Business Ethics

So, this Saturday one of my clients (Turlock National Little League) booked me all day from 8am-8pm. It's a long, long day of shooting Little League kids for their parents. It pays well, and it's steady. I made my commitment to be there.


Not two hours later, I get a call from a friend who needs my help on a wedding the same day. The interesting part about it was that it was for a bride on the TV show "Bridezillas'. The couple is gorgeous, and the gig would pay HUGE. It would be an awesome portfolio piece, and I get experience with a TV broadcast crew and a reality show.


However... I had to turn it down. As much as I really wanted to do it, I didn't have the heart to break the commitment with my long-term client with the Little League. I feel sick about the missed opportunity, but I can't help but to think I did the right thing.

I guess I'm just looking for some support here that I'm doing the right thing. What would you do?

I'm not a pro photographer but I do have a business that's highly dependent on customer service and repeat business. I've always felt its more important to take care of my existing customers first and chase new customers second. I would have done the same thing.

You did the right thing, no doubt about it.

Thanks guys. That helps me feel a little better.

i'd get my second shooter to go do the little league gig and go do the high paying one.

or vice versa

First Booked .. First Served, Period...

You start flaking out on your commitments and you'll be done faster than you can say "Sub It Out."

Trust Me, You did the right thing.

I also agree that you made the right choice.

I think you did the right thing!
Money isn't everything... happy clients are!

Mhappy wrote in post #10207626
I think you did the right thing!
Money isn't everything... happy clients are!

Happy Clients = More Money

Thanks guys. I went as far as to recommend some photogs that I've worked with to the wedding client. Hopefully they'll get some work from it.

For what it's worth, Reality TV, Isn't anything like reality.

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #10207679
For what it's worth, Reality TV, Isn't anything like reality.

lol, I know. But I thought it would be kinda cool to have in my portfolio. Pretty cool conversation starter.

JoePhotoOnline wrote in post #10207690
lol, I know. But I thought it would be kinda cool to have in my portfolio. Pretty cool conversation starter.

After 23 years in Television and Five of these...

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Karl Johnston wrote in post #10207605
i'd get my second shooter to go do the little league gig and go do the high paying one.

or vice versa

This would be an option providing the clients agree. I have found that when someone is booking you, well they are booking you not your assistant. Unless you are a larger organization and they are booking them based on the name of the organization, I think the OP made the right call.

I would not bail on a customer if a higher paid job came along. Do this a few times and you could get yourself a bad name and we all know how quickly that this can happen in this industry.

ssim wrote in post #10207841
This would be an option providing the clients agree. I have found that when someone is booking you, well they are booking you not your assistant. Unless you are a larger organization and they are booking them based on the name of the organization, I think the OP made the right call.

I would not bail on a customer if a higher paid job came along. Do this a few times and you could get yourself a bad name and we all know how quickly that this can happen in this industry.

Exactly... and that's why I did it. I've heard of reputations, and seen them, fall fast from unreliable people.

And besides, I have fun the little leagues guys. And their parents really enjoy my work.

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