Cruise Guests Tried to Cheat by Copying Photos, So Photographer Stopped Them

The Challenge of Entitled Customers

In the world of photography, especially in high-traffic environments like cruise ships, photographers often face a unique set of challenges. One such challenge comes from customers who believe they can bypass the system and take advantage of the photographer’s work without paying for it. This situation can be both frustrating and demoralizing, particularly when the photographer is working on commission and relies on each sale to make a living.

A few years ago, a photographer found himself in this exact scenario while working on a cruise ship. He spent 8 months working 12+ hour days with no days off, sleeping just 6 feet away from the port anchor chain. His job involved capturing moments for passengers, but he quickly realized that not all customers were as respectful or appreciative as he had hoped.

A Costly Deal

The cruise offered a special deal where passengers could book a 7-day cruise for $300-400 per person, which was an attractive price. However, these passengers often turned out to be some of the most demanding and rude individuals the photographer had ever encountered. They expected luxury and high-quality service at a fraction of the cost, leading to frequent conflicts.

The photographer worked on commission, and while his prices weren’t the cheapest, they were entirely reasonable. He would take as many photos as the customer wanted and print them up, only charging for the ones they chose to purchase. But instead of buying multiple prints, some customers would discuss openly how they planned to take the images to Walmart and have copies made cheaper.

The Photographer's Response

When the photographer informed them that the images were copyrighted and that making copies without purchasing the rights was illegal, it didn’t seem to deter them. These customers would often leave complaint cards, stating things like “Well, you’ll never know.” They didn’t care that the photographer was paid on commission and that their actions were essentially stealing from him.

After several months of this behavior, the photographer decided to take a stand. Whenever customers discussed making copies, he refused the sale and ripped up the print in front of them, ensuring they couldn’t come back later and steal it from the shelves in the gallery.

Public Reaction and Discussion

This story sparked a lot of discussion online, particularly on platforms like Reddit. Many users shared their own experiences with similar situations, highlighting the common practice of customers trying to get around paying for photographs. Some argued that customers should be more discreet, as most people would act similarly if they felt they were being taken advantage of.

Others praised the photographer for standing up for himself and taking a firm stance against theft. The story resonated with many who had faced similar issues in their own careers, leading to a broader conversation about the value of professional work and the importance of respecting intellectual property.

Lessons Learned

This experience serves as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and protecting one’s work. While it can be tempting to ignore difficult customers, sometimes taking a stand is necessary to maintain integrity and ensure fair compensation for one’s efforts. It also highlights the need for better communication between professionals and their clients, so that expectations are clear from the start.

For those in the photography industry, this story underscores the challenges of working in environments where customers may not fully understand or appreciate the value of the work being done. It also emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place to address unethical behavior and protect one’s business.