Being Honest Pays

[reflect]

The other day I got a call from a woman about doing some Real Estate photography here on the coast. She had been given my name by a Brisbane based Wedding photographer who I have had some dealings with (thanks). She described the property and the fact that it needed doing NOW and her regular RE photographer couldn't do it. I was free the next day and she agreed to my hourly rate ($150) and because of the size of the property we settled on 4 hours, the images were to be delivered with minor PP on a disc the next day. I hung up and already I was doubting my decision, I dont enjoy the genre, I have limited experience, and my name will be attached to the work and the last thing I need is bad press, so to speak. I then rang a fellow Gold Coast pro who specialises in RE and asked if he would like the job. He jumped at it and could do it on schedule. I rang the lady back and explained the situation all the time expecting a right bollocking, but instead she thanked me for 1. being honest and 2. arranging a more qualified photographer, she then went on ask me what I normally shoot and I mentioned corporate and industry work. Two days later she rang me back saying she was happy with the other 'togs work and would like to book me for a series of construction site images that her company is involved with....at the agreed rate. So for me this was conformation of something I think I already knew, dont pass yourself off as experienced in a genre that your not and all though sometimes financial situations dictate otherwise, only tender/quote/apply for jobs that you will enjoy and are competent to deliver professional results in. Oh yes, I think this proves word of mouth and having a great network assists in business development.

[ApolloLXII]

Yes, honesty is always the best policy and it all worked to your advantage in the end which was a real bonus. I know that if I was offered to shoot someones' wedding, for example, that I would turn it down on the grounds that I've never done one before and appreciate just how problematic it would be from hearing about the experiences of others. Sadly, there are those out there who are less scrupulous that would only see the dollar signs and end up producing crap photos of somebody's special day because they have no clue about what they are doing. Stories such as yours, however, demonstrate that honesty is always the way to go and I certainly commend you on your approach.

[Jarryd]

There are so many examples of how honesty works and dishonesty doesn't, nice to know there are people out there still who can be understanding of a situation and appreciate what you have done, and not just scream abuse, i would have expected that too.

[Tommo1965]

great post OP....Im glad it worked out for you ..seems the real estate rep has some standards too?

[antongorlin]

well... I appreciate your honesty, but I'm a bit concerned about the motivation.
if you knew for sure you wouldn't get a "bad press", would you try to do the job?

there could be another honesty - make your hourly rate proportionally smaller and do the job. in what other way can one learn something new?

[CHardy]

Congrats on scoring the second shoot...I also believe in honesty at all times. I have turned down shooting 2 weddings..as I explained, I am no where near qualified/ready/able to shoot a wedding...one of the brides accepted my response, the other still wants me to photograph her wedding...we have compromised...she gets a professional photographer to do the main shoot, and I will arrive before the pro, get my shots, then get out of the way..( for experience)...

[reflect]

Sorry ColdBlood, I probably expressed myself badly, the "bad press" comment refers to taking the persons money when I realise that I am not qualified to the job, at any price and thereby delivering substandard results. On reducing prices, I am not sure how that effects the final product that I can deliver the client. The other problem with reducing rates is that how do you meet your costs, it is either a business, albeit enjoyable, or just a hobby that you make a little pocket money from and there is a large divide between the two. The correct way to learn in my opinion, is to state upfront that you are not exprienced, dont charge, go along as an assistant to a genre proficent photographer a lot, pay for training by someone accompilshed in the genre and only when you reach a standard that approaches that level should you start to charge. I am not and never will be an accomplished real estate photographer, and just on a final note remember that the final images may adversely effect the sale price of the property to the detriment of the owner. Bad Karma allround !