Do you consult?

That's such a great question, @photosbydepuhl. 

It's one of those situations we run into without any preparation, so when we're put on the spot we may not answer honestly. 

I'm not sure I'd offer these services, but if I did I would definitely charge much more and require full or partial payment upfront. 

I would do it, they are probably not the type of long term clients you want anyway. So, leave them satisified and pleased with your services and go chase more clients who will see you for the long term value you bring. You never know, they may start to learn what you do to make the magic happen that you do, and just decide it is easier or more cost effective to higher you. And in that case you have converted them to a long term client. 

@photosbydepuhl I actually experienced a related situation a few years back. I was asked to design a website for an NPO that wanted to use some of my photography. I wasn't prepared to sell my images outright and instead I offered to take new ones for the project. We ended up using some of my older work. Rather than be firm and sell each image as I would normally, I included it all in the cost of the whole project. A few months later, the NPO asked if I could come in and teach the site upkeeper my workflow and process, thus taking me out of the process entirely. 

In retrospect, I should have charged them seperately for the content and the training. Some advice I got from a photographer friend of mine who does gallery work - charge what you believe you are worth and never compromise. 

First, it's awesome your client recognizes you as a trusted knowledge source. That in itself can be a great value prop down the road - a brand that can offer both service and a product is a great position to be in. I think any exposure for your brand (being you) is awesome. On the other hand, ask yourself what you want to be known for and set boundaries accordingly. If you want to only be a content producer, as difficult as it might be, you might want to turn the client down. Making these value decisions early is important for setting the tone of your work. 

Looking forward to hearing more about your projects.

What kind of photography to you typically shoot? Is your style the same for professional and personal work? 

- James

It is all part of Getting paid for what you know, and it is part of Networking. Example:

You consult to them, and they begin to see the difference in how a Professional handles this. They might not need you for this specific project, but your professionalism for photography and interaction means they Know of you for their bigger need, a referral, etc.

Or, you realize they have some natural abilities, and you like working with them. Later, you find an opportunity to work with them, again. Or, the person you work closely with, at that location, ends up being someone you Hire away. Or, that person starts a different business and subcontracts to you, because of how you handled the previous interaction.

Never turn down opportunity.