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01/21/2011 05:13:09 PM · #1 |
I've recently read about a company wanting photographers to take photos of newly born babies in the maternity ward at my local hospital. I sent off for details and I was a little shocked when I received them (this is in the UK). I thought I would see what others thought about this company, or whether anyone has had any dealings with them. Not sure if I can name them, but you may know who I'm talking about.
I researched the company and discovered that they also have quite a monopoly on school photos, and they do other event photography as well. In some of these other photographer positions, they provide a company car and other expenses, but this 'Baby's First Portrait' job seems to be a bit different. I was interested as I am currently unemployed (although attempting to start up a photography business) and thought this would be better than unemployment benefit, and good experience.
Anyway, it's for three mornings a week - Sunday, Monday, Tuesday - for about 2 hours per day, depending on the number of newly delivered babies requiring photos. I would need to complete basic paperwork, and attend regular training and reviews - approx 1-2 hours per month - and attend area meetings, for which they pay an hourly rate of £6. They reimburse hospital parking fees, and provide all equipment, stationery and a uniform.
All OK so far, except when I get to the bit about being paid monthly according to the number of babies photographed at a rate of £3.45 for each baby photographed, which seemed to me a bit on the stingy side. Just how many babies can be photographed in two hours on three mornings a week? It says average hours and expected earnings will be discussed at interview, but I'm not sure whether to even bother at this rate! I've also read that the images are quite ordinary too, and not that different to what a relative might be able to achieve. Just point and shoot while tethered to a laptop on a trolley that you wheel from bed to bed.
What's your thoughts on this? |
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01/21/2011 05:49:02 PM · #2 |
I'm in the US, so I have no idea as to which company this might be.
However, some of the same thing is done here. The photos of our newborn children looked like they simply had a camera mounted on an arm over the bed. Nothing special. But then again, how much posing can you expect a newborn to do?
If its' worth your time for the money, is about all one can question.
As to how many images, I think it would depend more on the baby supply. Newborns don't do a whole of of cute stuff. So it would not be like a photo session with posing and all. Probably closer to mug shots. I would think that 8 - 10 an hour should be doable depending on set-up, once you had some comfort with the equipment and babies. How many babies are born at the hospital each week, would be the limiting factor. |
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01/21/2011 06:24:13 PM · #3 |
I've seen these ads here in the US too. I don't know anyone with personal experience with them though. Basically the same deal here for a company called Our365 - 3 hours per day, 2 or 3 days per week. The current ad here states $12 - $14 per hour (plus commission) for a photography coordinator who "works" five days per week and shoots 2 of those.
It might be fine to help pay the bills, but think it could be a frustrating job if you are forced to sell bland snapshots, when you'd rather provide nicely lit and edited portraits. |
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01/21/2011 06:33:50 PM · #4 |
They're not looking for a photographer. They're looking for someone who can press a button. Usually it's just an overhead machine that slides over the babies bassinet and you push a button. I don't know whether they let you handle the baby or rearrange it, even. I can't remember anymore.
I looked at a similar add in the states, and the only requirements were that you were 18 years of age.
It's not a skilled position.
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01/21/2011 06:35:01 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by fldave:
I've seen these ads here in the US too. I don't know anyone with personal experience with them though. Basically the same deal here for a company called Our365 - 3 hours per day, 2 or 3 days per week. The current ad here states $12 - $14 per hour (plus commission) for a photography coordinator who "works" five days per week and shoots 2 of those.
It might be fine to help pay the bills, but think it could be a frustrating job if you are forced to sell bland snapshots, when you'd rather provide nicely lit and edited portraits. |
btw, the lighting was actually pretty nice on my babies' shots. It's not a bad machine.
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01/21/2011 08:41:28 PM · #6 |
| This sounds more like simple documentation for preventing mixing up babies when they're sent home, than a "photography" position. |
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01/21/2011 08:42:28 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
This sounds more like simple documentation for preventing mixing up babies when they're sent home, than a "photography" position. |
nope. They're selling it to the families as their newborn picture. I bought them for both of my children.
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01/22/2011 12:47:21 AM · #8 |
| I had a job like this but I'm in Australia so it's probably a little different. I was paid by the hour but it was the lowest paying job I've ever had, I did it more for fun than money, at least that's what I told myself to stop from getting completely depressed at my pay check. There was no photography skill involved, the biggest skill was learning to wrap the blanket correctly to keep bub still, after that it was a matter of putting them in the bassinet with the over head cam and pushing the button when they looked up. Easy as. It was changing as I left though, they were bringing in hand held cameras and were going to allow more creativity so it might not be as rigid where you're applying. |
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01/23/2011 06:55:46 PM · #9 |
Thanks for all your input.
This certainly does not seem like a skilled position, as training is provided. I think you have to be more of a sales person than a photographer. I don't think there is any hourly rate, just mentions the £3.45 per baby photographed and the expenses they pay, although the letter mentions that average hours and expected earnings will be discussed at interview. Perhaps they missed something off the letter.
Perhaps I should give it a go and try and get an interview, at least to see what it entails. At that rate, though, it's probably less money than my unemployment benefit! |
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01/23/2011 07:14:39 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by digi-birder:
I think you have to be more of a sales person than a photographer. |
That's what these types of jobs tend to be. It's the same with the school pictures side, getting the family to buy packages.
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