Not every client will be your dream client—and that’s okay. We all know that. But sometimes, you’ll run into clients who are, well, “difficult.” So how do you handle it when you're photographing someone like that?
"Difficult" can mean different things to different people, but here I’m talking about clients who are rude, disrespectful, or hard to work with during a session. After photographing thousands of people over the past 12+ years—celebrities, models, CEOs, politicians, and all kinds of people from different walks of life—one thing I've learned through it all is that we’re all equal. No one is more important or special than anyone else. And, believe it or not, the most successful people are often the kindest.
I’ve done enough shoots to know how people generally behave. Some clients are kinder, more fun, or more invested in the shoot than others, but there’s usually a baseline level of respect. Every once in a while, though, you’ll come across someone who’s difficult or even borderline rude.
I recently had a client like this. It doesn’t happen often—over the last 12 years, I can count on one hand how many truly difficult clients I’ve had. But when it does happen, it can definitely throw you off. This client showed up late, told me they were in a hurry, and refused to follow any direction I gave. It totally killed my vibe. But I had to keep going, stay professional, and do my job.
When this happens earlier in your career, it can be even harder because you don’t have as much to compare it to. It can make you feel small, unworthy, or like you’re doing something wrong. But don’t let their behavior shake your confidence. When someone treats you poorly, it’s about them—not you.
Always be kind, and stay confident in your abilities. You can explain your reasoning with a smile, share your goals for the shoot, and why you’re asking them to pose a certain way. But if you can sense they’re not going to budge, do your best to get through the session quickly, keep your professionalism, and move on. Kill them with kindness. Wish them well, and let it go. Remember, it’s not about you—it’s them.
Use that experience as a reminder: your goal in every interaction should be to spread light and kindness. We’re all people, no matter what our title or status. And while you should always be kind, don’t let anyone dim your light.
