Being Told What to Photograph

I've noticed people get manipulative when they're trying to get you to take pictures for them. Trying to manipulate me into it is a dealbreaker. I tell them it's more trouble then I want to bother with.

This person doesn't simply ask you. She comes to you with a decision made for you, by others (nominated implies multiple voters), who you would presumably upset if you refused.
 
It should be about the girl, not her mom. Take the challenge on the premise that the mom does not come along to stage manage. 7 year olds like dressing up and being the center of attention. They don't like their mom hovering, telling them where to sit or stand. If you can make it a fun adventure around town for her the pictures will turn out fine.
 
I can understand your feeling. Yesterday my wife came home & told me about the wonderful opportunity I have before me to photograph a Semi-Pro football game Saturday afternoon (today).She couldn't understand that my lenses aren't the right focal length to grab the type of shots I'd hope to get. My longest lens is a 135mm. Plus I shoot film & don't even own a DSLR. The cost of processing the film would be on me & really my heart had never been into shooting a football game. Not soccer but American football.
 
Well if the obnoxious little **** is gonna pull on your nose and kick you in the shins then I'd take a pass as well.
More than likely the child is not the devil's spawn but rather a sweet kid with an overbearing mother. No mom on the photo shoot. Get to know your subject, forget what her mom thinks, take photos.
Let us know if you get anything.
 
Being told what to do...

Being told what to do...

Hi,

As I see it, anyone with a sister-in-law must have a wife and so the experience shouldn't be new, nor the solution; meaning say "yes dear" and walk off muttering...

Regards, David

PS Or as has been said, see it as a challenge.
 
Getting told what to photograph is what I do for a living. Of course I get paid for it, and my extended family pays me for family portraits, at a discount from my normal fee. They know and appreciate that this is what I do for a living.
 
Well, Mr Chrome, I see a lot of people here who say they would be jumping at such an opportunity. It seems that your next job is to start sending personal messages to see if any of them live in NYC and are available on the desired day.
 
It depends on the relationship and the vibe I had with the S-in-law. If they truly like the way I photograph and keep it casual and fun, sure...why not. However, if I'm getting bossed around and they expect too much (unrealistic expectations), then hell no.

I've done this stuff before and had fun. The person was truly happy and I learned that I could photograph something I generally never photograph (exercise / dancing). Of course, they do not think about the time you gave them, but ....sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do for (extended) family. Also, they will expect to see every photo and will not understand the concept of editing down to get the best.

However, if you're not confident in your skills, and it causes you anxiety, then politely declining isn't a bad option (and I mean this in a positive way).
 
I wouldn't like it, and would probably say, "I'm just not much of a people photographer. If you need a picture of a steam locomotive, let me know."
 
JChrome said:
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.
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Just say "No". I've done it and "no" works just fine.
Let people get as pi$$ed off as much as they desire.
So what.

(Obviously I have a problem with people taking me for granted and assuming that my time and work are at their disposal).
 
Ha! I see nothing BUT downsides. Never accept a challenge. Life is too short and in-laws are not wanting a challenge performance.

Like Chris, I no longer do weddings or portraits. Same reasons. I also broke my own rules to help a friend who could no longer afford an expensive wedding, twice!!! I am glad I did but it is a lot of work with a lot of risk.

I politely decline similar requests.:p
 
Ko.Fe. said:
I'll feel fantastic. Someone asks me to take pictures. WOOOOW!
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haha :)

Hey, she's only 7, how long can she last?

If you are burnt out with photography, then pass. If you have gear you like and enjoy shooting it, why not?

As to the beauty obsession, potentially very interesting aspect.
 
I'd be petrified.
In your shoes, I'd make a recommendation rather than taking it on myself.

In my case, my wife takes excellently interesting people portraits. I on the other hand take pictures of unconventional landscapes and "cityscapes", and old, dilapidated stuff.
 
It's all very subjective, and depends how you really feel about it.

I work in a hotel and some photos they take are strict and not my kinda thing, but I have to follow rules...and this I why I have MY photography, and then there's photography for other people......
 
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