Fuusy Kids=Redo session??

I agree with offering a second chance, but I also agree with making them come to you. That's part of not being perceived as a push-over. Tell the parents it just seemed like a difficult morning for the kids, and you'd like to offer another session. If you charge a sitting fee, I might do the second for half price.

Greg

Personally I would reshoot the sitting. Maybe try a different approach, and let the parents know ahead of time what your ideas are. Sometimes kids will behave better if their parents aren't around, so maybe one of the adults can help you with crowd control while the other parents stay in the house. Get great individual shots of each of the kids and suggest a collage print as a alternative, sometimes the parents will go for this. Best of luck.....

I find that my best kid pictures are candids. It's very hard to get a young child to sit still. Parents can't expect their 2-year-old to sit still. Just try to get them to laugh. Play peek-a-boo and hide behind your camera. They love that

Did you not say anything during the session to the parents when the kids were acting up?

That could have covered your bases WHILE the problem was occuring.

While the kids are in the middle of the yard throwing fits, i would have gone over to the parents and had them look at the LCD on your camera while you say. "Hi Ms. So and so, im having a bit of difficulty getting some of the shots that we discussed in a level of quality that I would feel comfortable with since the kids seem to be a bit unhappy at the moment. Would you be able to assist in helping me settle them so I can capture the shots that I know we can get."

Then, when the parents try to settle them down, they will see that you ARENT going to get good shots and then you and them can come to an agreement on how to go forth (whether its a reshoot for additional money or they are happy with some of the previews on the LCD...)

Either way, you should really address the issue WHILE its happening with the client. Its not very professional to come back a couple days later after processing the photos and say. "Woops, it doenst look like I captured any shots that i feel are acceptable, we need to do it again and i might need more money"

People understand the situation more when they are currently experiencing it (i.e. seeing the kids acting up)

I just think you may have hurt the situation more by NOT communicating it clearer during the shoot. Clear, concise, and HONEST communication is extremely imortant in ALL businesses.

If YOU were the person paying for the photos, you would want the photographer to be honest and communicate clearly with you about the situation. ESPECIALLY if you decide to ask for a bit more money. As long as everyone is on the same page and understand the situation, clients have an easier time spending a bit more money and have a better experience

Lindsi,

I can't tell you how many times this occured to me. I freakin hate it. BUT if you go back over at a better time, have fun with the litlle monsters first, show them your camera and make sure you get on their level physically.

You will get great shots. I don't know about you but I really hate to think there is something I can;t overcome. I know that it is a PITA but reshoot it again, no reshoot charge. Let the parents know that we are going to change the shoot though. Diff location, not formal stuff, just the kids playing togeather and when they get used to you, thats when you do your group shot. You will only get one or two images at best.

I know, I know I am usually all about business first. But in between your lines I understand your pain.

BE ABSOLUTELY SILLY - KIDS LOVE IT. Then if you have too print this as a collage add borders and print it large. When they break your eggs, make omlettes.

Either way I hope you kick butt

Les Baldwin