Working for Free...

[bob williams]

Sean and Denise, I too have had similar issues with friends and family which is one reason I like my humming birds. Sean, With the equipment set-up as you described I would have been furious if the "pro bono customer" failed to show. Perhaps next time, it's only free if they show up, otherwise you will charge them a $100 set-up fee. I am not sure what else to tell you other than "I feel your pain, man"

Here is an idea for you---Since he is next door, perhaps you could point all of your mono-lights at his bedroom window and fire them every three seconds throughout the night

[Sean Setters]

Here is an idea for you---Since he is next door, perhaps you could point all of your mono-lights at his bedroom window and fire them every three seconds throughout the night

I like the way you think... :-)

I've done very little work for money, but in those few cases I have told the "customer" (read: not family) that there's a $100 fee.

If he ever brings up the subject again, I thought about saying, "Oh, no problem. I told you the shoot would be free. However, you do owe me for the setup and breakdown that resulted from your inconsiderate lack of communication from the last shoot. That'll be $150."

After he sputters and shakes his head, I won't ever have to deal with him again. :-)