I didn't just tell them no. I know this person and have done work for them for pay in the past. They like working with me, but their current budget is unrealistic and not productive for me to take on. I advised that they should consider what the goal is for the service they are wanting. I'm a photographer, so if they are looking for quality images to build their brand, they should consider what value that would bring to them as a growing business. I know that I'm charging more, but I can guarantee great images with a quick turn-around time taken on professional equipment.

If they just need a few extra images for social media and it doesn't matter how those turn out, then it may be worth it for them to consider hiring a beginner. But it's also a risk going with someone who is willing to work for that low of pay. They most likely don't have the gear necessary for the job and could end up delivering a product the client isn't happy with.

Instead of offering an hour of my time that was considerably out of their budget, I offered a half hour of coverage for an increased rate. If budget is still the deciding factor, I offered to pass their info along to beginner photographers that may be a better fit for them.

I want to be helpful to all my potential and current clients, but I'm also not going to devalue my work and the work of everyone else in my field to gain clients.