Go ahead or pull out?

saltireblue

saltireblue

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Malc
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I have been approached by a musical duo I know to cover their upcoming concert as they want some good images they can use. They are covering my cost of entry to the venue, and food & drink for the evening (they have a bar/restaurant where we will have dinner before the concert start) plus an agreed fee.
I have done a lot of live gigs, so know what I am doing.
I have learned that they have approached another photographer for the same reason on the same terms.
This makes me feel uneasy as it feels like I will be in a head-to-head competition with the other photographer. I don't think the couple should have done this and see it as very poor practice. I mean, you wouldn't hire competing photographers for your wedding, would you?

I am thinking of pulling out. Am I overreacting, or should I go ahead? Opinions, please.
 
I'm not a pro so this is just a personal gut feeling off the top of my head, so to speak.

It makes no difference to your fee so why lose out?
 
simon ess said:
I'm not a pro so this is just a personal gut feeling off the top of my head, so to speak.

It makes no difference to your fee so why lose out?
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That's one way of looking at it, Simon...I just don't like the way they have done this. They didn't mention they were hiring someone else....
 
chrism8 said:
It seems like your being reasonably well rewarded for your time / effort / skills so I would do what the duo are asking for
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Can't argue about being reasonably renumerated...thanks for your input, Chris.
TimHughes said:
I don’t have the full picture, but sense a slight over reaction. I agree they have not communicated well.
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Thanks, Tim...I have a nagging suspicion that I may well be overreacting, but really wanted reassurance one way or the other.
 
Are the pictures part of the contract? If they are, then exclusivity doesn't really make any difference.
It is reasonable they would want multi coverage; normally one would look for a contract that could provide both (i.e. ask if you have/could get a second), but if they already know you work alone...
 
Maybe they like both your styles for different reasons and want a choice of images.

It doesn't directly affect you, so just do the job as you would have done anyway.
 
Thanks for all the responses....

I think the thing to do is take their money, food and drink, do as good a job as I always do and forget about the amateur way they have gone about this.
At the end of the day the worst that can happen is that they prefer his images over mine and I can live with that.

Getting this down in writing and discussed has helped me decide.:)
 
Perhaps they have been let down in the past ,so there covering there options
 
There is a third option here which would give more clarity - open a simple dialogue. It sounds like communication could be improved with the client and that could be done beforehand by either party. Would you be better prepared for the evening knowing more about the motives rather than as it is?

(Caveat: not a professional photographer.)
 
CavGez said:
There is a third option here which would give more clarity - open a simple dialogue. It sounds like communication could be improved with the client and that could be done beforehand by either party. Would you be better prepared for the evening knowing more about the motives rather than as it is?

(Caveat: not a professional photographer.)
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I have agreed to have a chat with them when I get there, without the other tog around, in order to get an idea of what their photo expectations and wants are. I shall bring up the matter then. Amongst other things, I will ask why they engage two official photographers.
 
Discussing and agreeing a plan is a good idea. I wouldn’t worry. Even if you are standing in the same spot with the same kit your results will be different. From the clients point of view it’s good to have a couple of photographers for more variety of pictures.
 
Can you afford to walk away from paid work, and any possible follow ups ?
Not to mention the chance to network, gain more experience, add some quality to your own portfolio etc.
Is it just your ego that's been damaged (understandably)?

If your available, I'd recommend doing the gig, and make sure your shots are better than any one else could do.
 
Craikeybaby said:
My advice would be to talk to the clients, and the other photographer, to work together and make sure that you aren't getting the same shots etc.
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I agree - I have shot Weddings and Proms with other independent Photographers being there - I still got paid and most of my post shoot images were used - Talk to him/her and as Lewis rightly said :):rolleyes:


Les
 
its just a job...take the money and run as long as you have contracts in place prior to the shoot i wouldnt have a problem, its hard enough making money from band shoots never mind 2 togs making money from the same shoot so id have something in black and white or even better paid up front ...dont forget your earplugs if your down the front
 
Time to update this thread. The concert was on Saturday, and everything went smoothly. It was obvious the other photographer and I had different shooting styles. He was concentrating on 'normal' front of stage gig images, whereas I was shooting from everywhere - there was access at both sides of the stage so the possibility of shooting more detailed shots, like the keyboard player's hands with the flautist oof in the bg. I was always looking at the juxtaposition of the duo.

I decided in the end not to broach the subject of hiring 2 togs, as there will be the possibility of more work with them. Their initial responses to my images was, "Wow! You're a wizard, Malc! You've understood our mood and your images connect with our music fantastically" It paid to get there early and have a decent chat with them and understand where they were coming from artistically.

Thanks for all your input and thoughts!
I think my initial reaction was the result of my own insecurity and self-doubt - something I have had to live with and learn to cope with...
 
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