Working with a Relative as your Client: Part 3

Based on my experience, I wanted to share some advice that I learned throughout the journey. These are just guidelines, but I feel are relevant if you want all of your photoshoots to feel professional.

Planning the photoshoot

Work together on establishing a mutual location for the shoot.

The photographer should have their own list of places along with images of the location to show the client the potential look of the images. The photographer should assign the client to make their own list along with sample images.

Before the shoot

The photographer should provide standards and a written policy to the client.

The policy is meant for the shoot, editing process, and publication of the photos. This includes the price and/or trade agreement. In my situation, I took the photos and edited them in exchange for her buying my bridesmaids dress for the wedding. Another example, would be the client promoting your work on their social media to increase your brand awareness.

This policy should include a timeframe of the process, including date and time of the photoshoot and deadlines for the edited photos. The contract in written form can either be through an email, printed document, or even a PDF. Even a text works, as long as both parties agree to all of the terms.

Day of the shoot

Provide a 3 minute spiel about your expectation of the photoshoot.

This quick, verbal discussion is your way of telling the client how the photoshoot is going to go and how you wish to mock a regular photoshoot, professionalism and all. Remain casual in this discussion by telling the client your process of taking the photos and how you will position the client between each shot.

The photographer will have the ultimate say about where and how the photo will be taken. The client may give suggestions of poses and/or location after the photographer has finished their predetermined shot list. However, do not allow them distract you with their own poses - that means they are trying to take over YOUR photoshoot. Time is key and if you are "chasing the sun" or relying on weather or time during the shoot, you want to make sure you get what you need first.

Another aspect that new photographers, included myself, tend to overlook - the client should NOT look at the images on your camera's screen. Not only will this reduce the amount of judgment coming from the client about how it looks, but also save time between each shot as the client has to come to you to see the images on your camera. Rule of Thumb - they must wait for the photographer to release the final images to them after the editing process.

After the shoot

Stick to the timeline.

Both parties, especially the photographer, should stick to the timeline. If the client keeps asking for the final images before the established deadline, refer to the contract and remain consistent with the policies you have agreed upon.

Ask the client for their ideas for the overall aesthetic of the photos before you start editing them. However, do not show them any of the raw images and they should ultimately be left out of the editing process.

Provide the final images only to the client. Do not give any raw images or proofs. If the client would like to see more options, or referring back to a specific pose from the photoshoot that did not capture well, provide them the proof including a full size watermark to prevent from being posted. Remind them that proofs, especially ones with watermarks, are not to be posted publicly.

Promoting your content

Share, Share, Share.

Once you have approved the final edits and have given them to the client, give the client permission to post them publicly. Definitely ask them to give you credit for the images, or by tagging your account. Make sure they do not add any filters or additional edits to the photo without your permission. In my sister’s example, some images were going to be used for her ‘Save the Date’ cards so we made sure to discuss which photos were not allowed to be posted online until after guests have received the 'Save the Dates.'

Well, that’s all folks. Hopefully taking photos for both clients and relatives goes much more smoothly by following these tips. I learned a lot working with a family member for the first time. By seeing a new side to photography, I can utilize my different experiences to cater to various types of clients while remaining casual, yet in control of my photoshoot.