I'm looking for some advice on how you would handle the following situation. First, some background...

As some of you know, the admiral and I opened a retail store and launched an on-line version a little over a month ago. Shameless Plug A friend of the Admiral's is a part-time professional photographer. (I say "professional" because she charges for her work, but that is not how she makes her living.) Anyway, she specializes in maternity, newborns and young children photo shoots. Since our customers/clients are the same, we offered her a wall in our store (that sells baby products) at no charge to display some of her work. This was win-win in that she now has a place to display her work and we needed some "art" on the walls. We also keep a supply of her business cards on the checkout counter and try to refer her business whenever possible.

Here is the dilemma - a day before our grand opening, she stopped by our store and tooks some interior shots. We did not hire her to do this and we had not prepared the store for a photo shoot. Some of the photos turned out very nicely. The photographer even put them up on her photography business website. We asked if we could use some of the pics on our website and in our newsletter. The photographer said, "Sure. I normally charge $xx per image, but for you, I'll only charge 2/3rds of that".

I was beyond peeved. We were going to give her photography credit for any images we used on the website and post a link to her website. I have proposed to my wife that we respond by saying, "We'll gladly pay for the images. And, oh, by the way, the wall space where your photos are displayed rents for $100/month. If you want us to hand out your business cards, that's another $25/mo. And we'll post your website link on our home page for $50/month. We accept PayPal and all major credit cards".

The alternative is she can come pick up her photos anytime.

The Admiral thinks there is a more diplomatic way to handle this. I know there is, too. I'm just venting a little.

However, do you think are we are being unreasonable/unrealistic in our thinking? Does anyone know how photographers without their own studio or display space arrange these kind of things? Does she "own" the photo files even though we did not contract with her for the photos?

Is Troop still around?

Thanks.

I would just say to her something like, "Maybe we can work out a deal with us using your pictures and you displaying your work on our walls." Let her know you're not willing to pay for the pictures, but then in the same breath figure out a way to let her know you expect some sort of compensation for the wall space and business card display. Be up front with her, she is a friend of the admiral.

Perfect. Maybe use a little more 'diplomatic' wording, but otherwise, perfect.

Your wall space is advertising space. It is absolutely a fair trade for a few photos. If she doesn't agree, tell her to take her photos and biz cards, and don't let the door hit 'er on the azz on the way out.

Then take your own pics...

I *think* photographers have to pay to display at some places and others are more commission based, but I'm no expert.

I'd let the admiral handle it. It's her friend.

She is way out of line. Photogs are a nickel/dozen. My wife is one. She has several arrangements going on. I'll run this by her. I think the usual deal is she would get a % of any pic of hers that is purchased in your store. To charge you is crazy. She needs you more than u need her. Tell her you will pay for the film. LOL.

Sounds like you have the right idea. Especially as you did not hire her or request her to take the photo's. As she took it upon herself to hire "herself" maybe she should pay herself.

I work in a family business & was advised a long time ago that if we need something to always pay for it. If someone wants something to sell it to them. In other words don't barter to exchange services/materials as someone always ends up feeling they are being taken advantage of. If someone want something - sell it to them for a fair price. Expect the same. Barter system tends to end lots of friendships.

I agree that she's out of line.

I would just have a friendly conversation with her and let her know that you're surprised that she would charge you for the photos since no charges were discussed up front. I would also add that you had not charged her for displaying any of her work in your store or for handing out her business cards.

My closing comments would be along the lines of....

"We were a bit taken aback by your comment about charging us for your work since we've not charged you anything for displaying your work. If you insist on charging us, we'd suggest you come get your things that are displayed and your business cards and well just call it even.

"My preference would be for us to continue to work together because I think it would benefit both of us, but without any fees or charges either way.

"How does that sound to you?"

At that point you have stated that you were surprised, stated your "case" and posed a solution to her. Keep in mind that when you do that it's important to keep your mouth shut because the first person who speaks "loses."

She is out of line. Did you even give her permission to take shots of the store? I would be peeved as well. Letting her in your store to display for free when she has no other gallery, but then asking you to pay for shots you did not even contract for.

Take GFC's advice on keeping your mouth shut after you state your case. I spoke first to my neighbor who we do not get along with, I should have been in trouble because he is a big dude with a major temper...but I was holding a shovel

She's little. I can take her!

I would still hit her with the shovel...that way the blood splatter will miss you.

The little ones are the ones you have to watch out for.

This is the exact reason I recommend some sort of long garden tool...like the shovel.

OK...enough kidding around...back to the topic...sorry WD

What?? What'd I miss? Sorry, I was in my not-so-neighborly neighbor's garden shed looking for something with a long handle and a large sheet of plastic....

In all seriousness, I appreciate the advice. We've made a proposal to the photog using a lot of GFC's advice. Had to do it via email since she is now on vacation. We'll see what happens. There are several other photographers around here that would jump at the chance to display in our store, so no big deal for us if this one doesn't work out. Just don't want the Admiral to loose a friend over this. Plus, we'd really like to help her out since she's just getting started and is quite talented. She just needs someone to point out the reality of the situation. After reflecting on this with a cooler head, I believe she's just naive rather than trying to stick it to us.

"just getting started"....okay, that says a lot, means she may not be familiar with some of the little nuances of doing business, like quid pro quo...

Explain to her that it's not really fair for the cow to ask the farmer to pay for the milk if the farmer paid for the grazing fees...