- Messages
- 5
- Name
- Rhys
- Edit My Images
- Yes
So I am starting out as a freelance photographer. I have been doing a mixture of paid and free jobs now for just over a year with a limited number of clients. I am planning on working on my portfolio and selling myself as a photographer (and videographer) much harder this year.
I wanted to ask you guys your option on working for free when first starting out and if/when this is acceptable to do so.
I am currently working with a guy who runs a small (currently low-profit) clothing line. He often runs events in collaboration with his line of clothing with members of the local music industry and is currently showcasing a run of events towards a charity concert that is taking place in February. He gives items of his clothing to members of the local industry who then wear his stuff, which is then seen by fans at events and in photos/videos etc.
Obviously everything that is being done here still benefits him in some way but there are no direct profits going his way - he too is essentially working for free and is maybe even losing out on money.
I guess working for him gives me some extra experience. I actually ENJOY shooting this stuff and it does help generate money for charity. But everyone who knows this guy knows that he doesn't usually pay and consistently asks for favours. I do like the guy, but is this actually bad exposure for me? Or is it fair enough to work for free in this case because it's basically for a non-profit cause?
I don't plan to work for free for anyone else moving forward, but have promised to work with him until the concert in February which he says will be a paid job.
What are your thoughts on this guys? This argument also goes alongside working for low payments when "there isn't much of a budget". I've heard this one a lot before too. I shot an entire event for £40 and some drinks - I was paid less than the bar staff. I did it for the experience and to help with my confidence, and for enjoyment. But is it really worth it? I feel these clients will probably never pay properly now? But would they ever? These £40 photos did end up getting a feature in DJ Mag though, which was cool.
Oh... hey by the way. I'm new here, and you'll probably see a lot more of me!
I wanted to ask you guys your option on working for free when first starting out and if/when this is acceptable to do so.
I am currently working with a guy who runs a small (currently low-profit) clothing line. He often runs events in collaboration with his line of clothing with members of the local music industry and is currently showcasing a run of events towards a charity concert that is taking place in February. He gives items of his clothing to members of the local industry who then wear his stuff, which is then seen by fans at events and in photos/videos etc.
Obviously everything that is being done here still benefits him in some way but there are no direct profits going his way - he too is essentially working for free and is maybe even losing out on money.
I guess working for him gives me some extra experience. I actually ENJOY shooting this stuff and it does help generate money for charity. But everyone who knows this guy knows that he doesn't usually pay and consistently asks for favours. I do like the guy, but is this actually bad exposure for me? Or is it fair enough to work for free in this case because it's basically for a non-profit cause?
I don't plan to work for free for anyone else moving forward, but have promised to work with him until the concert in February which he says will be a paid job.
What are your thoughts on this guys? This argument also goes alongside working for low payments when "there isn't much of a budget". I've heard this one a lot before too. I shot an entire event for £40 and some drinks - I was paid less than the bar staff. I did it for the experience and to help with my confidence, and for enjoyment. But is it really worth it? I feel these clients will probably never pay properly now? But would they ever? These £40 photos did end up getting a feature in DJ Mag though, which was cool.
Oh... hey by the way. I'm new here, and you'll probably see a lot more of me!
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