Dealing with Family and Friends

[APB]

Hello. I would like some input regarding dealing with comments and questions from family and friends. Since I personally know them, they seem to feel that they can ask any question and make any statement no matter how ignorant and/or insensitive. I have been casually taking pictures as a hobby for about 10 years and have only become serious in the last 4 years by taking it to the next step and slowly turning it into a business while still keeping my day job and being a mom. I have also slowly starting pulling away from being the family photographer at every event due to time constraints and the demand to see the pictures one day after I have taken them. My question is this, how do I respond to questions such as “How come you charge so much, what is it that you do?”; “How hard can it be?”; “What’s the big deal, just take a couple of snap shots”; “What do you edit on the pictures?”

I’m going crazy trying to keep my composure and stay professional. So I turn to you, fellow photographers for some insight on how to handle these comments. I do not feel that I should explain every step to them and how I edit each photo. I do feel like I should say something to help them understand all the work and passion that is put into my photographs. Thanks in advance for your input.

Just hand them the camera and tell them to have at it.

Usually shuts them up pretty quick.

~Eric

[APB]

I know, right. Thanks. I think I just needed to vent with people who get it. Take care.

[gturner]

I have no issue being blunt with family... they can't stop being family can they

no different to "your camera takes such nice pictures"

[Krusty79]

I would tell them that's why a Picasso can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. All he did was put paint on a canvas (how hard can that be ), but it's the years of expertise, skill and talent that make it valuable.

[NikD300]

I have been there and know exactly how you feel. When ever I did a photo shoot out of courtesy being a good friend, and produce some really nice photographs, I get an email comment / text saying, 'wow great pictures, can't begin to appreciate your camera', and they continue asking for the model/company name of the camera etc. I guess, until they handle the camera themselves, its no point in even explaining to them its the not JUST the camera.

[APB]

That is so true.

[UlpilotSC]

I feel your pain. At a recent wedding I was the reception photog because my cheap relative didn't want to pony up 80 extra dollars.
The next day I was asked "hey why don't we run to walmart and get some CDs so you can burn a copy for all the parents before people go home". Thankfully I shoot in raw and explained "sorry - your pc won't read them".
Family will always take advantage of you. On the other hand family will often say even your suck photos are good, so if you need an ego boost, you know where to go. Just look at American Idol tryouts.
I made a deal with myself this summer; from now on, if you want me taking your picture, you're going to pay for it, family or not. No more freebies. DPS showed me the light.

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by UlpilotSC

I made a deal with myself this summer; from now on, if you want me taking your picture, you're going to pay for it, family or not. No more freebies. DPS showed me the light.

Funny, I recently made that same deal with myself Feels pretty good too!

And I agree with Max.....except I wouldn't hand them my camera, I'd just let them flop around with their point and shoot with the built in flash for a few of your next family events....lol

Originally Posted by mshockley

Funny, I recently made that same deal with myself Feels pretty good too!

And I agree with Max.....except I wouldn't hand them my camera, I'd just let them flop around with their point and shoot with the built in flash for a few of your next family events....lol

I let them feel the heft of a D3 with a 70-200VR and a SB900 ... suddenly people's attitude changes.