Understanding the Options System

When scheduling shoots, I use an options system to manage availability while balancing commitments to clients. This system ensures fairness and flexibility, allowing me to prioritize projects based on scheduling, budget, and long-term relationships.

What Is an Option?

An option means a client is tentatively holding a date, but the booking isn’t confirmed until they give final approval. This allows flexibility while I accommodate multiple inquiries.

How Options Work

• First-Hold: The first client to request a date gets the first right to confirm. If another client requests the same date, the first-hold client will have the chance to either confirm or release it.

• Second-Hold: A second-hold client can secure the date only if the first-hold client releases it.

Prioritizing Bookings

When multiple clients express interest in the same date, I prioritize based on:

1. Rate: Higher-budget projects take precedence.

2. Client Relationship: Long-term clients or those with ongoing work may receive priority over one-off bookings.

Why This Matters

Since options are not confirmed bookings, I continue to accept additional holds until a final confirmation is made. To help avoid scheduling conflicts, I ask that confirmations be communicated before the client receives theirs. This ensures smooth scheduling and prevents multiple confirmations for the same date.

If you have any questions or want to secure an option, feel free to reach out.

I look forward to working together!