The Importance of Having a Meeting

Why clear communication matters for photographers and clients.

Over the years, I’ve noticed that clients often remember to book the photographer at the last minute and rarely explain what they actually want. I often hear, “I have seen your work; I trust your judgement.” While this sounds flattering, it can easily lead to misunderstandings if expectations aren’t clarified from the start.

I’ve been hired more than once in situations like this: “We hired someone else, but didn’t like the results. We want something different, but our budget is tight because we already paid another photographer.” This is exactly why expectations should be clear from the very beginning.

For example, not long ago, I completed a job in which the client was thrilled with the photos and requested only minor adjustments to the lighting. After making those changes, everything went smoothly, and the project wrapped up perfectly.

This week, the same client sent a last-minute message: “Do you have more photos of the Christmas decoration? Can you send me everything you have ASAP?” I didn’t have many Christmas shots because it was a last-minute addition, never discussed in the meeting or email exchanges. The client accepted my explanation, and things seemed fine.

Then, later that week, I got another email: “Can we have the raw files?” Since it was the second time I’d have to say “no,” I decided to call and explain. I told them I don’t usually send raw files and that, if this was important, it should have been discussed before the shoot, as it changes the scope and cost of the project. I also offered to make any additional edits they needed.

Their response caught me off guard: “The photos are not good; we can’t use them. That’s why we want the raw files.” I was shocked, especially because the client had already used and praised the photos for other purposes. Suddenly, the photos weren’t “good” anymore simply because they didn’t fit a new, previously unmentioned project. This experience reinforced how vital it is to discuss photo usage and expectations upfront.

So I thought sharing the story would maybe help to understand the photographer’s side a little more:

1. Photographers are people, too. If you like the work, be clear and consistent with your feedback. Constructive criticism is always welcome, but sudden negative changes—especially for reasons outside the original agreement—can be discouraging.
2. I once read, “If your photographer doesn’t ask about your brand, they shouldn’t be photographing your product.” I fully agree. But clients also need to know what they want, how they’ll use the photos, and to communicate their goals or show examples.
3. Asking for raw files is like going to a restaurant and requesting the uncooked ingredients instead of the finished meal. That’s not what you’re paying for; you want the final, polished result.

Every industry has its own rules, and misunderstandings can happen. If you’re self-employed, it’s crucial to value your work, understand your worth, and maintain mutual respect between client and provider. I don’t expect clients to know every detail of the process, but getting upset by a reasonable explanation—or by hearing “no”—can be frustrating.