BE THE BEST BUDGET CLIENT
“Why is it so hard to find a good photographer when I’m on a tight budget?!”
Because the stereotypical “budget client scenario” is that budget clients demand extreme service for rock-bottom pay and high risk. There’s a lot that goes into that, so let’s get into how YOU can help your photographer say YES (or at least “let’s talk terms”), even if your pockets aren’t deep.
Note: Having disposable money and not wanting to spend it is just bargain-hunting. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if this is you, you don’t NEED a cheaper rate. You just WANT one. Find a photographer whose work comes with a price you’re willing to pay. If you truly have a NEED, keep reading!
Be grateful. Tell them how much you appreciate them working within your budget. Let them know you understand their usual packaging and pricing and that with reduced payment may come a reduced product or service.
Be proactive in communicating. Return messages promptly. Ask questions before they become an issue. If something comes up, speak up sooner rather than later. But also be respectful of their time. They likely have multiple clients to communicate with. Send your messages promptly, but allow grace in the response time.
Do everything you can to avoid rescheduling. Remember, your photographer could have booked a full-price client for your spot. Don’t make them regret it. If it’s really unavoidable, say so.
Stick to your agreement. Ask all questions BEFORE signing. Once the terms are set, don’t wheel-and-deal to try to get more than what you already bargained for. Oversights are of course another matter, but moving the goalpost will likely burn bridges.
Pay on time or early. Communicate proactively if something serious comes up. This builds trust.
If you have issues with your images, ask yourself if you got what you paid for according to the terms of the agreement. If the answer is no, or if you simply want to explore if the photographer might be open to renegotiation, proceed politely, keeping point #1 in mind.
Don’t be a thief! Screenshotting images is stealing. Downloading and then filing for chargeback/ asking for a refund is stealing. If you get the images without paying for them, it’s stealing.
Say Thank You! If/ when you share images, tag them (unless they've asked you not to). Be sure to mention how much you appreciate the photographer's work & compassion, and acknowledge that there were special circumstances (so that others don't assume they can piggyback on your rate).
WHY DOES ALL THIS MATTER?
Many (dare I say most) photographers DO have a heart. If you can show them you have a need and understand the red flags that often come with budget clients, and show true appreciation for their consideration, it’ll go a long way to getting a YES (or at least a “let’s talk terms”).
Being a GREAT budget client can actually be a foot in the door. Proving you’re reliable and enjoyable to work with can actually give you an advantage when booking, even over other clients who might pay more but be more difficult. Similar to a landlord favoring a reliable tenant with a lower rate, over finding a new flaky tenant with a higher rate. Especially if your images turn out to be fabulous portfolio contributions.
Being a GREAT budget client can also get you some referrals to other photographers who may be willing to talk terms with you. Photographers talk to each other. If one says “this client needs a reduced rate, but they’re AWESOME to work with! I’m busy the day they want, can YOU help them out this time?” is a BIG endorsement! And having a working relationship with multiple photographers increases your chance of getting the availability you want in the future.
Good Photographers can be expensive and often hesitate to work with budget clients. So if YOU manage to score a photographer who is willing to work within your budget, BE THE BEST BUDGET CLIENT EVER!
