What’s Your Preference?

lputman · #11 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 08:56 PM

There's not too much that you can do to control misbehaved children, if you ended up with shots that caught some undesirable expressions, you can't be held responsible for that. The parents know exactly what they bought to you for pictures.

I agree with maxharvard completely. I personally never had that issue with my own children so I couldn't even offer anything to help because it just wasn't tolerated, but that's me as a parent speaking.

At most, you can offer a re-shoot or if it happens in the future, a re-schedule if they aren't behaving at the onset.

candleman · #12 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurenfitz

. I tell them I've blocked off two hours and that we can take our time, but they always want to take the pictures and run .

hm.
a good spankin' never hurt anyone

i know its kindof hard to tell your clients to "control your brats"

i'd take the approach of letting the kids become comfortable playing with the toys first.. then then they are happy and the novelty of the studio has worn off then get them to stand and pose.

no lollies.. its not your job to make them good. you can mention their behaviour when you deliver the prints to remind them they were being rat-bags.

private · #13 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 09:32 PM

When they make the appt, ask the parents the age of the children and then ask if 3pm for example is a good time for the kids. And say I ask because I had this one client whose kids were so tired they had trouble keeping still and following direction. I want to make this experience as pleasant as possible.

That way the parents know b4 hand that they will have to control them and it gives you the "muscles" to say something to them when the kids do not behave.

JodyGall · #14 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SandeeWig

How about a sign hanging in your studio (assuming you're in the studio, not outdoors, etc.) that reads:

Uncontrolled Children = Uncontrolled Portraits

...or something like that. Then you don't have to actually say it.

A nice large example hanging next to it wouldn't hurt either!

Hahahaha! If I ever get a studio, I am sooooo doing this! LOL! That's great!

Hmmmm...well, I don't quite know what advice to give you. I haven't had unruly children to the extent that you just decribed. I have had some trouble makers and some that just won't listen. I would maybe suggest letting the kids play for the first 30 minutes. Always have a ball on hand or a frisbee. Anything to make them run and work off all the bad energy, ya know? Not sure what to say about the dad. That's just wrong. The parent should be willing to work with you to try and get the situation under control. Even if it means taking a break or whatever. But not walking away. I'm sorry you had a bad shoot. I would definitely offer another shoot if you are unhappy with the pics. Why put your name on something you are not satisfied with, ya know?

arkhamrefugee · #15 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 01:48 PM

Have you considered adding verbage to your contracts to state that you are not responsible for misbehaving children? If I had a track record of dealing with parents who couldn't controll their offspring, I would definitely put that in my sheets that they sign.

maxharvard · #16 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 02:16 PM

I still remember a time when i had a kid in my office and Dad sat on the kid to get him to behave... I was laughing inside my head

waffles · #17 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 03:36 PM

Ask if they would like to reschedule for a time when they children will be better behaved. And let them reschedule for free the first time. If the parents refuse, then let them know that if the kids don't start behaving then you will end the photoshoot and will not be providing a refund.

It's not your job to control the behavior of the kids. And if they're making it impossible for you to do your job, then there's no way the parents will be happy with the shots.

valleygirl · #18 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008, 09:12 PM

Thanks, guys. I actually feel much better now. The mom and dad were giving me the impression that they were expecting me to do something to make their kids sit pretty for the pictures. You know, I can only do so much. I'm very good with children and am primarily a children's photographer, but I've never encountered kids as unruly as these. I have three kids of my own and I would be horrified if they acted the way these kids did. I will be sending mom her gallery tonight and I will let you know what she says.

I would be happy to offer them another session, but frankly, I could tell that dad just wasn't into it. I could see that she dragged him here. I am definitely going to put some verbage in my contract as well as on my site about this. In particular, if I schedule a 2 hour session, then I expect that my client has also set aside 2 hours. Also, maybe some tips on how to prepare kids (if there is such a thing.) I just know that if I were paying $100/hour for photographs of my kids, I'd have their hair brushed, have them well fed and prepared to get the most out of my money.

I would love to post a sample of how awful this was, but I don't know if that is permitted.