I need some help in dealing with a difficult client

[CanonRebelz]

Originally Posted by Ensleygirl

After much thought, I told her to take a hike. Well, not exactly like that, but you get the idea. I just realized that I would not be able to make her happy, ever, and I wasn't going to bend over backwards anymore to try.

Sounds good to me! Glad you settled the matter.

[elkidogz]

This is a customer service and lack of knowledge on her part issue... first and foremost, meet her in person. Let her explain what is going on. Your initial remarks said that it was pretty cold (35 degrees?) and that it is probably the reason for the discolored lips. Her ignorance of "blurry" bokeh pictures is another item you can explain to her about in person.

Remember, you are the authority here. You took the pictures, make sure that when you meet her that you maintian the upperhand. Have the contract on hand. Have sections highlighted where they apply to this situation. Make sure you mention that you didn't have to offer what you have already offered (for free) to appease her.

More often than not, an apology is all they are looking for, they want to blow off steam. Emails (and texts) can be so misleading. Person to person (with more than one witness) can usually clear things up much more quickly and easily than over a longer drawn out email debate. If I were you, I would talk to her with someone else within earshot (like the mutual friend) and let her vent, once she's done, explain (in detail) her options, that you've gone over and above where her contract commits you to... that you've gone as far as your willing to go.

[Steve Crossley]

You are far far too patient with these people. They are just a couple of wasters who are tyring to bully you into giving them something they had no intention of paying for. Tell them to F**K right off and find someone else to harrass. Consider yourself lucky they are not your friends. Move on and forget them. Enjoy!!

[Goldie Green]

I agree with Jim that they are a bit over-saturated... I have a Nikon D40 as well & when I have used the "Vivid" & "More Vivid" features & it tends to change colors similiar to this... I didn't check your properties to know if that's what you were using, but I would test out normal or portrait mode under "Optimize Image" in the Menu next time for a more natural look.

I cannot believe you said this chic was a friend... wow.

[Digify]

What a shame that you got such an "awkward" customer when being so new! I think this is a lesson to all of us the importance of managing client expectations right off the bat.

Hope you can resolve it. Depending on the size of the job, i'd consider cutting my losses.

[mandyatm]

For the person that said the prints in the $350 package only added up to $299, it is because her sitting fee is included in that. Ensleygirl, I would re-word that because i was confused at first too. You listed your sitting fee at the top, I would list the package prices without that.

[indergopal]

Hi,
What were your camera settings: ISO most importantly, Aperture, Shutter?
Image size: raw / fine / medium, etc?
Have you chosen any specific conversion within the camera like Vivid, Standard, etc.
I am sure many in here will be able to help and guide you for future settings. Just ignore her requests for changing the pics as later she might say 'what will you do with the rejects? why not give them for free" Just tear them right in front of her. Maybe she got her shots as you mention her shooting besides you and she likes to add to her collection the images you shot.

Learn some editing there is a site lynda.com nice lessons and this particular problem of fuschia or over redness can be corrected even by watching the free lessons, color balancing etc.
Good luck

[Jim Bryant]

You also need to read this thread. Everything you ever wanted to know about photography! On DPS! It has a lot of helpful info in one spot. I'd book mark it for future trips for tips. Everything you ever wanted to know about photography! On DPS! Complied by the brightest of the brightest

[drlove907]

Pics are absolutey beautiful. A little saturated in some but still very nice. I bought my Wife the D40, its a very nice camera that I find in my hands more than hers lol. You definietly have the gift, chalk this up as "Dealing with Difficult Customers 101", you get an A!

[stevehurl88]

I think you have done well thus far. However, if you want things to end well, I suggest seeing what her monitor is showing as far as the color, and try to make adjustments on your end to make your copies look that way. I work in a photo lab, and I saw my pictures on my personal laptop and they looked gorgeous. I brought them to the printer computer and they looked terrible. Turned out, I needed to brighten the image and turn the contrast down a lot, just to make the images look the same on their computer as they do on my computer.

This step shouldn't be necessary because you are printing to your style, you are printing them how you want them. But if it takes that step to end this on a good note, I suggest you take that step. On another note, I looked at the images on the printer computer, and they looked way too contrasty and saturated for my taste. On my laptop they look gorgeous. Perhaps that is what she saw?

Good luck,
Steve H.