Over the past 9 years I have always tried to work my schedule to my clients. With the slow economy I have not put on my staff full time yet (usually the help works reduced hours in the winter). I have always done the seniors whenever it work for them. It looks slow for the summer and I don't know what to do about my schedule.
Do you set up certain times that you shoot and expect your clients to work around you or do you make your self flexiable for your clients?
I am thinking of shooting by appointment on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and not shooting but working in the frame shop on Tuesday & Thursday. Tell me what you do..
I work whenever and wherever a client will pay me to. Day, night, 1 hour, 20 hours straight. In my backyard, across town, across the country. Some things will cost a client more and I'll always advise them as to what the cheaper option will be, but I'll fulfill just about any request that a client is willing to pay for. I think you'll find that that's the case for any business that caters to professional image-making: you can have whatever you want if you're willing to pay enough for it.
A Client had a deadline quickly approaching and the MUA and Stylist only had Sunday available. She sheepishly asked if I could work and I had no problem making it happen. We ended up shooting a Ford model in the Westins' Presidential Suite. As Simon said, they call and we make it work.
I, too, agree with Simon.
I used to advertise I'd take the photo anywhere the client asked, "even on the Amazon"
It was understood that the client paid for the privilege!
Maybe a good compromise would be to advertise something like "Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday with Tuesdays and Thursdays as available." That way you have told your clients you're technically available as needed on Tues and Thurs but that you would prefer the other days.
I would probably not go about advertising that you are available 24 hrs, 7 days a week and for traveling long distances. This just encourages people to completely abandon your schedule in favor of what is convenient for them. But as shatterkiss said, if people are willing to pay a premium for you to work odd hours or for travel expenses, then go for it.
