Re: Travel Expenses...Me or Client?

Hi Jeffrey:

When you are shooting on spec you usually pay your own way with the hope that you'll not just impress the client with your talents but also that you are secure enough in your business to be able to shoot on spec. If you do great then your new client will know that they have to pay it all in the future; but they've probably done this before.

If your client is a newbie then they'll appreciate any knowledge you can give them, short of giving away the job, in how to handle future jobs. I take along Talent Releases, Location, Children, and Expense Agreements -- all sorts of releases so that I know I can cover myself and that there are no further business questions to ask nor answer.

If you gave a quote I'd recommend you stick to the quote to look more dependable and educated in the business. If you call back and start adding one item the client may expect in the back of their mind that you may call back with other little updates as you go along. Don't take advantage, and absorb your forgetfulness as a lesson learned.

If the client comments when you get there about your travel expenses you can either say you forgot (nope) or that you shoot spec as spec; with this honesty they may reimburse you or come to some other agreement with you concerning your "good will" as a spec shooter. Maybe they'll buy you lunch AND give you the shoot.

Repeat business is what you need these days to keep it in the bank instead of their pockets.

I hope you work things out and your honesty pays you back.

Director: The Photo College.com teaching all what they love about capturing things, then letting them go into the eyes of others.