client not happy, but I am...

[snowfalldesigns]

I noticed a topic with a similar question about deleting photos but my issue is different so I'll go ahead and ask.

I'm working on not only building a business, but also my skills as a photographer. I'm not really all that confident yet in my abilities because I am intimidated by some amazing photographers that I aspire to be like. I do charge for my work because I think it is good enough to charge for but I don't charge very much (certainly considerably less than area photographers whom I believe have no talent!) All of my clients or potential clients are aware of my level and experience in photography.

So with this bit of background, I am wondering how I should handle a recent engagement session where the bride-to-be asked me to take down most of the photos from facebook (my main source of marketing) because she isn't happy with how she looked. I have since removed a few that she didn't like but she took a few days and decided I could keep a majority of them up.

I wouldn't have any problem taking them down if I thought they were sub par (really, I wouldn't have posted them in the first place) but I was so proud of myself and the progress I had made since my last engagement session. It took me down a few notches so that confidence I was beginning to feel started to fade.

The bride has booked me for her April wedding and had thought about doing another engagement session but I haven't heard whether or not her fiancé was up for it.
I want my clients to be happy but what do I do when it is their lack of self esteem, not my lack of ability?

BTW, if you care to look at a few of the photos from the session, they are on my website under "couples". She's the vibrant redhead!

[WooD]

If your just starting out, I really try for a re shoot.

I honestly only liked 2 that you had up. The one with them both standing on each side of the arch, and the one of her sitting on his lap. Your lighting was off on a few.

She might not like the way her weight showed in the pictures. Try different poses where it wont show so much.

Just my .02

[lputman]

I have to agree with Wood on this one.

[snowfalldesigns]

I'm fine with doing a re shoot but I don't think I should do it for free.

[work2well]

Originally Posted by snowfalldesigns

I'm fine with doing a re shoot but I don't think I should do it for free.

Customer Service is MOST important. If you want this couple to spread the word that they like you, then do it for free. If you don't, then don't, and you'll never get their business again - siblings, friends, babies, grandbabies, etc. There is a lot of potential business out there, don't mess it up before you get it.

$0.02.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by WooD

If your just starting out, I really try for a re shoot.

I honestly only liked 2 that you had up. The one with them both standing on each side of the arch, and the one of her sitting on his lap. Your lighting was off on a few.

She might not like the way her weight showed in the pictures. Try different poses where it wont show so much.

Just my .02

Originally Posted by lputman

I have to agree with Wood on this one.

Originally Posted by work2well

Customer Service is MOST important. If you want this couple to spread the word that they like you, then do it for free. If you don't, then don't, and you'll never get their business again - siblings, friends, babies, grandbabies, etc. There is a lot of potential business out there, don't mess it up before you get it.

$0.02.

Me too. I'm not trying to sound harsh, but If your lighting is off, your white balance is off, and your posing is off, then it's not their fault and you should offer a free reshoot. People are bound to say really damaging things when they're unhappy with your work.

Best of luck, please do let us know how things work out.

[Jim Bryant]

You should work on your skills as a photographer first, instead of trying to start a business if you are not that comfortable in your photographic abilities. Not being the photographer your clients paid for will hurt your reputation in a long run.
Try to do the reshoot, then chalk it up as learning experience. Also head to the library or book store and check out wedding photography books and the best of portraits. They provide valuable insight on posing, lighting and views that sell. Good luck!

[idontknow97]

I am in the same boat as you I charge becuase they are good but not a huge amount. I looked at yours you had some unique creative ideas only a few I wasnt fond of for pictures and looking at it from a womans point of view. But every one is right offer a free reshoot and leave it up to them you want good word of mouth business. Thats your best advertising.

[snowfalldesigns]

I guess I should restate that she was very happy with the photos...she just didn't like the way she looked in some of them and asked me to take those down from facebook - which I did. I doubt she would have booked the wedding if she was that unhappy with the session. The day that we did the session, it rained up until 30 minutes before. I had offered to do the session and then a free re shoot if the session was a wash. It wasn't. I will certainly do another shoot if she chooses to.
I guess my style doesn't translate to everyone. My style is not posed and predictable. If they want that, they can hire someone with a more expensive camera and a studio, I suppose.
I fully admit that I am learning, and my clients know that as well.

[no.absolutes]

"client not happy, but I am"

Is that really who you want to be? If you weren't happy with X product, would you take it back? Ultimately, it's what your clients think, not what you think. It doesn't seem like anything unreasonable has been asked of you. Now if after the engagement shoots but before the wedding, they requested the wedding be shot for free, I'd say that was unreasonable... if they are unhappy AFTER their wedding... that probably wouldn't be so unreasonable. You also can't assume that they are lacking in self-esteem and that is why they don't want their pictures shown - photography is more than getting the WB right and editing out zits. They may be lacking confidence in your work as a photographer or business owner.

Sorry to be brutally harsh. I've been there with my own photography, and pretty much every other job I've had (food service, retail, etc.). You have to keep your customers happy if you want them to come back.