Why Photographers Sometimes Fire Clients (Yes, It Happens)

It’s not a topic most photographers talk about openly, but here’s the truth: sometimes, we have to “fire” a client.

And while that might sound harsh, it’s actually about protecting the integrity of the work, the client experience, and—let’s be real— sanity.

I believe photography is built on trust!

When you hire me, you’re not just paying for a service. You’re inviting me into your story, trusting me to see it, feel it, and preserve it with care. That relationship works best when both of us are showing up with respect, kindness clear understanding of each other.

So, why would a photographer (including me) decide it’s time to part ways with a client?

1. Disrespect or Mistreatment

This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it needs to be said. If a client is rude, dismissive, or consistently disrespectful—towards me, my equipment, or even my time—it’s a sign the relationship isn’t healthy. I treat every client with kindness, respect their time and treat any items brought to session with care so I expect the same in return.

Here are some REAL experiences Disrespect and Mistreatment that I have faced from clients who I have Fired aka never working with again (some might actually shock you):

• At a Wedding I shot a few years back I was taking cocktail hour photos while the couple was thanking all their loved ones for coming. During this time I was chatting with guests hearing stories of the couple (which I always love) snapping in the moment photos when a very very intoxicated wedding guest came up to me and starting making very sexualized comments about my camera harness. I told them to stop and to walk away which they did not. They followed me for an half hour and my patiens was at its end. Before I could tell the couple - the Father of the Bride grabbed this guest by the collor and escorted them off the property. My couple was mordifited and would not stop apologizing to me. Fast forward to this year when I get a message from this Bride that the troubling guest was getting married and their Fiancé said that they wanted to book me. The inquiry came and I turned down the wedding on the spot. I let them know that due to a past interaction I am not interested in providing services to them.

• This summer I was shooting a young family and one of the kids was fascinated with my camera - not to blame them it is a super cool piece of equipment. They asked many times if they could take a photo on it. I said that they could at the end of the session as this is something I usually do and have done for 100's of sessions. This child was very focused on the camera and taking photos (so cute) but got out of hand so fast! While I was working with other members of the family prepping them for a cute pose; this child grabbed my camera which was on my around the neck camera strap and pulled away with all their might. They not only chocked me while grabbing the camera causing a massive skin burn and to yell out "ouch", they broke the camera strap and my camera came a foot from hitting the ground as they were startled by my cry of pain. I quickly grabbed the remaining strap that was attached to my camera and pulled up getting the camera "safely" back into my hands. The adults taking part stood their watching this- doing nothing. The child continued jumping for the camera and scratching my arms then finally after I yeild "stop" the child kicked me for not giving it to them. I told that family the session was over I packed up all my stuff, walked away and got to my car; again the adults did nothing while I was packing, no look of shock, no apology or behavioural intervention with their child.

  *** Would I have walked away if an adult would have ran over, intervened and apologized? NO I would not! My formal education is in Child Development I know children have big feelings and need instant gratification. It was the adults who showed me that I could not trust them as they did not respect my body or equipment they showed this by doing nothing about the behaviour and the big feelings of this child, the fact that I was in pain caused by the child or that I almost got my camera broken again all without a inch of remorse from adults for the child's actions. ***

2. Unrealistic Expectations

Photography is an art, not a magic act! If someone insists on results that go far beyond what’s possible for me to do, wants me to copy another photographer’s style exactly (aka change my style) or want rushed turn around time without paying the rushed gallery add-on to their package - RED FLAGS.

• Of course everyone gets clients who joke about making them look thinner but I do not have the skills to do body work or would I, we are beautiful at every stage of our lives. Do I help you pose to flatter you yes but no I am not photo shopping you into someone else. Will I help with breakouts, bra straps, etc yes but no photoshop plastic surgery happens here!

• My work has its own look and feel. I love shadows, moody tones and darker exposers. If that’s not what you love, we are simply not the right fit and I will not take the session. Finding a Photographer who has the style that you want is KEY!

• Demanding that your final gallery be turned around on your time line and not mine without paying the well known rushed gallery add-on does not go well. I have the fee as I create more time in my schedule to edit your session by not take another session that week or hiring a babysitter for my kiddos so that I can work uninterupted.

3. Ignoring the Contract/Print Release

The contract isn’t just legal protection—it’s our agreement on how we will work together, lays out the expections of all parties. If a client consistently pushes past deadlines, refuses required payments, or ignores policies, it tells me they do not value the terms we agreed to. And that’s a deal-breaker.

I refuse to work with clients new or old at least twice a month who do not see the need to sign my required documents or pay retainers. I am not being greety asking for retainers as it holds the time and date of your session/wedding. I am turning down other clients and other payments for you and your session.

Here is a few examples of why I require signed documents and retainers:

4. No Trust in the Process

If a client second-guesses every decision—location, outfit tips, posing prompts and editing style - it makes it impossible to deliver my best work. I thrive when my clients feel confident enough to relax and let me do what I do best.

I truly think this goes for everyone in all creative feilds it keeps us from getting into your heads asking questions during service like "if they dont trust me why did they book me?" When I get into my head it takes my full attention away from seeing the best parts of the session and it kills the mood of the session making for lack luster photos and memories of the session.

5. Values Don’t Align

I am creating my Brand to be an inclusive, respectful, and people-first business. If a client’s words or actions go against those values, that’s where the road ends for us.

• Using language that is nasty and offensive to a group of people in a session will lead for the session to end on the spot.

Firing a Client Doesn’t Mean I Don’t Care?

Not at all it's truly the opposite. It means I care enough about my craft, my mental well-being, and the clients who do trust me to protect my energy. Letting go of the wrong fit creates space for the right ones—the people who make me excited to connect, pick up my camera and rush home to edit!

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wow, that sounds intense,” don’t worry—most of my clients are absolute gems. Have there been some awful clients over the years oh yeah there has but that comes with all businesses.

I’ve been blessed to work with people who treat me like a friend, trust the process, and bring nothing but joy to their sessions. Those are the relationships that last for years, and hopefully decades.

Because at the end of the day, photography isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about connection. And that only works when we are all in it, heart and soul.

XOXO

Cass