We have all been there. The moment we realize the synergy is gone, the flame has diminished, and the creative spark is gone. When the phone rings and we see that client’s name, we’re no longer excited to schedule them into our next available date. Or maybe we see that email pop up from them with a laundry list of new demands, petty complaints, or scope creep. Ladies, it’s time to dump your client. 

When is it the right time to let them go? 

With the exception of when they owe you money, I’ll be real frank here, there is never a right time to let a client go. If you see that it’s not working out, keep  in mind that word of mouth travels quicker than you might think, so dive into some discussion with that client early on. It will not only show them you are professional, but also help them see that their needs may require someone else. Think of it as assisting them - you are no longer the right candidate, and that is now their problem. You are there to be open and professional, and to recommend to them what you think will get them their best final outcome. This time, it just happens to NOT be you that will get them there.

When it comes to timing, the sooner the better to nip it in the bud. The worst thing you can do is linger, which will eventually lead to resentment. You’ll feel worse and worse with each shoot, and your client will start to pick up on that and potentially get less-than-stellar service. This will eventually not only affect your work, but probably how you feel towards your business, too. 

Since money is always a factor, prepare yourself for this ‘break-up’. You don’t want to be scrambling to find the next job or taking any request that comes your way and settling less than you deserve. Make sure you have back-up income, either from other clients or another job or service you provide. If needed, complete all the shoots that are scheduled with this client before cutting ties. Sometimes, biting the bullet and completing the last job(s) allow your business to survive a bit longer than if you walk away from a client impulsively. 

How do you let them go?

Email, of course. 

Take yourself out of the equation. Do not ever point the finger at your client, no matter how in the wrong they might be. Pointing the finger at others doesn’t get you anywhere productive, and can often lead to burning bridges. Keep in mind to always approach the topic as a professional service provider who is letting their client know that they are no longer the best fit to get her those ideal results. You’re helping her out by letting her know that there is a better fit out there for her. 

As to what actually caused issues to come up with this client, there is a good chance there was a mix of miscommunication, lack of boundaries from the get go, and (I’ll go out on a limb here) possibly even no contract. It will be hard to know right away where things went wrong, but look back at your process for onboarding and contracts to see if you did what you could to set clear expectations. Contracts are perfect for outlining the expectations you both agree on, but these days there needs to be a conversation (or two, or three), too. Truthfully, you may never find out where exactly the relationship soured, but over time you’ll realize some mistakes and should make changes in your process to avoid them with others. 

(Perhaps you’ll have an opportunity to write about it someday and warn others!)

When it comes to HOW to cut ties, the real discussion should happen in an email so everyone has a paper trail. Here are some pointers to get your started: 

• Thank them. Always be grateful. In the end, they paid you (I hope), it was an experience, and they received stellar images from an awesome photographer to help them make more money. 
• Briefly explain they are looking for something you cannot create in a way that represents their brand. It’s something that another type of photographer would be a better fit for. Remember, this is about them, not you. It is about telling them that you’re looking out for their best interests, and want them to be working with someone who is the perfect fit. It just happens to not be you.
• Don’t go into details. Keep it general, keep it tight, and keep it professional. Don’t recall specific disagreements - no need to dig up old discussions.
• Wish them the best of luck in their new endeavors, despite how you personally feel. Just because they’re not a good fit for working with you doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t find success.
• Do not let them have the privilege of ever seeing you angry. You're allowed to be annoyed, but don’t give them a show. Let that energy go on the punching bag during your workout, or towards your morning meditation. However you release it, do that in your own personal time and space. With a client, make sure to always be professional. 

Well, maybe they aren’t ready to be dumped.

Perhaps there is some hope of salvaging this one. 

Are you having second thoughts? Maybe the comfort of having that retainer or constant cash flow is making you think twice. Or maybe you haven’t been pushed yet to the point where you’re ready to run away from this client. 

Here is a little advice: only you know your limits. Only you know your boundaries. That is the beauty of running your own business. But you have to be really honest with yourself, and commit to a decision. 

As I mentioned before, doing that extra job or two to cushion that bank account before the storm is a way of being financially responsible. If you want to try to salvage this working relationship, you may think a firmer discussion about what you are and are not willing to do could help. If so, do it. Schedule a time and pick up the phone or, if it makes you more comfortable, send a polite, but firm, email. The worst they can say is no, and that will give you the push to know that this relationship really is not a good fit. You’ll feel a whole lot better and can now start that awesome email of breaking up. 

I’ve always found it important to trust my gut, too. Think back to that eerie feeling when you walk into a place for the first time. That first handshake. The eye contact, or lack thereof. As a female entrepreneur, business owner, creative, and photographer, part of being a woman is having that gut to lead us in the right direction. 

Whether we listen to it is another story.  Let it guide you towards people who will make your life and business better.

Final thoughts. 

It’s never an easy task to dump a client. Especially when there have been months or even years of an ongoing work relationship. Everyone will experience changes in their own business at some point of their career. A lot of times, we photographers grow out of those relationships that no longer serve us. This is true when we become not only more skilled at our craft, but more proficient and effective in our overall business.

Eventually, we begin to morph into our own style and realize how valuable our work is. We don’t need to be overly sensitive about our work. Instead, be confident about it. We’re the creators, artists, problem solvers, and go getters. 

This confidence will not only allow us to dominate in negotiations, but give us that empowerment feeling that we seek. And those feelings will only lead to more wins, no matter what.