Misbehaved kids...any thoughts?

[valleygirl]

Originally Posted by lputman

Lauren, I'm glad the first mom came to her senses...

Again, I say have your release incorporated within your contract (which would include posting on your blog) and don't post names of kids or just post first or ficticious names.

Yes, I should have just told her to leave. The mom was practically in tears because the little one wouldn't do what she said. But telling a 1-year old, "go sit with your brothers" is obviously not going to do any good. I finally said, can't you just pick him up and plop him down on the ground with the other two?" She was like, "well, I'll try." WTH?

As for the release, I've thought about putting it in my contract (and I never, ever use names, etc.), but I've just met so many parents who are so adamant about not having their kids pics online, that I've been hesitant to do it. These are the same people who don't bat an eyelash when their kid's photo, name, age and where they go to school are published in the newspaper with their sports teams, but don't want an anonymous photo onling. Go figure. People are strange.

I need to write something up about this behavior thing. I just can't tolerate it anymore.

[maritimer]

As for the release, I've thought about putting it in my contract (and I never, ever use names, etc.), but I've just met so many parents who are so adamant about not having their kids pics online, that I've been hesitant to do it.

You should do just that actually. I stayed away from shooting kids for a long time due to many of the same reasons I see posted here. However, after being asked and asked I caved and started doing some.
I have in my contract that if the people who get work done don't want their images online or added to my portfolio, it's going to cost them $75 on top of everything else. Sounds a bit high but... hey it's advertisement for your work you can't display, which in turn is money lost.

And don't ever refund money for a shoot-gone-wrong due to unruly kids. Parents should know darn tootin' well to have the kids properly behaved as soon as they enter your studio ( or location ).

[Betsyritz]

As a family therapist, as well as photographer, I have a consent form signed by parents up front - half with helpful hints for a successful shoot - selecting a suitable time of day when the kids are usually organized and calm; feeding them with cooperation in mind, situating the shoot where the kids are more comfortable - eg outside, playground etc; and half with limits and boundaries - photo shoot will be canceled and rescheduled without refund if kids aren't able to participate successfully, no running through the studio for safety reasons.

Then, if all is awry after 10 minutes, stop and offer to reschedule. That will cue the parents to take charge or loose their deposit. All this should be done in the spirit of relaxed understanding that kids will be kids and the little monsters were created to run around and aren't suited to delightful portraits unless they're asleep or caught off guard. Sadly neither of these situations are accessible to photographers usually. And with the clear boundary that your time = money.

Originally Posted by Betsyritz

As a family therapist, as well as photographer,

We have two somethings in common.

~Eric

[AnneWynne]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

We have two somethings in common.

~Eric

I also work with families and kids, being a clilnical psychologist who specializes in unruly kids...

Anne

Originally Posted by AnneWynne

I also work with families and kids, being a clilnical psychologist who specializes in unruly kids...

Anne

There must be a correlation between therapists and photography.

~Eric

[Mr Guy]

From Lauren's experience, maybe it's just that family portraits can be traumatic enough to drum up work for your other business!

[valleygirl]

Originally Posted by Mr Guy

From Lauren's experience, maybe it's just that family portraits can be traumatic enough to drum up work for your other business!

LMAO!!!

I think we've identified a new field of expertise!

Originally Posted by laurenfitz

LMAO!!!

I think we've identified a new field of expertise!

*slips Lauren my card*

Call me sometime

[dlaf]

Originally Posted by maxharvard

*slips Lauren my card*

Call me sometime

LOLOLOL! Hilarious!

What a nightmare trying to photograph wild children! True discipline takes thought and can be time consuming. Many parents just don't seem to find the time...