Do I have "Take Advantage Of Me" Written on my forehead?

Traci Reed

Traci Reed

Well-known member
As most of you know, I did the school pictures for my local preschool. I offered REALLY inexpensive prices (as in $20 was my MOST expensive package for 3 8x10s, 4 5x7s, 4 3.5x5s and 8 wallets) and allowed buddy photos and even teacher photos.

Anyway, I got booked for the other half of the preschool and went to do their pictures today and someone marked in that they wanted me to do their family picture and buy 1 8x10 for $4.

I'm sorry, but I feel that is EXTREMELY taking advantage of my services and the price I offered. On the order form, it even says that the definition of a buddy photo is a friend or sibling from class.

I feel that I was doing everyone a huge favor by keeping my prices really low and doing this and now I just feel like I was taken advantage of. :(

Thankfully, all the preschool photos came out well but geez!

Am I wrong in feeling this way?
 
bogus! totally... tell them you'll do family portraits for them but can't do it at this time because you are only booked for preschool portraits.. or something gay like that.
 
If family photo wasn't on there as an option then they shouldn't have asked for it at that price. They should've put a note like, "can we call you to discuss doing a family photo?" and then worked within your normal family portrait rates. So yeah, you're not wrong in feeling the way you are.
 
You are absolutely justified in feeling that way and I hope you don't do it! It's a buddy photo, not a family portrait. If she wants a family portrait done she can ask to schedule a session with you, if you decide to even offer something like that!
 
Thanks girls! I didn't do it for them, thankfully. I told her I wasn't set up for family portraits and we could do it at a later date in the normal family portrait price range if she wanted to.
 
Oh I'd be upset too. You have every right to charge what your time and talent is worth..you're already giving a special offer to them. Boo honkey.

eta: just read your latest post. Sounds like the perfect handle. Good on ya!
 
Ummm, I hope you told her a flat out NO! How ridiculous can this person be? Trying to take advantage of you like that is just rude and obnoxious!
 
that's just wrong, Traci! It's so sad when people try to take advantage of good-hearted people like you :wub:
 
lauren grier said:
bogus! totally... tell them you'll do family portraits for them but can't do it at this time because you are only booked for preschool portraits.. or something gay like that.
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Ditto what La said.

I can't believe they even had the nerve to request that.
 
our photography club in highschool charged $15 for an 8x10, becuase we were just learning how to use manual cameras and develop b&w's and posing for portrature etc. Our fee let us buy chemicals, paper, etc. and no one got paid for their time. AND our club was subsaided by the school so we didn't have to chage much.

If they are asking for an 8x10 for $10 they are insane and that is an insult to you.
 
stayawake said:
our photography club in highschool charged $15 for an 8x10, becuase we were just learning how to use manual cameras and develop b&w's and posing for portrature etc. Our fee let us buy chemicals, paper, etc. and no one got paid for their time. AND our club was subsaided by the school so we didn't have to chage much.

If they are asking for an 8x10 for $10 they are insane and that is an insult to you.
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No they were asking for an 8x10 for $4....

LOL!!!

It was all just very rude. I don't think she understood that I was giving them really good rates because I was doing the whole preschool. No, this is not what I normally charge. Try $100 per hour for the sitting alone, and that's STILL really cheap!
 
Sadly, many people will take every opportunity to take advantage when they can. That being said, is there any chance that it was a simply miscommunication? Perhaps they asked a teacher or another parent if "buddy shots" included families and they were told yes.

I know thats stretching a bit, but I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.

Just remember this T.... you are an amazing photographer who is already giving them a discount. Don't give in. You're worth more than that! :)

xoxox
 
Heck no, don't give in...the cheapest package at L.J.'s preschool was $45!!

Maybe give them a business card with your information on how to contact you for a personal session.
 
Lilcameronsmommy said:
SThat being said, is there any chance that it was a simply miscommunication? Perhaps they asked a teacher or another parent if "buddy shots" included families and they were told yes.

I know thats stretching a bit, but I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt.
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No, this is the second page of the order form, check out the bottom left..LOL

back-brochure.jpg
 
wow what great package prices!

maybe that person was going on the "can't hurt to ask" philosophy. and maybe she heard you were a super sweet person :). But, of course, it would be ridiculous for you to do a family pic for that price.
 
That is just stupidness......I cannot believe that someone would ask for that if it was NOT an option.....stupidness I say!!!!
 
no your not wrong and you need to be firm. if someone wants family photos they can call you at blah blah blah and you can talk sitting fees and packages. :D
 
Good for you Traci! I hate when people try to take advantage of a good thing. So rude! I hope you charge her extra if she contacts you for portraits! ;)
 
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