A big tip on how to nicely say no - is if you talk about things AHEAD of time. People don't realize how powerful this is...If I know a holiday is coming up, and my in laws will be around, and I already dread the X Y Z issues that will inevitably come up, then I will bring up the issue to my wife WELL AHEAD of the holiday season - a month in advance, and then mention it again a week prior.
It is much, much easier to talk about edgy topics when we're not currently involved in them. When you're in the heart of the matter at hand, everything is uncomfortable and sensitive. Have a talk to them about it some time beforehand, about how you love to help however you can, family is of prime importance to you, but when it comes to professional photography, if really isn't your thing. You can explain why, and tell them you sincerely hope they understand, that it is nothing personal, and that is all you can do. Beyond that if they make themselves hurt, that's on them. You can't sacrifice your well being for the sake of others, but you can hope to reconcile as best you can within reason.
A big tip on how to nicely say no - is if you talk about things AHEAD of time. People don't realize how powerful this is...If I know a holiday is coming up, and my in laws will be around, and I already dread the X Y Z issues that will inevitably come up, then I will bring up the issue to my wife WELL AHEAD of the holiday season - a month in advance, and then mention it again a week prior.
It is much, much easier to talk about edgy topics when we're not currently involved in them. When you're in the heart of the matter at hand, everything is uncomfortable and sensitive. Have a talk to them about it some time beforehand, about how you love to help however you can, family is of prime importance to you, but when it comes to professional photography, if really isn't your thing. You can explain why, and tell them you sincerely hope they understand, that it is nothing personal, and that is all you can do. Beyond that if they make themselves hurt, that's on them. You can't sacrifice your well being for the sake of others, but you can hope to reconcile as best you can within reason.