Comments on: Ask Anything – Should You Tell Your Clients If You Are Pregnant Or Have A Life Threatening Illness? http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/ Former Photography Director Rob Haggart Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:01:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Emma http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-67550 Emma Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:56:20 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-67550 I have recently told a wedding client that I am pregnant ( due 3 weeks before their wedding) they now want to cancel and get their deposit back even though I assured them I would be fine for the day and have a back up plan just in case. Does anyone have advice on how to handle? (do have a contract too) I have recently told a wedding client that I am pregnant ( due 3 weeks before their wedding) they now want to cancel and get their deposit back even though I assured them I would be fine for the day and have a back up plan just in case. Does anyone have advice on how to handle? (do have a contract too)

]]> By: pavani http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-62762 pavani Tue, 18 May 2010 16:47:51 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-62762 actually i have loop.though i have but doctor told me that i am pregnant.is it safe for me. actually i have loop.though i have but doctor told me that i am pregnant.is it safe for me.

]]> By: j http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-59123 j Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:27:46 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-59123 fascinating! I am almost 9 months pregnant and would have loved this post, oh, 7 or 8 months ago. the best advice I got then about telling clients was to not do it until I had to, and to tell them in a way that made it clear that it was no big deal and wouldn't affect them (but also that I had XYZ contingency plans lined up just in case). I felt very insecure and confused about being newly pregnant - happy, but it's such a life changing thing with your first that it definitely threw me for a loop. and so the second part of that advice would be faking the confidence about how things will work out and how much you'll be able to work and so on, until the confidence genuinely does come. I'd love to see a similar post about working with a newborn, baby, toddler, family... that could be applicable to many men and women in this industry! fascinating! I am almost 9 months pregnant and would have loved this post, oh, 7 or 8 months ago. the best advice I got then about telling clients was to not do it until I had to, and to tell them in a way that made it clear that it was no big deal and wouldn’t affect them (but also that I had XYZ contingency plans lined up just in case). I felt very insecure and confused about being newly pregnant – happy, but it’s such a life changing thing with your first that it definitely threw me for a loop. and so the second part of that advice would be faking the confidence about how things will work out and how much you’ll be able to work and so on, until the confidence genuinely does come.
I’d love to see a similar post about working with a newborn, baby, toddler, family… that could be applicable to many men and women in this industry!

]]> By: Gordon Moat http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-59029 Gordon Moat Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:37:41 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-59029 There is risk in being innovative, but it is the only way to consistently move forward in a creative profession. Fear dictates that many play it safe and follow trends, making copying ideas the easy path. The reality is that fear ruins potential. This profession needs more risk takers, and less technicians. There is risk in being innovative, but it is the only way to consistently move forward in a creative profession. Fear dictates that many play it safe and follow trends, making copying ideas the easy path. The reality is that fear ruins potential. This profession needs more risk takers, and less technicians.

]]> By: Jessica http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-59018 Jessica Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:17:57 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-59018 I really deeply appreciated this post. I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer about a year ago, right as I was finishing up college. I felt like it was the most inopportune moment -- I was just starting to establish myself as a photojournalist and it really felt like cancer dashed all of my chances of going into the field. My doctor told me to avoid carrying more than 20 lbs, which meant no more traversing the country to cover college football games. And things got so bad that I actually had to stop school for treatment as my disease rapidly advanced. I was absolutely devastated; a tumor sprouted near my left eye and threatens blindness if it grows more, and it really felt like my career as a photog/journalist was never going to happen. However, even through treatment and resulting moments of feeling like I was on the verge of death, I tried to keep connected with photographers and the photo world, and I wrote when I could not take photos. It's definitely excellent advice to continue marketing yourself even if you are indisposed at the moment to take photographs. You never know when your condition might improve. I stayed positive, kept working and reworking my blog, portfolio and resume. I kept networking with photogs and started working with a friend on a photo blog throughout treatment and recovery. I recently found out that I got into UC Berkeley Journalism school, which I will be attending this fall if all goes well! I really deeply appreciated this post.
I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer about a year ago, right as I was finishing up college. I felt like it was the most inopportune moment — I was just starting to establish myself as a photojournalist and it really felt like cancer dashed all of my chances of going into the field. My doctor told me to avoid carrying more than 20 lbs, which meant no more traversing the country to cover college football games. And things got so bad that I actually had to stop school for treatment as my disease rapidly advanced.
I was absolutely devastated; a tumor sprouted near my left eye and threatens blindness if it grows more, and it really felt like my career as a photog/journalist was never going to happen.
However, even through treatment and resulting moments of feeling like I was on the verge of death, I tried to keep connected with photographers and the photo world, and I wrote when I could not take photos.
It’s definitely excellent advice to continue marketing yourself even if you are indisposed at the moment to take photographs. You never know when your condition might improve.
I stayed positive, kept working and reworking my blog, portfolio and resume. I kept networking with photogs and started working with a friend on a photo blog throughout treatment and recovery.
I recently found out that I got into UC Berkeley Journalism school, which I will be attending this fall if all goes well!

]]> By: Ed Hamlin http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58837 Ed Hamlin Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:13:34 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58837 @Suzanne and Amanda, Thanks. I add this, to me it is not so much about the disease. It is more about people perceptions and how they relate or simply they don't know how to relate. You have to educate them which can be time consuming but very important. JMHO but there are many socially inept people who don't know how to handle life outside of their own when it is not perfect. Thanks for the hearts you have! @Suzanne and Amanda, Thanks. I add this, to me it is not so much about the disease. It is more about people perceptions and how they relate or simply they don’t know how to relate. You have to educate them which can be time consuming but very important. JMHO but there are many socially inept people who don’t know how to handle life outside of their own when it is not perfect. Thanks for the hearts you have!

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58836 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:43:03 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58836 @Mark Feliciano, Mark, your work is amazing and I don't think it matters at all! We are sorry that you have to deal with this debilitating disease and wish you all the very best!! I had a client who was legally blind (couldn't drive) and his work was amazing- I told him not to tell because I believe the end results are what are important! And looking at your work- you achieve in that!! @Mark Feliciano,
Mark, your work is amazing and I don’t think it matters at all!

We are sorry that you have to deal with this debilitating disease and wish you all the very best!!

I had a client who was legally blind (couldn’t drive) and his work was amazing- I told him not to tell because I believe the end results are what are important! And looking at your work- you achieve in that!!

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58835 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:34:56 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58835 Another comment- the author has given her consent to print This is an interesting topic. From my personal experience, not telling too soon was the better choice. In advertising work, there has always been more men in the field. In our case at Double Image Studio, since we are a team ( male and female) we had some advantage. We however bid against many single or childless men. On my first child, I waited until almost 5 months to mention to some clients. We actually bid on some projects and decided to not let them know unless we were awarded the project. One good client said it should not effect us and we should not tell prospective clients before the fact. Unfortunately we never got the project, so it did not matter. On a local level, many were happy when they heard, but there were others that questioned if i would be able to handle the work and the child during the pregnancy and after. I found this from more men without families. As well, I do feel we were not considered for some projects because of the pregnancy. This is the reality we had. It would have been easier to tell people earlier in the pregnancy but my partner and our assistant were always good about helping keeping things quiet. On my second child, I told by 3 months- and at this point, most people were ok and happy since they saw that I was able to handle the first pregnancy and child. I was very lucky and able to work until the day before my deliveries, very lucky of easy pregnancies and deliveries. It is true, that clients are happier for men since they know it would not affect their jobs. On woman, there is no holding back- get it done. I was doing an estimate for a client I had prepped the day I came back from the hospital and delivery. This art buyer had been warned for weeks of my due date but still as I went into the hospital, the phone rang. I did what I promised and then she sat on the estimate for weeks after. This is the nature of advertising in general. Some clients have been great to allow me to have my babies at work and on studio projects, They have enjoyed the time with them since they have known me for so long. Our side division is family/ maternity photography. In many ways, this was very helpful since I can relate to our clients and them to me. The pregnancies never were an issue with this type of work. As well, there are many more woman in this area of work. Another comment- the author has given her consent to print
This is an interesting topic. From my personal experience, not telling too soon was the better choice. In advertising work, there has always been more men in the field. In our case at Double Image Studio, since we are a team ( male and female) we had some advantage. We however bid against many single or childless men.

On my first child, I waited until almost 5 months to mention to some clients. We actually bid on some projects and decided to not let them know unless we were awarded the project. One good client said it should not effect us and we should not tell prospective clients before the fact. Unfortunately we never got the project, so it did not matter.
On a local level, many were happy when they heard, but there were others that questioned if i would be able to handle the work and the child during the pregnancy and after. I found this from more men without families.
As well, I do feel we were not considered for some projects because of the pregnancy. This is the reality we had.

It would have been easier to tell people earlier in the pregnancy but my partner and our assistant were always good about helping keeping things quiet.

On my second child, I told by 3 months- and at this point, most people were ok and happy since they saw that I was able to handle the first pregnancy and child.
I was very lucky and able to work until the day before my deliveries, very lucky of easy pregnancies and deliveries.

It is true, that clients are happier for men since they know it would not affect their jobs. On woman, there is no holding back- get it done. I was doing an estimate for a client I had prepped the day I came back from the hospital and delivery. This art buyer had been warned for weeks of my due date but still as I went into the hospital, the phone rang. I did what I promised and then she sat on the estimate for weeks after. This is the nature of advertising in general.

Some clients have been great to allow me to have my babies at work and on studio projects, They have enjoyed the time with them since they have known me for so long.

Our side division is family/ maternity photography. In many ways, this was very helpful since I can relate to our clients and them to me. The pregnancies never were an issue with this type of work. As well, there are many more woman in this area of work.

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58832 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:29:19 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58832 This is from an e-mail we received. The author agreed that we could post it: I am pleasantly surprised to see that posting. Rather than comment, I would like to remain slightly anonymous, and just relate a bit about my own battles. Due to my own (mis)adventures, and unexpected illness, I have been hospitalized 25 times, underwent 15 operations, and was revived from dead three times. While it sounds like I should barely be moving, I have managed to stay in okay shape, and keep busy with my creative profession. Partly suffering from several orthopedic repairs, the biggest issue I have to deal with is gastroparesis, a condition that affects my ability to eat. Last year I had the bad surprise of going to the emergency room, where I had doctors working on me for over 8 hours. It turns out I had a severe kidney infection, and my body was near shutting down. After tons of IV anti-biotics and several days, I was able to go home. The crazy part going through my mind was that I had a fairly lucrative shoot, for an long time repeat client, coming up within barely a week after I got out of the hospital. I was in bad shape, but after that shoot was postponed a few times, the last thing I wanted to do was cancel. On top of that, I already had booked a flight, and taken a deposit for the shoot. So I did make the flight, barely had enough energy to haul my camera gear on the plane, but I was determined to make it there. I met the client rep at the location, and then managed to get the shots needed for them. They were happy with the results, though it completely drained me. I couldn't bring myself to explain what had happened to me, because I didn't want to give them any impression I might not be able to deliver on the contract. I think what I miss from your APhotoEditor posting was that the answer seems to be "it depends", but does it? I do feel that we build relationships with our clients, but should we draw the line when our problems might be deemed to affect our work? This is from an e-mail we received. The author agreed that we could post it:

I am pleasantly surprised to see that posting. Rather than comment, I would like to remain slightly anonymous, and just relate a bit about my own battles.

Due to my own (mis)adventures, and unexpected illness, I have been hospitalized 25 times, underwent 15 operations, and was revived from dead three times. While it sounds like I should barely be moving, I have managed to stay in okay shape, and keep busy with my creative profession. Partly suffering from several orthopedic repairs, the biggest issue I have to deal with is gastroparesis, a condition that affects my ability to eat.

Last year I had the bad surprise of going to the emergency room, where I had doctors working on me for over 8 hours. It turns out I had a severe kidney infection, and my body was near shutting down. After tons of IV anti-biotics and several days, I was able to go home. The crazy part going through my mind was that I had a fairly lucrative shoot, for an long time repeat client, coming up within barely a week after I got out of the hospital. I was in bad shape, but after that shoot was postponed a few times, the last thing I wanted to do was cancel. On top of that, I already had booked a flight, and taken a deposit for the shoot.

So I did make the flight, barely had enough energy to haul my camera gear on the plane, but I was determined to make it there. I met the client rep at the location, and then managed to get the shots needed for them. They were happy with the results, though it completely drained me. I couldn’t bring myself to explain what had happened to me, because I didn’t want to give them any impression I might not be able to deliver on the contract.

I think what I miss from your APhotoEditor posting was that the answer seems to be “it depends”, but does it? I do feel that we build relationships with our clients, but should we draw the line when our problems might be deemed to affect our work?

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58831 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:27:14 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58831 @The Grammar Police, Thanks!!! Art was our strong point not English- oops!! Thanks for keeping us on our toes- much appreciated!! @The Grammar Police, Thanks!!! Art was our strong point not English- oops!! Thanks for keeping us on our toes- much appreciated!!

]]> By: Mark Feliciano http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58820 Mark Feliciano Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:16:16 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58820 As a location portrait photographer with Muscular Dystrophy which affects my leg and arm muscles, I always struggle with disclosing that information on my website some how. I don't want it to appear as if I'm trying to appeal for sympathy but I also don't know how the clients feel when they first meet me and I'm obviously semi-disabled. (Walk with great difficulty with the use of a cane.) Do they feel as if I kept something important from them or do they think it might impair my abilities? I don't know, but I'd sure welcome some feedback. As a location portrait photographer with Muscular Dystrophy which affects my leg and arm muscles, I always struggle with disclosing that information on my website some how. I don’t want it to appear as if I’m trying to appeal for sympathy but I also don’t know how the clients feel when they first meet me and I’m obviously semi-disabled. (Walk with great difficulty with the use of a cane.) Do they feel as if I kept something important from them or do they think it might impair my abilities? I don’t know, but I’d sure welcome some feedback.

]]> By: The Grammar Police http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58814 The Grammar Police Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:56:41 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58814 Hi Everybody, I read through this article twice and noticed on many occasions that the word "effect" was used where "affect" would have been more appropriate. Grammar Girl has some great tips for remembering the difference: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/affect-versus-effect.aspx The easiest way to remember the rule: EFFECT is a noun, AFFECT is a verb. Best of luck! CMD, GP Hi Everybody,

I read through this article twice and noticed on many occasions that the word “effect” was used where “affect” would have been more appropriate.

Grammar Girl has some great tips for remembering the difference: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/affect-versus-effect.aspx

The easiest way to remember the rule: EFFECT is a noun, AFFECT is a verb.

Best of luck!

CMD, GP

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58810 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:39:22 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58810 @Ed Hamlin, I am so sorry to hear about your in-laws. I lost my dear in-laws two months from each other. Only clients I was working with at that time were aware. As I mentioned, when I was dealing with radiation treatments, sometimes I wished I had not told everyone because it was hard to rebuild but now 7.5 years out, it is all behind me- thankfully! @Ed Hamlin, I am so sorry to hear about your in-laws. I lost my dear in-laws two months from each other. Only clients I was working with at that time were aware. As I mentioned, when I was dealing with radiation treatments, sometimes I wished I had not told everyone because it was hard to rebuild but now 7.5 years out, it is all behind me- thankfully!

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58809 Suzanne and Amanda Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:35:13 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58809 @danno watts, pregnancy is all women and cancer, besides Loni and Suzanne, are men. @danno watts, pregnancy is all women and cancer, besides Loni and Suzanne, are men.

]]> By: Ed Hamlin http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58788 Ed Hamlin Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:02:23 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58788 It is definetely a personal decision that can be weighed out bit easier by the personal experiences that have been shared. Three years ago both my stepfather and mother-in-law were dianosed with cancer of different types. Stage three bladder cancer and Stage 4 Breast cancer. Close friends knew and those outside of that don't. The one thing that really stands out to me is marketing yourself in the midst is very important and it has been a struggle to rebuild relationships. It is definetely a personal decision that can be weighed out bit easier by the personal experiences that have been shared.

Three years ago both my stepfather and mother-in-law were dianosed with cancer of different types. Stage three bladder cancer and Stage 4 Breast cancer. Close friends knew and those outside of that don’t.

The one thing that really stands out to me is marketing yourself in the midst is very important and it has been a struggle to rebuild relationships.

]]> By: danno watts http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58784 danno watts Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:11:09 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58784 only thing i'd want to know is which ones are male and which are females from the anonymous responses above rocksteady, danno~ only thing i’d want to know is which ones are male and which are females from the anonymous responses above

rocksteady,
danno~

]]> By: Suzanne and Amanda http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58771 Suzanne and Amanda Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:49:48 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58771 @Kim, yes, Loni is AMAZING and I truly hope folks will reach deep in to their hearts, souls and pockets to help her out!!! @Kim, yes, Loni is AMAZING and I truly hope folks will reach deep in to their hearts, souls and pockets to help her out!!!

]]> By: Kim http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58766 Kim Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:48:29 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58766 Thank you Amanda and Suzanne for telling Loni's story. The strength and spirit coming from this incredible woman is a ray of sunshine. I hope the community that reads APE will donate what they can. Thank you Amanda and Suzanne for telling Loni’s story. The strength and spirit coming from this incredible woman is a ray of sunshine. I hope the community that reads APE will donate what they can.

]]> By: gabriela http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58764 gabriela Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:39:25 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58764 Thank you for starting this important conversation. I got married last year in June and it took at least 3 months for things to pick up again which was insanely scary since we had just spent a lot of money on the wedding and honeymoon and I was eager to get back to work. I'm looking forward to hearing of others experience in the biz. Thank you for starting this important conversation. I got married last year in June and it took at least 3 months for things to pick up again which was insanely scary since we had just spent a lot of money on the wedding and honeymoon and I was eager to get back to work.

I’m looking forward to hearing of others experience in the biz.

]]> By: Ask Anything – Should You Tell Your Clients If You Are Pregnant Or Have A Life Threatening Illness? http://www.aphotoeditor.com/2010/02/18/ask-anything-should-you-tell-your-clients-if-you-are-pregnant-or-have-a-life-threatening-illness/#comment-58759 Ask Anything – Should You Tell Your Clients If You Are Pregnant Or Have A Life Threatening Illness? Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:37:04 +0000 http://www.aphotoeditor.com/?p=5116#comment-58759 [...] 1 votes vote Ask Anything – Should You Tell Your Clients If You Are Pregnant Or Have A Life Threatening Ill... Former Art Buyers and current photography consultants Amanda Sosa Stone and Suzanne Sease have [...] [...] 1 votes vote Ask Anything – Should You Tell Your Clients If You Are Pregnant Or Have A Life Threatening Ill… Former Art Buyers and current photography consultants Amanda Sosa Stone and Suzanne Sease have [...]

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