thethinkcouch
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
|
 p.1 #1 · Bella - The Name Game | |
I asked a fellow photog friend if it would be okay for me to post what had recently happened to her with Bella. This is just for those who might consider them as an option... maybe do a little more research and really consider the pros and cons.
I don't shoot for Bella or ever plan on shooting for them.
//ed
...please read on...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I'm not sure if you are aware of the recent snafu regarding Bella and how they market their photographers--to make a long story short, there were some rumors going around that Bella was disclosing the names of their photographers to potential clients BEFORE they booked, as in "hey don't pay $5 grand for Cohn Frankel Photography, you can get Lauren here from us for half the price". In effect, a HUGE conflict of interest between photographers and their own businesses--the fear was that Bella was using our own marketing dollars against us. As a response, photographers were told that it was not Bella's policy to name names until after a client booked, and that in the pre booking process the client was shown anonymous portfolios and frequently told they could not guarantee any specific photographer. Here is part of the memo that was circulated internally:
MEMO
"It has been brought to our attention that within the sales process, some salespeople are also showing photographer bio pages, and we have received unconfirmed reports that salespeople have provided lists of Bella photographers and/or given clients links to personal websites for Bella photographers. These actions are not appropriate. This memo is a reiteration of our photographer disclosure policy.
Our selling approach can be summed up to: SHOW WORK, NOT PHOTOGRAPHERS!
* We do not present specific photographers to clients because our model is based on matching client to photographer. Matching factors include style and availability.
* Under absolutely NO CIRCUMSTANCES are we to provide "lists" of Bella photographers' names.
* Never provide links to photographers' personal web sites. This is completely inappropriate. Photographers are frequently trying to establish their own business and use Bella to supplement their schedule. If we blur the wall between their personal business and their work at Bella, we run the risk of losing some of our best shooters. If the client chooses to Google a photographer once they have been assigned, we have no control over that practice."
This was all shortly after PartnerCon. So all was well in the kingdom of Bella, and photographers were mollified....UNTIL I GOT THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM A BRIDE WHO BOOKED ME THIS WEEK for her July 08 wedding:
"Hi Lauren,
Some things happened yesterday that I feel like I should share with you not only because it involves you and I think you have a right to know, but also because I'm not really sure where to go from here.
You probably noticed that I made my initial payment via pictage sunday night. I planned to drop the contract in the mail Monday morning but before I did, I got a call from Bella pictures. I'm not sure if we ever discussed other photographers I had been talking to but basically my decision came down to working with Bella, a company that sounded really reputable and professional but also very affordable, and you, both reputable and professional and amazingly talented. Mike and I had alot of thinking to do after we left your place because we really, really love your style and your talent is undeniable. Money, though, was a big factor. To be honest, you were out of our price range but we decided to take a huge cut in product credit and make some other sacrifices in order to be able to work with you.
So, yesterday, a rep from Bella called to check in. Having just sent in my payment to you, I told her that I found an amazing photographer that I felt really good about and decided to go with instead of Bella. She said she understood and asked me your name. I told her and then, after a surprised pause, she told me that you were also a Bella photographer, and that if I had gone with Bella, I might have been able to work with you anyways seeing that you are available on my date. After checking she said that if I decided to go with Bella, they couldn't guarantee you as my photographer, and assured me that no matter my decision, it sounded like I'd end up with amazing shots. She had no doubt in your abilities.
Now I understand that this is your business and that none of this was intentional--Just a wierd, unusual situation--but, considering what went into our decision, I can't help but feel a bit like a sucker knowing now that you work for much less than we agreed. Mike and I still love the thought of working with you and have absolutely no doubts that you would do an amazing job, but I can't say that this whole thing yesterday didn't sour it a bit.
Is there anything else you might be able to offer by way of price or product now that this has all come up?
Please excuse the long email. I hope that writing you about this was the right thing to do. Take care and I hope to hear from you soon,
Bride"
WHAT THE F&%$!!
This is so much worse than what we thought they were doing--now they are actually telling my client, WHO HAS ALREADY BOOKED ME, that she could have gotten me for a lower price if she went through them.
So, those of you who have your own businesses and work for Bella on the side, BEWARE. This issue has not only not been resolved, it's gotten worse.
|
It's a little different if I could buy a ticket for Southwest at half the price...just buy knowing to go two desks down to American Airlines.