When to Fire a Photography Client

Summary

Photographers may need to fire clients who cost more in unbilled hours, emotional drain, and lost opportunities than their fees cover. Red flags include constant invoice negotiation, unlimited revision demands, disrespect, inconsistent communication, threats of bad reviews, and a gut feeling of dread. Calculating the true cost involves subtracting unbilled hours and considering opportunity cost from lost bookings.

Key points

• Clients who negotiate invoices after work is done are disrespectful of agreements.
• Scope creep disguised as dissatisfaction, like demanding a reimagining of approved work, is unprofitable.
• Consistent disrespect, poor communication, or threats of bad reviews signal a need to end the relationship.
• Calculate the true cost of a client by subtracting unbilled hours and considering lost opportunity cost.