F*ing Clients
Out of context: Reply #14
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- noneck0
These things always suck. At least you have the necessary tools in place (your contract).
First, always correspond with your clients in a very professional manner. Especially when they're being jackasses. Avoid the phone, stick to email with a "paper trail." Always assume that your correspondence will leak to someone else, like a prospective client.
Maybe ask what happened. Tell them you're confused, you felt that things were going well, and you're not sure what's occured to cause this. Is there any way to resolve the situation? Be friendly.
Secondly, offer to sell them the FLA. Put a high price on it. Tell them you wouldn't normally consider this, but you'll do it in light of the great relationship you've enjoyed thus far (which may be a complete lie).
Next, they'll get pissed because you won't just give it to them or charge a nominal fee. Point out that this isn't something you do, and the FLA contains proprietary work. It's worth alot. Also, ask them how much they charge to give out the RAWs from their shoots. Most photographers don't give them out at all, ever.
Most likely they'll just tell you to go fuck yourself. But hey, you tried everything, and were a professional the whole time. And no, they can't have the deposit back.
Show the site in your portfolio anyways.