Your client demands a last-minute concept change for the shoot. How will you adapt to capture their vision?

As a pro, you should be able to adapt and remain calm. A conversation will help you understand the new direction and make needed changes. If this changes the scope of the project, make sure they understand the reasoning and issue in writing a contract amendment that covers any additional costs or changes to the timeline. We are in this business to provide clients with the images they want, so if you can do it - do it. You don't have to give it away if they make changes to the project scope. But definitely work with them and if needed, suggest options to meet their needs.

The best thing to do, is to ask questions about the client's vision. Be happy to throw out the old concept without a backward glance.

Immediately connect with the client to fully understand their new vision. I’d ask key questions to clarify the concept, tone, and any specific elements they want to include. Quickly evaluate what resources are available and how the new concept can be integrated within the current setup. This includes considering the location, props, lighting, and any changes needed for the crew.

When a client demands a last-minute concept change, I prioritize staying calm and collected. I start by discussing the new vision in detail to ensure clarity and alignment, assessing the feasibility based on the location, available equipment, and time constraints. If challenges arise, I communicate them transparently, offering creative alternatives to meet the client's vision. My adaptability and open communication build trust, ensuring that the shoot remains a collaborative and successful experience, even with the shift in direction.

Communicate. The most important part is to stay honest towards the client and if something can’t be done, better let them know immediately. Communication is key and I’ve rescheduled many photo shoots due to not optimal weather and explained to the clients and there was never a problem. There would be a bigger problem if we went ahead with the photoshoot, spent resources and time just to get an unsatisfying result in the end.

Be prepared for unexpected. So consider such situations and "possible normal". You are to deliver "best photos" in the world. Best photographers are not ballerinas who complain about changes. THEY ARE CHANGES THEMSELVES....

if your head is open you would be able to create plethora of ideas before Client finishes his first sentence. If he had chosen you because of your "ideas" capacity then he would be more than happy to work with you and recommend.

I try to involve the client very early on in the creative process so hopefully we are aligned from the beginning. If they come up with a last minute concept change then I am all ears as maybe they have had a brilliant new take on the vision. This puts a positive spin on this and really it's great that the client is really invested in getting the result they are looking for. It's then my job to deliver it.

One change may cause other changes. All depends on a size of suitcase full of cash. If it is big you can easily reschedule other Clients and check if they are after quuality only [they will wait] or price [lower price - they wait].