It's a prospective client's responsibility to vet their service providers and do their research to aid them in their decision of hiring the right one for them. It's also a creative artist's responsibility to qualify their clients— as it's a personalized service and visions need to be compatible. This does not mean that we aren't running inclusive businesses and we shouldn't confuse qualifying clients with being picky or persnickety. It also doesn't mean that we should accept any business we can get, as if we are merely selling retail goods. With a personalized service, it needs to fit. 

-Processes and styles accompany a creative artist. 

Most seasoned creative artists are known for what they put out there, and a certain style of work. Perhaps a niche. When a client wishes to hire any given creative artist (mainly a photographer, for discussion sake) their procedures, styles of capture, post production, and even personalities are part of the equation. Work and approach from one photographer to another can be jarringly different in every regard. The reason an informed client would hire a photographer is because they trust their vision and approach— not because they want something different.

-It's not the same as hired help. 

When hiring someone to clean gutters, they're either clean or they're not. It's still an important service, but it's not a personalized creative art. Meaning, the main concern is hiring someone reliable and careful. A client trying to treat a photographer or other creative artist like hired help manages to miss the entire point of hiring one. I have found that a client who micromanages or thinks their uninformed foreign ideas will improve my services, I'm better off not accepting the booking. 

I'm not a perfect person or perfect photographer. However, I've built my business and signature style with skills and knowledge I've cultivated over the years. I don't need to work with anyone who doesn't value my work, or thinks they know better about how I should do things. Qualifying clients is a two-way street.

-In closing

Naturally I try to be cordial and professional, even at events when interacting with difficult or disagreeable people. I keep those interactions as short as possible and keep my eyes on the prize. My only true obligation is to the client who hired me. Not a domineering mother of the bride who thinks she has better ideas. Not a mouthy bridesmaid or drunk uncle who want something different. I accommodate if I can—however, I am not hired help just because I am paid well. Trust the vision, trust the process. Some need more creative liberty than others and this should be communicated up front. I am the perfect photographer for those who seek my vision. I am not the right photographer for everyone, and that's just fine with me.