[Chris Saper]

Hi Mara,

It is sometimes very difficult to know what to do! The only advice I can offer to you surrounds an article I read sometime back (I cannot recall the site) about spotting the problem client up front, ie red flags that you should heed...like: don't let a client force you to accept a poor resource photo; don't take commissions from clients who are drunk or otherwise incapacitated (do not laugh at this, it really happens); don't accept work that entails an unreasonable deadline; and beware of the clinet who tells you, "I have NEVER liked any photograph I've had taken". The few disasters I have had could have been avoided if I had taken this advice to heart!

Also, it is so important to review your portfolio! As Peggy Baumgaertner has said, you will be judged by the WEAKEST work in your portfolio, so get rid of it. Don't show anything you don't want to do more of. I have a friend who said "Maybe I should paint some little girls in white dresses and guys in suits!" My reply was "Only if this is the kind of work you want." If you don't want to be painting landscape type illustrative settings, dont' show them. If you do, then do.

I wish you the very best, Chris