Is this alright? - DPChallenge Forums

01/19/2012 07:12:32 PM · #1

I've offered to provide some family photos to two of my good friends whom I work with in the military. I don't really feel there is anything wrong with doing this for free. I don't own a photography business of any kind, and have never done any "professional" work, but feel confident that I can provide what they need.

Is it ethical to offer my service for free as "practicing" in a way? I just assume it's a good way of establishing a portfolio with some variety.

Thanks for your input!

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

01/19/2012 07:14:59 PM · #2

Oh heck yes. Remind them that you *are* an amateur, and get releases that allow you use the photos for promotion/marketing in exchange for the free work. This is a good way to build a portfolio, and to gain some experience.

FocusPoint

XIAOMI Redmi Note 8 Pro

01/19/2012 07:16:09 PM · #3

If I were you, I would charge them to expenses I pay, such as cost of print, cost of CD (if you're going to burn one) little gas money (if traveled) etc. That number is so small, it would make your friends comfortable, by paying you for the work and not breaking the bank, and also make you feel good because even though you are doing the job for free (your time and profit wise), nothing comes out from your packet.

then again, that me :)

01/19/2012 07:17:26 PM · #4

Originally posted by kirbic:

Alright, that's good to hear. I let them know I was by no means professional, but could give them what they wanted. I felt bad, because one of them had a new baby and the only photos they had were from an aquarium. I was like...'NAH DAWG, IMA HOOK YOU UP." hahahaha

I guess, I really just want to make good pictures, and any opportunity to go out and do it, or get someone else involved is always something I'm searching for.

01/19/2012 07:18:50 PM · #5

Originally posted by FocusPoint:

I would normally agree, and I don't doubt they'll probably hand me a few bucks for gas...they're good people. But, I'm not providing prints or anything like that, just the images and some good processing. If they want to get involved with printing, and that sort of thing, then I would most certainly not go into the red just to "practice".

MinsoPhoto

Canon EOS-7D

01/19/2012 07:22:17 PM · #6

You will probably get thoughts or advice from all sides. Honestly it is like a catch 22, you need to practice and establish yourself so you can charge appropriately but you don't really want to give away your stuff for free. Just a thought from what I have found out, if you practice on friends and family for free don't expect to make any money off of them in the future, you will likely be labeled as the "free" guy. I think, at least for me, it is easier to sell myself to strangers or at least people I am not directly associated with. Seems friends and family want the "friend or family" price regardless of if you are brand new or well established. If you are good with it go for it. Tough call on this one so you gotta just go with what you think feels right. Well all that and not sure I answered your question or even helped lol.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/19/2012 07:31:09 PM · #7

Originally posted by MinsoPhoto:

I expected a variety of views, honestly, but I understand your opinion. I feel perfectly comfortable doing this for free. I'm gainfully employed with the military (if you can call that employment haha) and these are some of my colleagues. I've known them for a long time, they've always been there to help me, and this is more a favor to them in being a friend. I will likely never work for them again. Not only that, but I feel a responsibility to pay-it-forward, as my brother-in-law did my wife and I's engagement shoot, and that is a service he normally charges $800 for.

I have no qualms about the money, basically. My curiosity is simply whether or not people think it's okay to "practice on others" with the expectation that free service might not be as great as professional service.

I will say, though, that in this day and age...it seems like you don't have to do a great deal to be a better "family photographer" than the mom down the street who got a Rebel for Christmas and starts providing "timeless photography for clients" in January.

acephotos

Nikon D4

01/20/2012 09:53:34 AM · #8

kirbic "Oh heck yes. Remind them that you *are* an amateur, and get releases that allow you use the photos for promotion/marketing in exchange for the free work. This is a good way to build a portfolio, and to gain some experience."

Totally agree with this. You are being upfront and honest. They make a judgement based on that. You feel good doing a favour and you get to add to your portfolio. Win-win I'd say. I also don't subscribe to the thought that if you do free, you will have to do free for other friends. You do what you decide ... as your experience/skill/confidence increases, so does your expectation of remuneration.

Go for it and good luck.

pixelpig

Sony Alpha a55

Sony DT 1.8/50mm SAM

01/20/2012 10:30:30 AM · #9

I once did a free photo shoot for a neighboring family. A year later they asked me to give them another CD of the photos, as they had lost the first one. I think they felt it was free for life. Plus, I think people generally don't have much respect for something that is free. So I am in favor of charging a token amount. Sometimes now I tell them I don't work for free but that they can decide for themselves what to pay me. That works out very well.

tanguera

Nikon D750

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/20/2012 12:04:20 PM · #10

Already been mentioned, but don't forget those model releases (available anywhere on the internet). If you're not a pro, not planning to be a pro, etc., then why think of charging in the first place? If you want to go pro and don't have a port or that much experience, then you are not in a position to charge, ethically. That's how I see it. You are getting willing models to work with you for nothing. That's worth something right there.

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

01/20/2012 12:09:21 PM · #11

I see no prob with it

ScooterMcNutty

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM

01/20/2012 12:52:30 PM · #12

releases. releases. releases.
even though its something that i myself need to work on, i always ask them if they mind or not if some of the finals make it to the web or not. They usually have no problem with it.

As to charging. If your not planning on being a pro and you yourself dont have an issue charging them nothing, then i dont see a problem with it. This is you need to think about. When you want to do this as a business, start charging a little. If you're not, only do something that you are ok with.