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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> Time for Print/CD instead of Money
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02/10/2007 10:16:25 PM · #1
To the Professional Photog!! [and anyone else who would like to comment]
Your a professional photographer on a shoot, your payment for that shoot and any other shoot that you do at an event, or for a organization running an event is the prints that you sell to the competitors, organizer, etc.

What are your feeling towards an amateur photographer trying to gain experience, who is prepared to give away a selection of images just for the privilege and experience of being able to shoot the event that you are being paid for? Time for Print/CD instead of Money. (TFP / TFCD instead of $$$)

Do you find it undermines the price you can ask for a image?
Does it cause distraction that right next to you is someone giving away a selection of their shots, while you are attempting to sell the shots you have taken to the same people?

The reason I'm posting this question is; I have the opportunity to shoot several major events in my local area, but have only been able to get this chance by going TFP, just to get experience and exposure. I'm trying not to 'step on toes', but also don't want to miss out.

Love to hear from all and sundry...

Cheers Matthew

Message edited by author 2007-02-10 22:17:38.
02/10/2007 10:36:40 PM · #2
As a working professional, I still do freebies at times if I feel the job might lead to more. As a matter of fact, I'm doing a free event for UCP (united Cerebral Palsy) next month, for three days.

The 3-day fundraiser includes meet and greets, a chili cookoff and last but certainly not least a double-header convert (backstage included ) with Lonestar and Blake Shelton.

They're getting CD's - I'm getting to hobnob with $$$, including the Mayor of Mobile and Governor of Alabama. it's a win-win situation.

But, now, if you are doing it, try to make sure you're getting the exposure you want. You want to get the most bang for your buck (or lack thereof).
02/11/2007 12:12:45 AM · #3
Thanks fotoman,

One of the shows I plan to do TFP has a good cahnce of cementing me into the photog roster for the rest of the year.

So pleanty of "BANG" for a couple of dozen freebies.

Cheers Matthew
02/11/2007 12:15:30 AM · #4
Originally posted by Ambo:


One of the shows I plan to do TFP has a good cahnce of cementing me into the photog roster for the rest of the year.


Then by all means, I think it is well worth the time and effort.
02/11/2007 01:07:42 AM · #5
My thoughts are go for it. You can't put a price on the experience you'll receive doing the events. Shoot lots (bring lots of memory cards), schmooze with the people you're shooting, and have lots of cards handy so that you can sell some prints to them afterwards. Best of luck!
02/11/2007 01:21:27 AM · #6
I guess my view is slightly different.
Make sure you are not undervaluing yourself, because too many people do things "for their portfolio" when it is not really necessary and you could be charging. Just be aware that you are bringing down the value of the service you and other professionals are providing, and think how you may feel in the professional's shoes, who might be trying to make rent.

That said, do what you need to do, but be courteous. I would, of course, talk to the photographer that is there for business and discuss what you are doing, for his courtesy, and as a warning to him that he just might have to work a little harder to get better shots.
02/11/2007 02:42:29 AM · #7
My plan is...Give up 6-12 images to the organizers TFP, then go a head and sell the rest to the competitors. Using the organizer's 1/2 doz (almost a bribe)just to get trackside, and onto the inner paddock.

This way I am only losing 6 - 12 images and then, being able to compete with the PROs. on an even keel. If my shots match-up to the other photogs then hopefully score accreditation for the rest of the years events.
Just concerned about causing grief...not wanting to 'under-cut' the guy trying to make rent, but still trying to get out there to kick start my own business.

Cheers for the replies...

Matthew
Perth Sports Photography
02/11/2007 03:21:53 AM · #8
If you get accredited for the V8 Supercars, can I come be your assistant? :-P I envy you.
02/11/2007 04:34:29 AM · #9
Originally posted by Delta_6:

If you get accredited for the V8 Supercars, can I come be your assistant? :-P I envy you.


Trying to get into the Drifters...
02/11/2007 04:35:33 AM · #10
Sorry, I just saw the pics at barbagallo raceway on your site and thought of the V8s.
02/11/2007 06:15:31 AM · #11
Originally posted by petrakka:

I guess my view is slightly different.
Make sure you are not undervaluing yourself, because too many people do things "for their portfolio" when it is not really necessary and you could be charging. Just be aware that you are bringing down the value of the service you and other professionals are providing, and think how you may feel in the professional's shoes, who might be trying to make rent.

That said, do what you need to do, but be courteous. I would, of course, talk to the photographer that is there for business and discuss what you are doing, for his courtesy, and as a warning to him that he just might have to work a little harder to get better shots.


The first thing that came into my mind when I read the original post was this: thread by skip.

Petrakka...you have a good point but as you will notice in the above thread and others posting, it can come in VERY handy and go a lot further.

Good luck on the shoot.
02/11/2007 06:53:42 AM · #12
Well...Thank you everone that replied,

I have taken the advice of all and sundry, put it into a pot, given it a stir and fired off a nice, courtious, to the point email to the organiser seeking their accreditation.

We will now wait and see what comes of it...

Cheers Matthew
02/14/2007 11:02:36 PM · #13
If it's for non-profit or charity, I'd happily donate my time as long as I'm free.

If it's commercial usage and there's revenue, then I'd approach it like any other job and expect to get paid.

I'd rather be known as the expensive guy rather than the freebie guy. I can't speak for your market though, so it's your call. But weigh carefully what you're giving up in exchange for access and exposure.
02/14/2007 11:06:59 PM · #14
The problem with doing GOOD free work or discount work is people talk to other people and next thing you know 30 people want you to do the same thing for them.... at the same fee. Better to charge what the work is worth right off if you know the quality is there and then pray for all of those word of mouth referrals! :)
02/14/2007 11:29:22 PM · #15
on one hand, everyone has to start somewhere; on the other, it is very easy to step on toes. you need to make sure you know all the players involved.

i personally don't mind too much when other people shoot at events where i'm the 'official' photographer, because i'm quite sure that the others are not delivering the full package that i'm paid to shoot. yeah, i might lose a few bucks here and there, but not enough for me to feel i gotta be a jerk, runnin off the other shooters for steppin into my backyard. however, that's me. i've run into plenty of situations where the 'official' photographer just absolutely couldn't handle the thought of someone else invading their space. usually, these are shooters who are very insecure about either their photographic competence, or their business competence.

as to pricing, be realistic. two years ago, i started off pretty much like everyone else, doing stuff for dirt or worse, and gradually raising my rates as i built a portfolio and a business that speaks for itself. you can do the same. it just takes commitment, flexibility, and reasonable expectations. good luck!
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