On Apr 3, 12:30=A0pm, "HarrisVIII" <acphotREMOVE_T...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've just had a client cancel a commission to take images of a building
> during its construction. I have written instructions from the client to
> take photos for them and had already spent an hour or so at the site
> taking some preliminary shots.
>
> This client has apparently now changed their mind and taken on another
> photographer informing me that my services are no longer required. I
> should add that they have not seen any of my work so far and I have no
> idea why they have cancelled. Cheeky gits have even requested I meet
> with the replacement photographer!
>
> What can I reasonably and legally charge this client? Can I only really
> just charge for the hour already spent on site or can I increase the fee
> as I had already started working and perhaps include some claim for work
> turned down on the back of this job? It would have been a good one
> lasting several months.
>
> Very odd situation that I can't seem to get to the bottom of but I'd
> love to pinch this time waster for as much as possible. Would appreciate
> any input.
> TIA.
I have a clause in my contracts that covers cancellations and all of
the terms of the assignment are covered in the general contract,
including the period of time it will last. I also get 50% up front,
which I retain if the contract is cancelled less than 72 hours before
I am to do the job unless certain conditions apply regarding things
that are not in the clients control.
If I am going to scout out a sight, I usually do that before the
contract is negotiated and it is simply a part of doing business.
However, if I do something at the direction of the clients over what
would be normal, or is not covered in the contract, I bill them for
that separately and immediately. In your situation, not knowing what
the actual understanding was, you may have put in that shooting time
pro bono, as it were. That is, if you didn't have an understanding
that you would be taking prelim shots and charging for that.
Some people will walk away from a situation like yours if it is
reasonably billable, but I am in business and I can't pragmatically
afford too. I insist that clients meet their contractual obligations,
just like I work very hard to meet mine. I don't get all mad about it
and start making threats, etc., but If I have to get legal, then I
will. That's only happened once.
If you're an amateur (and I have great respect for amateurs) taking
pictures is a sideline for you. Walking away is really a personal
decision and it may be best to chalk everything up to experience and
move on. If you're just starting out as a pro, then you need to
really tighten up at least your policies and procedures in this area.
Vance
Vance
|
