[Client Instructions] How to take photos that go against your policy: Professional criteria

"I don't really want to shoot it this way, but I guess I have no choice if I want to meet the client's request..."

I think every commercial photographer doing client work has experienced this at least once.

In this post, I will share my own way of thinking about this topic, which seems simple but is actually a subject where opinions can vary significantly from person to person.

1. Should you follow client instructions? How to think when you're unsure

1-1. Prioritize the "objective" over your policy

The most important thing in client work is to deliver results.

For example, when asked to "shoot with an ultra-wide angle lens to make this room look spacious," even if I personally prefer a focal length of 20mm or more, if the instructions require using 16mm or 14mm to create that look, I first confirm, "Why do you want to make it look spacious?"

If it's real estate photography and the goal is clearly to "increase inquiries" or "sell it faster," then choosing to meet that request is a valid option.

On the other hand, if it's a completion photo where "accurately recording the space" is important, there are cases where you should consider whether to simply comply with the request.

"The beauty of the finish and the achievement of the objective"

I believe that discerning this balance is the "judgment" required of a commercial photographer.

1-2. Communicating your opinion is a "professional responsibility"

Just shooting as requested makes you nothing more than a "photography service provider."

If you are a professional photographer, you have a responsibility to explain the risks and disadvantages that may arise from that method.

For example, even if you are instructed to use "natural light," the room might not get any light at that time of day and will inevitably end up dark. In such cases, a professional attitude is to prepare samples with both natural light and artificial lighting, and consult with the client by saying, "There is a difference like this, which one seems to fit your objective better? This is what I think."

Propose with logic, not emotion. That is what leads to trust.

1-3. Clarify what you can compromise on and what you cannot

If you fulfill every client request, both the quality of your photos and your own credibility will be gradually eroded.

Especially in cases like the following, you need the courage to clearly say no:
・Shooting from angles where ultra-wide lenses cause strong perspective distortion
・Instructions to use photo editing to create a look that significantly differs from the actual floor plan or material texture
・Requests for legally or ethically gray representations

In the past, I was once told, "Please turn on all the lights so the property looks bright."

However, I anticipated that the color temperatures of the lights would be inconsistent, making the overall photo look disjointed.

So, I explained, "With this lighting arrangement, the photo will lack unity. Because the color tones will vary, it would actually be better to rely mainly on natural light to keep the atmosphere of the property consistent."

As a result, they decided, "If you say so, I'll leave it to natural light," and the final photos effectively conveyed the charm of the space.

I have also explained color temperature in a past video below:

2. Three things to do to address client requests

2-1. Listen for the true objective

"I want you to shoot it brighter""I want you to make it look wider"

It is important to dig into the "true intent" behind such requests.

Is it simply because it "looks good"?Or is it to "differentiate from other properties" or "increase viewing reservations"?

Once the objective is clear, you can propose more effective methods yourself.

2-2. Present multiple alternatives

Saying only "I don't recommend that method" will be taken as a rejection.

Instead, if you explain, "This method carries these risks. However, as an alternative, this shooting style would create a better impression and reduce the gap with the actual space," the client will be more likely to agree.By presenting options, you can maintain both professional flexibility and trust.

2-3. A mindset for having a separate space for creative work

It is extremely difficult to achieve 100% of your own ideals in commercial photography.

That is why I have decided to “take my own creative work on my own time.”

In my private shoots, I only release work that I am 100% satisfied with. I separate it from the photos I take for work and freely take completely different kinds of photos. By doing this, I have been able to separate my work from commercial projects and maintain my mental balance.

Summary

When you feel uncomfortable with a client's instructions, how you face that moment is a test of your attitude as a commercial photographer. You do not need to accept everything, nor is reacting reflexively the right answer.
The important thing is to judge based on three pillars: “Does it align with the objective?”, “Does it work as a photograph?”, and “Is it professional and sincere?”

To protect both the quality of the photography and the client's trust, I believe that policies exist not to “fight,” but to “communicate.”

Thank you very much for reading until the end!

I will continue to post a wide range of content, from columns for beginners to professional articles on architectural photography and social media management, so I would be happy if you could follow and like my work.

See you in the next article!

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