hospital foundation and the Childrens Miracle Network. During the event, people started asking me to email them some shots or burn them a disk. I assume they found out that I wasnt a "paid professional" which made them think they could take advantage of me. I gave in to a few, and agreed to send them some shots, which was definitely the wrong thing to do. The floodgates opened, it was downhill from there. In the end I was able to calm them down and let them know that I would not be able to send them any images.

How do you say "no" to people who want a few shots. What is a polite way to say "i will abso-friggin-lutely NOT send you my images for FREE!" ?

I know that if I had a website to sell them on, I could direct them to that, unfortunately I dont and am not quite at that point yet. Thanks for your help everyone.

"No."


~Eric

[Jim Bryant]

"Sorry, I wasn't by the hospital or radio station." I gave them some pictures as a requirement, but if you would like some, I'd be happy to sell them to you."

[Mrhviid]

Look up "assertive communication" on the internet. Heres a few guidelines:

• Watch your body posture – practice using an open, assertive body language and voice.

• Think before you speak. Take a few seconds to make sure you are conveying the right message, and in the way you want to convey it.

• Don’t apologize if it’s not warranted.

• Remember it is ok to say “no”.

• Remember everyone is entitled to an opinion, and don’t try to convince others that yours is the “right” one. Also know that you don’t have to apologize or make excuses.

In the specific case you describe, why dont you give the photos to the hospital and give them full right to do with the pictures as they want (including giving them away) as long as you get full credit as a photographer? Good PR and a good deed all in the same package... :-)

[CanonRebelz]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

"Sorry, I wasn't by the hospital or radio station." I gave them some pictures as a requirement, but if you would like some, I'd be happy to sell them to you."

Good thing to say - tell them you wont give them any for free but mention that you would be happy to exchange them for $$

[zephod]

Don' say no....

Create a smugmug or zenfolio site where they can view and purchase prints they are interested in and then send them to the site. Easy Peasy

[junglebear]

Just explain to them what you just have to us, and then sort out a way of displaying them for sale.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by zephod

Don' say no....

Create a smugmug or zenfolio site where they can view and purchase prints they are interested in and then send them to the site. Easy Peasy

That would be my suggestion also!

[Jim Poor]

My normal answer to "Can I get a copy of that?" is "They will all be up on my site by [insert date here], you're welcome to take a look." Then I hand them a very nicely done professional looking card.

[jdepould]

I'd just say something about the event organizers have rights blah blah blah no.