Ultra
8th of May 2007 (Tue), 17:51
Hiring on the spot?
How would you handle it?
Here's my story from this past weekend:
I recently attended a hair show with a friend over the weekend and I brought my camera and minimal gear just to do some practice/freelance pics for myself and testing out low light settings without flash while working on candids and composition.
After spending a few hours there I was ready to leave when two of the event coordinators enthusiastically (and literally) grabbed me and begged me to take pics of their awards ceremony. I was slightly hesitant as I didnt have all my gear (especially lighting) nor did I have all my memory cards/batteries with me. Also I am in the process of setting up my business, website, business cards etc etc but I dont have anything tangible to promote myself as a professional (which was somewhat embarrassing due to all the attention and inquiries I received).
Anyway I proceeded with taking the pictures and when I was done they asked me to return the next day which was a Monday. Problem! I have my day job plus I'm on call this week (IT system engineer). So I got the guys phone number and told him I'd give him a call later in the evening to confirm or cancel. He was so adamant about having a photographer on Monday that he asked me if I knew any amateurs or friends who could take the pics. By the way the man who approached me was the the VP of the company (Bronner Brothers - http://www.bronnerbros.com/) who was hosting the show. And not only was he the VP but the son of Founder, in essence hes a Bronner - so I made myself a great contact. When I called, I explained my day job situation and would love to take the pics for him but would need a nice incentive to miss a few hours away from my job...he said no problem :)
So on my drive home I spent 45 mins on the phone talking to my girlfriend who is also my business partner about the situation and we decided I would do it. The VP of Bronner Bros told me they only needed me for 30 mins to take pictures of the awards but the location was over 40 miles from my job so the next obstacle was to have someone cover for me while I was out taking the pics.
I explained the situation to my boss who was extremely understanding and I was able to make it out and cover the awards. Client was extremely happy even though they havent received the pics yet. I was also given their accounting reps contact info so I know where to send the invoice and pictures. I sent an email this morning with the invoice and asked how they wanted their photos (online or cd) but havent heard anything back yet (crossing my fingers).
I had so many things going through my head during the moment I'm not sure I did everything as professional as possible as in: getting them to sign a contract on the spot? getting paid on the spot? signing any release forms?
Thoughts? What would you have done differently?
thanks in advance
How would you handle it?
Here's my story from this past weekend:
I recently attended a hair show with a friend over the weekend and I brought my camera and minimal gear just to do some practice/freelance pics for myself and testing out low light settings without flash while working on candids and composition.
After spending a few hours there I was ready to leave when two of the event coordinators enthusiastically (and literally) grabbed me and begged me to take pics of their awards ceremony. I was slightly hesitant as I didnt have all my gear (especially lighting) nor did I have all my memory cards/batteries with me. Also I am in the process of setting up my business, website, business cards etc etc but I dont have anything tangible to promote myself as a professional (which was somewhat embarrassing due to all the attention and inquiries I received).
Anyway I proceeded with taking the pictures and when I was done they asked me to return the next day which was a Monday. Problem! I have my day job plus I'm on call this week (IT system engineer). So I got the guys phone number and told him I'd give him a call later in the evening to confirm or cancel. He was so adamant about having a photographer on Monday that he asked me if I knew any amateurs or friends who could take the pics. By the way the man who approached me was the the VP of the company (Bronner Brothers - http://www.bronnerbros.com/) who was hosting the show. And not only was he the VP but the son of Founder, in essence hes a Bronner - so I made myself a great contact. When I called, I explained my day job situation and would love to take the pics for him but would need a nice incentive to miss a few hours away from my job...he said no problem :)
So on my drive home I spent 45 mins on the phone talking to my girlfriend who is also my business partner about the situation and we decided I would do it. The VP of Bronner Bros told me they only needed me for 30 mins to take pictures of the awards but the location was over 40 miles from my job so the next obstacle was to have someone cover for me while I was out taking the pics.
I explained the situation to my boss who was extremely understanding and I was able to make it out and cover the awards. Client was extremely happy even though they havent received the pics yet. I was also given their accounting reps contact info so I know where to send the invoice and pictures. I sent an email this morning with the invoice and asked how they wanted their photos (online or cd) but havent heard anything back yet (crossing my fingers).
I had so many things going through my head during the moment I'm not sure I did everything as professional as possible as in: getting them to sign a contract on the spot? getting paid on the spot? signing any release forms?
Thoughts? What would you have done differently?
thanks in advance