The "Working For Free" Trap

In the last year I have bid on jobs in my area, (I am a full-time working Professional Photographer). At least that's what my CPA and the IRS say. I would call a few days later to follow up on the status of the job only to find out someone is doing it for half the price or worse yet for free. I would see what they shot displayed on their web site or blog only to think, they got what they paid for.

Before I start into this, let me say that I do, selectively donate my time and services to worthy causes of my choosing. I always ask those inquiring about services whether they are a volunteer or a paid employee. Their answer weighs heavily on the reply I give them. I was recently sent an e-mail in which a museum is asking for high quality images of the masks which will be displayed. Having worked in the museum field for 10 years I have a very good understanding of what it takes handling objects and (lighting wise) to photograph objects. Many of those wanting to be photographers will jump at the opportunity to have their name in lights, on a brochure or in an add so they can tell all their friends they are a photographer.  These are traps which unsuspecting newbies too often fall for. At the bottom of the first paragraph, the last sentence talks about a "further offer" to be discussed for a gala event. I wondered, what does that mean?

Photographing/cataloging 150 objects is a great deal of work! Will there be assistants there to help? This and other questions are always to be discussed.   

A GREAT RESOURCE for working photographers and those wanting to work in the photographic field is the book: BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS by John Harrington I highly recommend anyone, whether having been in business for years or just starting out buy and read this book. It is full of valuable information which is priceless.

http://www.amazon.com/Best-Business-Practices-Photographers-Second/dp/1435454294/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1285940254&sr=1-1


John dedicates an entire chapter (26) on giving back. But he also states in an earlier chapter, "If Everyone Hiring You Is Paid A Salary, Shouldn't You Be Too?" 

Here is the e-mail in full:

Hello!

The Museum of Art is looking for a photographer to take photos of the 2011 Masks entries. While we are unable to pay for this service, it is an opportunity to give to the museum and have your work recognized during the month-long Masks exhibition. The photographer will receive logo and/or name recognition on all printed matter for the event. A further offer concerning the gala event on Saturday, April 30, 2011 will be discussed with the chosen photographer.

Here’s the scoop to date:

1.        The date of the photo shoot is Monday, December 13, 2010

2.        The time is from 10 am to whenever all photos are taken, usually about 3 pm (with a break for lunch)

3.        There will be approximately 150 masks to photograph in varying sizes. The photographer should have experience in photographing art or objects.

4.        The photo shoot takes place in the museum’s Loft Gallery where the lighting is mixture of natural and fluorescent, it would be best for the photographer to have their own lighting equipment.

5.        The photographer should have a camera with a macro setting and the ability to capture 300 dpi, raw images.

6.        The photographer will submit all images to the museum within one week of the photo shoot

 

If you are a photographer or you know of a photographer that would be interested in this opportunity, please call me at 970-482-2787or respond to this email.

 

Please pass this email on to anyone that you think would like to be involved.

 

Thank you!

Gloria Boresen

Business Manager

Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art

970-482-2787

Fax 970-482-0804

www.fcmoca.org

Myth, Object and the Animal,  August 5 – November 6, 2010

Primordial Forces, August 5 – October 15, 2010

In the age of Digital Photography where everyone with a prosumer big box store camera calls themselves a photographer, working professionals find themselves with more challenges to make their living, pay their bills and feed their families. I hope to offer education not only to working photographers useful information, but those who really need a greater understanding on how negatively working for free impacts our industry as a whole...

I called to find out more information about this job. I also asked what the gala event was about they had planned in April. I was told that they are not even sure it will happen but if it does, you can cover that event for free too. I wish them luck. The digital revolution is a double edged sword which can cut both ways where there can be fewer true professionals and much more poor quality work because no one can compete against free and less than minimum wage, to use the term loosely, photographers.