I have a problem with a potential photoshoot...need help

[jfc3po]

So here is my dilemma.

A friend of mine has a friend who has a record label. They want me to shoot some promo pictures for them and they said they would pay.

My only problem is:

They want me to come to their house to talk about rates and what they want to do. I'm not a big fan of meeting people to talk business at their houses or at mine. It also does not help that they live in probably the worst area in the city I live in. I'm talking gun-shots are an everyday occurrence. Another thing is that they don't own a car, so they don't want to meet me somewhere else.

My question to you is:

Am I wrong by refusing to meet them at their house?

I mean this place is crawling with gang activity. My friend got angry with me and said that I just don't want to go because they're black and they live in the ghetto, but I would act the same way if they were white or asian and lived in the suburbs (I'm asian by the way). I just don't like doing business at my house or a clients house...I would much rather meet in a neutral location like a coffee shop or restaurant. It just doesn't help that they live in the area that they do.

Thanks for reading,

Jimmy

[heycow]

Never ever ever do anything you're not comfortable with. This isn't a photography rule, just a life rule. :D

[Salma]

Never ever ever do anything you're not comfortable with. This isn't a photography rule, just a life rule. :D
Very well said.

[jfc3po]

I couldn't agree more...I just figured it couldn't hurt to get other peoples' inputs.

My friend is a douche-bag who can't stand it when people don't do things his way

[jdouglas003]

So here is my dilemma.

A friend of mine has a friend who has a record label. They want me to shoot some promo pictures for them and they said they would pay.

My only problem is:

They want me to come to their house to talk about rates and what they want to do. I'm not a big fan of meeting people to talk business at their houses or at mine. It also does not help that they live in probably the worst area in the city I live in. I'm talking gun-shots are an everyday occurrence. Another thing is that they don't own a car, so they don't want to meet me somewhere else.

My question to you is:

Am I wrong by refusing to meet them at their house?

I mean this place is crawling with gang activity. My friend got angry with me and said that I just don't want to go because they're black and they live in the ghetto, but I would act the same way if they were white or asian and lived in the suburbs (I'm asian by the way). I just don't like doing business at my house or a clients house...I would much rather meet in a neutral location like a coffee shop or restaurant. It just doesn't help that they live in the area that they do.

Thanks for reading,

Jimmy

FWIW - I'm Black and I wouldn't go either, unless I felt safe. Sounds like a bad situation to me.

[LostShootingStar]

I would NEVER go there from the way you make it sound. There is no reason you can't either talk over the phone, email, etc. http://m08o1124znfu179.imageshacknow.info/img/2465/o09a0208gstn/POTNsmile.gif

[tidal9]

They have a record label, but no means of taking a bus somewhere?

[jfc3po]

They have a record label, but no means of taking a bus somewhere?

My thoughts exactly. They have the means, they just don't want to.

[Lightworks Imaging]

Good friend to have, I mean a "record label" and no car? How much can they really afford to pay? Is the gig that promising? Is there going to be a royalty or a recognition factor involved? This sounds like a no-brainier. Stay home, refine your craft, hold on to your gear, and wait for a client that can meet the demands of real world business.

[jfc3po]

Thanks for the advice guys.

[XterraJohn]

My friend got angry with me and said that I just don't want to go because they're black and they live in the ghetto

Not wanting to go to the ghetto sounds like a perfectly legitimate reason, to me, regardless of if they are black, white or purple.

[cdifoto]

They own a record label but they can't get a ride to a meeting? LOL. Dude you'd never get paid.

[octospit]

Never ever ever do anything you're not comfortable with. This isn't a photography rule, just a life rule. :D

Very well said.

yes, i agree!

they have to leave the house sometime, maybe for a party or hanging out with friends elsewhere. then just meet them there. if it's important to them and to you, there will be a solution. good luck!