Why are people flaking on photos with me?

Some people don’t like having their photographs taken. They don’t like the process of having the photos taken and/or they are worried about how they will look in the photographs. Perhaps they said yes because they didn’t want to let you down but then thought about it and decided they just didn’t want to go through with it.

Maybe they are worried where these images will turn up later, I would be.

I do have a photo page but I reassured the second person they could look at the photos on my screen to see if they didn’t like it. They are obsessed with their physical image so I understand that being the reason. I decided to just tell them “Let me know when YOU’RE free” so that leaves the decision up to them though I know they won’t follow up. How do I know not to waste of time though, ya know?

I am guessing you have a clear idea of the sort of person you want to photograph? So you don’t want to photograph an octogenarian but are interested in photographing a younger person (or vice versa).

If you do have a clear goal, why not email some of the people you know that you would like to photograph and ask for volunteers? Let them know you understand it can be confronting for some people so if they are not interested, that is fine. Tell them they can vet the photos before you put them online and perhaps offer to give them prints they can keep for themselves. That way they can choose to ignore the email or politely decline and if they do say yes, they are more likely to have had time to think it through and they have had an option to not get involved.

Move on, ask other people, when you can show prospective models your work it will be easier. Start with your family and closest friends who will likely be happy to pose.

What kind of photos?

Great advice, thank you guys. I will do the email option. The photos are portraits.

Do you have an unsettling mustache?

Haha! Maybe that’s it.

Are these longtime best friends or more like friendly acquaintances? You’re basically putting them on the spot and expecting them to “work” for you for free.

Most likely they couldn’t think fast enough on their feet to come up with a face-saving reason to turn you down when first asked. Did you even offer them at least free prints? Even if you did, it might not be something they have much need for.

You might want to consider seeking out people who really have more of a need for a photo portrait of themselves.
Is there is an acting school or music school where you are located? You might have better luck by posting an ad offering them free headshots since they would likely have need of these at some point in their careers. This might be a better idea than imposing on your friends/acquaintences. Just guessing.

They aren’t best friends, but they are very close friends. You know @Buttonstc I had never thought of it from that perspective before. I always assumed that people loved being photographed (99% of the friends I ask to photograph are very enthusiastic or even ask me first). I have to remember there are different kinds of people out there.

Unfortunately there is no acting or music school where I live, it’s a tiny town… but I could look out for folks who have heart in the entertainment industry. Thanks for the advice!

You’re welcome and I hope it works out for you. Just go with the ones who are actively asking you to take their pics. That way you know you have a willing subject.

Another thought which came to me possibly better suited for a smaller town. Have you considered approaching the coaches/directors of the local Little League or Pop Warner teams (or whatever ones there are)?

I don’t know how much practice you’re looking for but if the town is too small to attract the types of studios having contracts with these orgs in larger areas, you would have a handy pool of portrait figures and the parents would love it.

The first time you could offer to do it on spec for a cut-rate charge just to cover your out of pocket costs for developing, printing of one photo per kid.

This would be with the understanding that if they like your work, there could be an ongoing contract for the future at a more reasonable charge for your time and expertise.

A few phone calls should be enough for you to determine whether another photographer has this market sewed up yet. If not, it could be a great opportunity for you and the parents of this small town who would doubtless welcome this way to preserve their kids childhood sports memories.

Great ideas! I’ll definitely look into this. Thanks a lot for your thoughtful response.