I Fired my Photography Client - Here's Why
This is an inside look to how I was hired, promoted, then I had to fire the "good client" and it's something you should know about. It's real world info!
A Warning about the Clients
I’ve gone to great lengths to protect the privacy of this client (or any client from the past). The story I’m sharing is for the greater good of the community. It’s also my story and a page from my career. It’s important to share my story, and it’s important that others in the community learn lessons.
The clients are wonderful humans and if/when I see them out & about in LA, I hope for a pleasant conversation. However, I also need to guard my creativity, my sanity and my business.
10 More Reasons to Fire a Photo or Video Client
The Constant Creep: Clients who keep adding tasks without revising the contract can erode your profitability and sanity. This is very common, make sure you get all of the job duties covered ahead of time so you can measure any job creep. LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 3
The Disrespectful Communication: If a client belittles your work, ignores your boundaries, or treats you unprofessionally, it's time to cut ties. LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 7-8
Unrealistic Deadlines: When a client insists on unreasonable turnarounds that jeopardize your quality of work, they’re setting you up for failure. If you haven’t set the appropriate boundaries, that’s on YOU. That’s why my VBA (Visual Business Academy) Discord will help you. https://discord.gg/dYfzq4d8gc
LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 3Non-Payment or Delayed Payments: A client who doesn’t pay on time or outright refuses to pay is a financial liability. LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 6.5 -10 (depends on the situation)
Mismatched Vision: If your creative direction doesn’t align with the client’s expectations, neither party will be satisfied with the outcome. This is where you wonder if the mood board wasn’t clear enough. It’s time to see if we still agree on the direction or if they have a change of heart. Did you clarify everything? Did they sign off on all? LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 3
Excessive Micromanagement: Clients who can’t let go of control undermine your expertise and make the process more stressful. Micro becomes macro and macro becomes a fist fight. Stop it early. LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 6-7
Energy Drain: If a client drains your time and energy to the point where you can’t focus on other projects, it’s time to reconsider the relationship. What are you waiting around for? Do you like to be drained? LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 6
Low Budget with High Demands: When clients expect premium work for subpar rates, it signals they don’t value your craft. buh-bye.
LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 8-9Lack of Respect for Your Time: Canceling meetings, constantly rescheduling, or not showing up for agreed calls wastes your limited hours. Set the boundaries and make them really understand it. LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 5
Ethical Conflicts: If the client’s values or projects don’t align with yours, working with them can harm your professional reputation. F*ck your reputation…you want to be able to look in the mirror and still respect yourself. LEAVE-O-METER LEVEL 9.5
