AboutTricia Scott-Sahler Expertise I can answer questions on the business practices of commercial photography, self promotion, and negotiations.
Experience I have a BFA in commercial photography, and have been an artist representative for 12 years.
Organizations Society of Photographer and Artists Representatives
Advertising Photographers of America
Education/Credentials BFA in Commercial photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Past/Present Clients Clients include; ad agencies, design firms, Fortune 500 companies, Bank of America, State Farm Insurance, Segway, Williams-Sonoma.
Question I recently had photos taken to be used in my career. I was given a verbal quote for 200.00 which was to include the sitting fee and 4 edited photos of my choice. I did not like the photos and told the photographer that, but she kept telling me that editing would make them so much better and there were 2 that she edited so I decided to buy them in case I ever needed extras and to keep from hurting her feelings. The problem came in when she still wanted to charge me 200.00 for the 2 photos, even though the quote was for 4. I thought the price should be adjusted accordingly. I asked several times for an itemized invoice and she has refused to give me one saying it's 200.00 for UP TO 4 photos. That wasn't my understanding. She's refused to provide a breakdown for the sitting fee and editing etc. Her website advertises a 20.00 sitting fee and 20.00 per photo. But she says that web pricing doesn't apply to me. When I asked her why mine was so much more she said it was because it was more labor intensive to do photos that need "copyright release and the extra cost was for the release" I don't have the photos and never did. I viewed them online. I told her just to forget it, to tell me how much I owed for the sitting fee and I would go to someone else. Now she's threatening to sue me because I don't want them. She won't tell me what that actual fee is. She is demanding the whole 200. I'm totally confused at this persons reaction and unprofessionalism. I would think she would want her customers to be happy with her services.
Answer Ann,
It's too bad you are having this experience. It's sounds like a bunch of miscommunication. If her paperwork stated that it was 200 for up to four images, not broken down, then she technically is right. Traditionally a client will pay more for a copyright transfer, but it has nothing to do with labor. You are paying to own the copyright of the images.
I agree that the customer should be happy, and it is unfortunate that you are not.
