Episode 132: How to Handle UNHAPPY Couples (When It’s Not Your Fault)

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It’s that time of year again: WEDDING SEASON! If you’re a wedding photographer, you are right in the thick of busy weekends, back-and-forth communication, and a big editing queue. It's beautiful. It’s exhausting. And emotions are high.

So what do you do when emotions are a little bit too high? In this episode, I tackle the topic of the indecisive (and unhappy) client.

Framing the Situation

• One year ago your clients (both spouses!) signed your wedding photography contract and you had them list out all the shots they wanted for their big day.

• Fast forward to their wedding and kids are running everywhere, family isn't anywhere to be found, and the bride just wants to get photos done because they are running behind schedule.

• You pull out that family photo list they created 60 days prior and—because people are not where they are supposed to be—your client tells you to skip a few shots and that “it really isn't a big deal”. You do your best to persuade them to get all the photos on your list, but they insist on moving on.

Sound familiar? It’s par for the course in wedding photography…

On gallery delivery day they are upset because they wish they would have had that cousin shot they originally asked for. Even worse, they demand a refund because they claim you did not deliver what was in the poses list. What are you supposed to do?!

You Win More Bees With Honey

You always want to handle this kind of situation with kindness. It’s important to try to retain the relationship (and hopefully get some good reviews). With that being said, there are steps you can take to be kind AND protect your own business from situations like this- namely, having a strong contract!

More From This Episode

Tune in to Episode 132 and learn the exact clauses you need to have in your contract to protect you from this scenario, what I would personally say to a couple in this situation, an offer you may want to consider giving your couple when you miss shots on their wedding day, and what you can do if the bride absolutely insists on a refund.

Photographers, press play on this one! And if you’re craving even more community? Be sure to join The Legal Paige Facebook Group where thousands of entrepreneurs just like you are getting real-time answers about running a professionally and legally legit business.