JChrome
Street Worker
Let's say your sister in-law comes into town and tells you that you have been nominated to photograph her 7 year old daughter in a white dress with tulle around the city of NYC.
How would you feel?
Also, it may be important to note that this sister in-law is very interested in her daughter's beauty and puts her into pageants and such... So the intent of the photography is relatively clear.
How would you feel?
Also, it may be important to note that this sister in-law is very interested in her daughter's beauty and puts her into pageants and such... So the intent of the photography is relatively clear.
John E Earley
Tuol Sleng S21-0174
I get the feeling you aren't interested in photographing the "princess."
Santtu Määttänen
Visual Poet
With that intent, I wouldn't do it. But that's just my priorities and principles talking. Otherwise, it would depend on contract and money involved 
FrankS
Registered User
Depends on your relationship.
photomoof
Fischli & Weiss Sculpture
"I just don't do that sort of thing I would make a mess of it." Send it as a text message.
mdarnton
Well-known
Bonus: you have at least one family member who knows that having a cell phone doesn't mean one is a Photographer.
Now she needs to learn about specialization. Just have her look at your blog, and ask her if that's what she had in mind, because it's what you do. Best guess is that she doesn't want her daughter looking like a camping stove left with the garbage on the curb
Or do what photomoof said. When people ask me to do weddings, I just politely respond "I don't want you to hate me."
Now she needs to learn about specialization. Just have her look at your blog, and ask her if that's what she had in mind, because it's what you do. Best guess is that she doesn't want her daughter looking like a camping stove left with the garbage on the curb
Or do what photomoof said. When people ask me to do weddings, I just politely respond "I don't want you to hate me."
Darthfeeble
But you can call me Steve
When my granddaughter got married I told her that that isn't the type of photography I do and that I'm not good at it and to get someone who was because she deserved better than what I would be able to do. She accepted that.
zauhar
Veteran
Accept it as a challenge! God knows what you will be able to achieve. And if it's a catastrophe (but how could it be?) she will never ask for your 'help' again .
I see no downside.
Randy
I see no downside.
Randy
Dektol Dan
Well-known
Never Miss an Opportunity
Never Miss an Opportunity
Best thing that could happen: you get some cracker shots.
Next best thing: You have a bad shoot and they go away.
Most uncomfortable thing: they like what you do and ask you to volunteer forever. (what happens to me)
Never Miss an Opportunity
Best thing that could happen: you get some cracker shots.
Next best thing: You have a bad shoot and they go away.
Most uncomfortable thing: they like what you do and ask you to volunteer forever. (what happens to me)
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
Go ahead and do it. Sounds better than mowing the lawn.
bayernfan
Well-known
is your sister in-law a supporter of your photography work? does she take interest in it?
if so, i'd take it as a compliment and make some nice portraits for her.
if she has no interest in your work and is simply looking for cheap (family-discount) portraits, i'd politely decline.
if so, i'd take it as a compliment and make some nice portraits for her.
if she has no interest in your work and is simply looking for cheap (family-discount) portraits, i'd politely decline.
Bill Clark
Veteran
I would have fun making the photos.
rscheffler
Well-known
Seeing as how you appear to strictly shoot film, if you're going to do it, and on film, stipulate that she is to cover your film and processing costs. I would guess many people now equate photography with digital, which in their minds means no consumables costs (of course there are costs)... So they assume they'll just be using you for your 'free' time.
In general, whether to do this or not, IMO, would boil down a lot to your spouse. How will it affect your relationship with her? Also, what is the relationship with the SIL in respect to how you use each other for favors? Do you owe her for anything, like their hospitality during past visits to their place, etc.?
Maybe also stipulate that if you're going to do images in the style she wants/likes, that you also get to do images in the style you like. I could see this being rather interesting with the various settings NYC offers... Whether or not a 7-year-old will like this and play along is another matter.
FWIW, my GF has nominated me for a variety of baby, engagement and portrait shoots of her friends, etc. I go along with it since it usually means not having to spend actual cash on costly gifts (I am strictly a digital photographer, so no film/processing costs). Yes, sometimes the gifts would be an easier out, but the photos are so much more personalized than anything that can be bought off the shelf.
In general, whether to do this or not, IMO, would boil down a lot to your spouse. How will it affect your relationship with her? Also, what is the relationship with the SIL in respect to how you use each other for favors? Do you owe her for anything, like their hospitality during past visits to their place, etc.?
Maybe also stipulate that if you're going to do images in the style she wants/likes, that you also get to do images in the style you like. I could see this being rather interesting with the various settings NYC offers... Whether or not a 7-year-old will like this and play along is another matter.
FWIW, my GF has nominated me for a variety of baby, engagement and portrait shoots of her friends, etc. I go along with it since it usually means not having to spend actual cash on costly gifts (I am strictly a digital photographer, so no film/processing costs). Yes, sometimes the gifts would be an easier out, but the photos are so much more personalized than anything that can be bought off the shelf.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
"No." is a complete sentence...or if you want to be a little more polite..."No, thank you."
Brian Legge
Veteran
Just because you shoot a photo doesn't mean she gets it. I'd probably try to decline, tell her that it isn't your subject matter. If she's pushy, consider doing it but focus on the shot of the kid being a kid. Give the mother the shots you think are good ones and hold on to them.
Who knows - 15 years from now that kid may want some innocent, normal shots of their childhood and it sounds like the parent may not be the type to keep those photos around.
Who knows - 15 years from now that kid may want some innocent, normal shots of their childhood and it sounds like the parent may not be the type to keep those photos around.
Spanik
Well-known
I only do nudes...
Godfrey
somewhat colored
"Thank you for asking but no. I don't do that sort of photography."
G
G
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
I don't do weddings or portraits. I have made exceptions to my 'no weddings' stance twice in recent years for a couple of my cousins who really, truly couldn't afford to hire photographers. I have a good relationship with both of them, so I was happy to help, and they were very appreciative of my help.
There are others in my family who try to get free work for me, even though they can afford to pay someone, and I turn them down. Partly because they have plenty of money and partly because they're assholes who would nitpick the photos to death and bitch about them till they die. Hell, NO!
There are others in my family who try to get free work for me, even though they can afford to pay someone, and I turn them down. Partly because they have plenty of money and partly because they're assholes who would nitpick the photos to death and bitch about them till they die. Hell, NO!
jarski
Veteran
think the alternative. she try snapping the photos with a samsung or iphone. I'd do it.
as Frank mentioned, depends relationship as well.
as Frank mentioned, depends relationship as well.
John Bragg
Well-known
+1 to what Randy said. Pushing the boundaries is how to learn. Accept the challenge and amaze yourself !