04/24/2025
Do the right thing, even if it seems late.
Over a year ago, I had a new client who was referred to me by a colleague through the school district. It was a student looking for Senior photos. We communicated back and forth, set up a date and time, and I provided the sessions. The client's photos were beautiful, and she really seemed to like them. She selected her favorites that fit within her budget. Long story short, after I provided the gallery, she completely ghosted me. I never received payment. It was disappointing.
I never mentioned it to my colleague. I changed the way I receive payment and schedule clients. I password-protected her gallery so she would have to contact me to log in. And I considered it a lesson in business, not a loss.
I also did one more thing- I sent her and her school yearbook advisor an edited senior photo that fit their requirements so she would still have a picture in the yearbook. Then, I moved on.
Yesterday, I received an email from that same client. It's the first time I have heard from her since October 2023. I am sharing the email here and my response. I am sharing because it was actually a very moving email, and it's important to celebrate high moral character, which after everything, I think she has.
I have redacted the names for privacy.
Her Email:
Hello Felicia, I am not sure if you remember me, but my name is [REDACTED]. I am writing you this email because I had booked around 2023- 2024 for my senior photos, since then I had some very unfortunate experiences in life and needed to move away, that led to me being very busy and not being able to ever send you the payment for the beautiful photos you had taken of me that day! Ever since then, I've always wanted to pay you even if I never get the photos back. I know I had left things behind in a bad note, but I'm hoping I can still pay you for the service you had done for me. I am now back in Waukesha and would love to send you the money for the service, I was able to find the invoice you had sent to me and it was about $300 that I had picked from. I would love to make it up to you and be able to pay you the money.
Please let me know!
Thank you,
[REDACTED]
My Response:
Hello [REDACTED],
Of course, I remember you. You were the beautiful girl with dark waves and a vibrant smile who brought her boyfriend to the photoshoot.
I want to commend you for reaching out. That takes an incredible amount of courage and maturity. I am sorry to hear that you were going through such a difficult time last year. I hope you are now on the other side of it.
Everyone struggles sometimes, but not everyone gets through it gracefully and with clarity. You handled this beautifully; I am sure I still have your entire gallery. To show you your apology and the character you displayed matter, I will give you your entire gallery for the same price as the images that you originally chose ($300). It's valued at $1250. Let me know if that is something you would be interested in.
Keep being a person of character; it will take you far, and live life beautifully in focus.
Felicia Carrillo
Marketer. Photographer.
Photo: Forgotten Beauty
Sitka, Alaska 09.2024 Felicia Carrillo
