Bottom Line: Reshoot requests are part of the photography business, and handling them professionally can strengthen client relationships. By understanding the reasons behind the request, maintaining a positive approach, and balancing business decisions with customer satisfaction, photographers can turn potential setbacks into learning opportunities.
Client Request for Photography Reshoot
This is a situation every photographer will encounter at some point—some more frequently than others. A client wants a reshoot, and you wonder: was it my mistake, theirs, or does it even matter?
I recall a phone call from a luxury real estate developer with whom I had a longstanding professional relationship. He had around 40 employees, so it was rare for him to personally call about an issue. He said, “Hey, how are you doing? Remember the shot from last week? The client isn’t happy—we need to reshoot.” In those few seconds, I ran through every scenario: Did I miss something? Did I check in with their team? Were the images not good? Then he said, “I think it’s one of your best works so far!” At that moment, I asked myself, “If the pictures are amazing, why do we need a reshoot?”
The answer is simple: it’s just business. Photography isn’t solely about the images—it’s about meeting client expectations and ensuring they feel satisfied with the final product. A CEO might have a different vision than their marketing team, a portrait client might love their pictures while their spouse or parents feel otherwise, or a couple might be influenced by friends who say, “Another photographer did better.” Regardless of how excellent the images are, perception matters.
So, what should you do when faced with a reshoot request? First, detach yourself emotionally and take a step back. This is not about defending your work; it’s about understanding why the client feels the need for changes and addressing their concerns. Even if your contract doesn’t allow for reshoots, keeping a client satisfied can impact future business opportunities.
Start by asking for specific feedback on what needs to be adjusted. Avoid guessing—get a clear understanding of what would be considered a perfect result. When you meet the client, don’t show frustration or push back; instead, approach the reshoot with enthusiasm and professionalism. Make them feel involved in the process, even if they aren’t experts in photography. A simple question like, “What do you think about this shot?” helps reassure them that their input matters.
What About Payment?
Reshoots should be viewed as a business decision rather than an artistic one. Just as restaurants account for broken plates in their pricing, photographers should factor in the occasional reshoot. Sometimes, covering a reshoot out of pocket is worth more than having a dissatisfied client speaking negatively about your business. However, not all requests should be accommodated. In my experience, I’ve had to make a choice—returning a client’s payment when it was clear they weren’t satisfied or agreeing to a complimentary reshoot when the request was made in good faith.
Assess each situation carefully. Will reshooting genuinely make a happy client even happier? Will it strengthen the long-term relationship? If so, proceed. If the client appears unreasonable or dissatisfied with everything, it’s better to part ways professionally by refunding their payment and suggesting they work with another photographer.
Additionally, contracts should include protection clauses. For instance, mine states that if the client is not present during the shoot, they agree to receive the images as-is, with no reshoot option. However, regardless of contract terms, an unhappy client remains unhappy, and resolving concerns effectively can sometimes make all the difference.
Photography is a business, and managing reshoot requests requires a thoughtful approach. Take feedback seriously, understand client needs, maintain professionalism, and make informed decisions that support both your reputation and long-term success.
