He Wanted to Pay Upfront, But Refused a Phone Call. Red Flag? Absolutely.

Running a photography business takes creativity and professionalism, and every now and then, a bit of detective work. I want to share a recent experience that started as a normal inquiry but raised several red flags fast. Hopefully it helps other photographers and creatives recognize the signs before it costs them.

The initial inquiry

It started with a simple email: "Hello, this is Raymond. I would like to know if you offer family reunion photography?"

I responded professionally, asked for details about the event and how he'd found me, and after some back and forth, he confirmed August 16th worked, gave me an address, and requested five hours of candid and posed shots.

I quoted my rate of $1,750 for the five-hour session, including digital delivery, and outlined my usual process: a signed photography agreement, a 50% non-refundable retainer to hold the date, and a quick phone call to confirm event details. That call isn't optional. It helps me confirm I'm the right fit, prevents miscommunication, and protects both of us.

The pushback begins

Raymond replied: "Ok sounds good, I'm comfortable with the price and I'd like to make full payment upfront to lock the date. Time: 2pm. What's the turnaround time?"

That was my first red flag. Legitimate clients rarely offer full payment upfront before signing anything or even talking. I responded politely and reminded him a brief call was necessary before I could accept payment or send booking documents.

What came next confirmed it: "Sorry I'm just recuperating from hearing surgery, please let's email or text instead."

Medical issues are sensitive, and I genuinely empathize with real health concerns. But when someone refuses a basic business safeguard I've explained clearly, more than once, that's a red flag I can't ignore.

Why this matters

There's a common scam pattern in the creative industries: rush the process, skip communication, and offer payment quickly. Scammers hope you'll be flattered or distracted by the money and move too quickly to think it through. But any real client understands why boundaries exist.

It doesn't matter how eager someone seems or how convincing their story sounds. If they can't respect your process, they're not someone you want to work with.

My takeaway, and yours

This interaction reminded me exactly why my client intake process exists. That phone call requirement isn't a box to check. It's real protection against fraud, miscommunication, or worse.

Fellow creatives, stick to your process. Don't feel pressured to make exceptions, especially for vague explanations or fast money offers. It's okay to say no. Sometimes it's the smartest thing you can do.

You deserve clients who are respectful, communicative, and transparent.

Stay smart. Stay safe.
Erica Cameron, Photographer

From Arizona to the Front Range: Our Colorado Relocation Story

I've never considered myself much of a "blogger," but I do believe in sharing stories, especially the kind that shape who we are. So here's a little glimpse into mine.

Back in 2018, life took a major turn when my husband's company relocated us from Glendale, Arizona to Superior, Colorado. We packed up our lives, our memories, and our two very active kids, and traded the desert sun for life along Colorado's Front Range, where wide open skies meet the edge of the Rockies.

Our daughter was halfway through her freshman year of high school, and our son was in the middle of 6th grade. Uprooting them mid-year wasn't easy, but they adjusted with the kind of resilience that continues to inspire me. They dove into everything from soccer, cross-country, and track to learning how to ski and snowboard, taking full advantage of everything Colorado had to offer.

Just a few months before the move, I had finished my paralegal studies at Phoenix College in November 2017. By January, we were settling into our new home, and I was jumping into a new career in the legal field. I was lucky to land a position at a highly respected real estate law firm in Boulder, and it felt like things were aligning: new place, new job, new opportunities.

But like so many others, our world shifted in 2020. In October, I was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By February 2021, I found myself working for a personal injury law firm in Westminster that, let's just say, wasn't the right fit. That job ended in August 2021, right after we bought our first home in Broomfield. The timing wasn't ideal, but funny how life works.

That twist led me to my current firm, where I've been working full-time since October 2021. It's been a steady and fulfilling role, and I'm grateful for the growth and stability it's brought into my life.

Outside of work, I still make time for my passion, photography. Whether it's a spontaneous road trip or a quiet hike, Colorado continues to take my breath away. There's always something new to discover, and I love capturing those little moments of beauty through my lens.

Now, several years later, it's incredible to look back and see how far we've come. Our daughter is about to begin her final year studying Environmental Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, an accomplishment that makes us so proud. Our son is currently working full-time and thoughtfully figuring out his next steps. Like most of us at that age, he's on a journey of discovery, and I have no doubt he'll find his path in his own time.

We've faced changes, challenges, and a whole lot of growth since that big move in 2018. And even if blogging doesn't come naturally to me, taking the time to reflect reminds me just how much we've built, and how much we've yet to explore.

Below are some photographs I've taken along the way. 

Crystal Mill, CO

Maroon Bells, Aspen, CO

Flowers at Anderson Farms, Erie, CO

Lake Irene, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Elk in Estes, CO

Snowy Street in Broomfield, CO

Western Stockshow Parade, Denver, CO

Frozen Bubbles, Broomfield, CO

Umi Statue, Aurora, CO

Georgia

South Carolina

About Me

Hello and welcome!

My name is Erica Cameron, and I wear many hats in life—wife, mother, former banker, legal assistant, and professional photographer.

Photography has been a lifelong passion of mine. I enjoy capturing everything from portraits and weddings to nature and product photography. My journey began in high school, where I took my first formal classes. From there, I had the incredible opportunity to shadow two seasoned photographers with over 30 years of experience. They mentored me in both studio and event photography, and I spent more than a year learning hands-on before launching my own business.

Now, with nearly 20 years of professional experience, I pride myself on being reliable, punctual, and fully committed to every shoot. Rain or shine—I show up. On your wedding day, I can blend right in as part of your crew or remain quietly behind the scenes, capturing every moment without disruption.

Originally from Phoenix, I made Colorado my home in 2018. I’d love for you to visit my website and take a look at my work.

Thank you for stopping by! Please visit my website here. 

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