Sometimes some shoots don’t go like clockwork. Before we go any further with this…just try to say “Sometimes some shoots” about 5 times real quick. Bet you can’t do it! We’ll just wait right here while you try. Cue the Jeopardy music. Hmmm…told you it was tough, alright then…where were we? Ahhh yes, challenging shoots.

In a perfect world, the weather holds up for your outdoor shoot; your talent is on top of their game and knows all their lines: backwards, forwards, and even in Lithuanian; your equipment performs flawlessly; none of your crew members car’s malfunctioned on the way to the shoot, and your client has all their ducks in a row. Most of the time, this is the norm. This is how your company came by the reputation that it strived to achieve. But sometimes, not everything goes right…what happens then?

In cases like that it’s best to keep a calm demeanor. True, it’s not always easy…we’re only human after all! It’s important to be honest with your client and be straightforward about the challenges that can arise. If this is a client that you have worked with before in the past and developed a strong relationship with, chances are they’ll understand and be more forgiving than a client that you’re working with for the first time. However, working through challenges and thinking on your feet to find solutions will show that first-time client that you’re the right group for their project.

In the most challenging of instances where a shoot needs to be re-scheduled because of an oversight on your part, your most valuable asset is your integrity to the client. Showing a client that you’re willing to sacrifice short-term profit for their best interest, and the project’s best interest will go a long way in developing a long-term relationship.