Last night, with all intentions of settling down to read a good book, I found myself instead thinking (once again) about the work I do and a recent conversation with another photographer who called me to vent. As with any business, there is often discussion with one’s peers, including the usual grumbling and griping, sharing of stories, etc. This particular discussion involved the photographer’s frustration with the realtor’s expectations for the photos. Apparently, about 2 hours after shooting the property, the realtor called the photographer in a panic and wanted to know how soon the pictures would be available as there was a deadline needing to be met, when the tour was going to be posted, how she could get the pictures to use in print materials, indicated several specific sizes were needed for print and online, wanted to know if a brochure was included, asked which and how many sites the tour would be syndicated to, etc., etc., etc. At the time I empathized with the photographer as the realtor’s questions (unknowingly) caused a great deal of stress.
Incidents like this jolt me back to my beginnings as an educator. A lack of knowledge or understanding often (but not always) indicates the failure to communicate and confirm that information has been received and understood. Regardless of one’s role as a teacher, student, realtor, salesperson, photographer, homeowner, buyer, lawyer or Indian chief it behooves all of us as professionals to clearly communicate with those we work and do business with if we want to be successful. Had the photographer discussed the particulars regarding photography services with the client/realtor prior to the shoot and asked relevant questions about her particular needs, much of the frustration and distress felt by both parties could have been completely avoided.
I can also empathize with the realtor in this situation – perhaps this was the first time she had hired a professional photographer for a listing, didn’t know which questions to ask, assumed the photographer would intuitively know what she wanted and needed and when, was feeling distressed herself because the printer and marketing department needed the photos ASAP, she wasn’t able to adequately answer the homeowner’s questions regarding the photography, or was stressed because she had a sick child at home. Regardless, communication and education about each other’s needs and expectations should occur prior to any service being agreed upon. Making the assumption that someone knows what is needed is a disservice and will most likely result in dissatisfaction between the parties.
As a photographer and business owner, the more I know about your needs the better I am able to serve you and meet or exceed your expectations. So let’s talk!
