MY Client Pre-Game, iOS Updates, and NYC's Cinematic Gems
Episode 3 Highlights: Mastering Client Parting Strategies, Unveiling the Latest iOS Updates, and Diving into the Timeless Cinematic Landscape of NYC
Hey there, fam! Welcome to the third episode of our newsletter ON THE RUN. Hope your week was fantastic, and you got to spend some quality time with your loved ones as we wrapped up 2023. Now, on the first day of 2024, let’s embrace the opportunities this new year brings and make it one for the books. Here’s to creating lasting memories and making 2024 unforgettable! Let’s begin with my eight guidelines to ensure a hassle-free experience with difficult clients.
Put an End to the Hassle — A Guide on Preventing Unfavorable Clients
Unfortunately, not every business interaction unfolds seamlessly. It’s entirely normal to encounter hiccups with certain clients. However, how can you avoid more significant issues that may escalate to a lawsuit? It all boils down to your pre-game strategy. Explicitly outlining every detail will save both you and your client time and stress. Here’s a checklist to assist you in crafting a comprehensive guideline, enhancing your pre-game approach.
1. If it’s not Written Down, it Didn’t Happen
Above all other rules, this stands out as the most crucial. It’s imperative to recognize that spoken words can fade from memory. With numerous conversations filling our days, it’s human to overlook certain details. We can’t retain every piece of information on the fly. “Did we agree on 12 final images, or was it 14?” To avoid this uncertainty, ensure you document and share everything with your client. Follow-up emails are always appreciated. In my 12+ years as a freelance creative, I’ve yet to encounter a client who didn’t appreciate a quick summary of our discussions about the upcoming project.
2. Send a proper Estimate PDF
Always provide a comprehensive estimate that includes all project details. Begin with the project title, outline the deliverables, and specify the location and schedule of the project. These are the general pieces of information to include before delving into the fee calculation. Once again, focus on the details. List every position that is essential, and also anticipate potential positions that may be necessary under certain circumstances, even if they are not confirmed. It’s always preferable to reduce the numbers later on rather than having to increase the initial figures.
3. Clearly state the Details
While you may have a clear understanding of what you mean by “basic editing” in the post-production process for final images, it’s important to note that even your fellow photographers may have different interpretations. So, don’t assume that the term “basic editing” will convey the same message to your client. Once again, precision is key—document every detail. Specify whether your basic editing includes fundamental adjustments like brightness and contrast, or if it extends to minor skin retouching. Provide a detailed description of your “basic editing” package.
For each position in your estimate, meticulously outline the details. Specify the number of days allocated for preproduction, itemize all the equipment you plan to bring to the set, and be explicit about the usage rights—clarifying the type, scope, location, and duration.
Never skip a detail.
4. Embrace Transparency for Smooth Project Evolution
As negotiations progress and the project evolves, updates and changes naturally occur. Take the initiative to revise your estimate and all pre-documents according to the new guidelines. Never hesitate to send an updated estimate, as it’s a win-win situation for all parties involved. Transparency is valued by clients and is genuinely appreciated.
5. Terms and Conditions
Key point to note: have your General Terms and Conditions firmly established. Always maintain an updated version on your website for reference. You can check out mine here; feel free to customize them for your requirements. However, for absolute legal security, consulting with a local lawyer is advisable. I incorporate certain points from the terms and conditions into my estimate document. For instance, addressing the failure rate in case of client-side issues or weather-related challenges.
6. A Friend of a Friend
How do you manage inquiries from friends or family? Firstly, maintain professionalism and strive to uphold your regular business routine. Continue to generate estimates, compose emails, and prioritize transparency. While offering discounts is certainly within your discretion, it’s essential to bear in mind that if the project and the associated brand or individuals hold commercial value, fair compensation should still be a consideration.
7. Contract
If your upcoming project spans an extended duration or involves multiple sessions with varying dates and times, utilizing a contract is the most effective means to establish legal clarity for both you and your client. There’s nothing more disheartening than a project being canceled before fulfilling the agreed-upon time frame.
Project cancellations are a reality, and that’s okay. However, it’s crucial to ensure you are rightfully compensated for your time and effort. Don’t get me wrong; if there are legitimate reasons beyond anyone’s control leading to a project cancellation, use your judgment (and a touch of empathy) to engage with the client and find a solution that works for everyone. Nevertheless, don’t overlook that your pricing accounted for the project’s duration. Additionally, consider the fact that you reserved pre-days, shooting days, and post-days exclusively for this project, making it challenging to accept other assignments during that time. Sometimes, clients may not immediately grasp these details, which is understandable, especially if they have limited experience working with creative professionals.
8. Production Advance Requirement
While securing upfront payment isn’t always guaranteed, there’s no harm in requesting it, especially when dealing with substantial amounts for outsourced items such as equipment rental or location fees.
I hope that this guide proves valuable in refining your pre-game approach. Even after more than 12 years in the industry, I am not immune to making mistakes and I’m still learning from each encounter. Repeating the same mistake, especially multiple times, is less than ideal. Let’s strive for openness about these experiences so that fellow creatives can learn from our insights, be better prepared, and hopefully avoid the pitfalls we’ve encountered.
Art & Design
Unmasking Depression: The ‘At Second Glance’ Campaign
The German Depression Aid Foundation, along with photographer Philipp Rathmer and Grabarz & Partner agency, has initiated the “At second glance” campaign, aiming to reveal the concealed reality of depression. Through powerful visuals, the campaign highlights the disparity between appearances and the hidden struggle with depression, urging for more candid conversations about mental health. Encouraging a shift from the routine “Great” response to “How are you?” to a thoughtful “Really?” is proposed as a step towards dismantling societal norms that mask pain behind smiles. Click here for more.
Photography Trends in 2023
Photography in 2023 started with optimism for a post-pandemic normalcy, but it turned out to be a challenging year. Many photographers faced the toughest period in their careers due to a slowdown in commissioning and tighter budgets. Economic uncertainties led to re-licensing of existing work instead of new shoots, intensifying the competition among photographers for limited opportunities. Read more here.
Mickey Mouse is now public domain
It’s official: after almost a century, Mickey Mouse has stepped into the public domain from Disney’s copyright control. The initial iterations of the beloved character, as seen in Steamboat Willie and a silent version of Plane Crazy, become part of the public domain in the US on January 1, 2024. Fortunately, an early version of Minnie Mouse is also included in this release. While there are still intricate protections surrounding Mickey, this marks a significant moment for public domain advocates, long-awaited and joined by other thrilling additions. Read more here.
Music & Movies
Michael Henderson
This week’s featured album is “Solid” by Michael Henderson. Born on July 7, 1951, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Michael Henderson is a renowned American bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, celebrated for his influential contributions to jazz, soul, and funk. Experience the music here.
Best NYC movies of all time
I’ve visited New York only once, yet it felt like I was familiar with the city from the very beginning. This familiarity is largely a result of the movies I’ve watched throughout my life that portray New York City. I have a deep affection for the city, and here’s a curated list of movies set in NYC, handpicked by me.
Tech & Gaming
Apple Set to Unveil 8 New iOS Features in 2024
As we step into 2024, anticipate a slew of new features coming with iOS 17 and iOS 18. Expected highlights include Stolen Device Protection, collaborative Apple Music playlists, AirPlay on hotel room TVs, EU-compatible app sideloading, next-gen CarPlay, global roadside assistance via satellite, RCS support in the Messages app, and the integration of generative AI for Siri. All new features here.
Best games in 2023
I’ve been a devoted follower of the Rocket Beans YouTube channel, particularly enjoying the “Gametalk” video podcast. They recently released an episode discussing the best games of 2023. It’s in German, but subtitles can make it accessible even if you don’t understand the language. What are your favorite games from 2023? Watch the episode here.
Thank you for joining me in the third episode of our newsletter, ‘On the Run.’ I hope you found inspiration, insights, and a dash of positivity in our shared moments. As we journey through 2024, let’s continue making memories, embracing opportunities, and turning each day into a page worth remembering. Until next time, stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s make it a year to cherish. Cheers to the adventure ahead!
All the best
Ferhat