The usual fee... and I like it that way

[dasuess]

For the past few year or so I have been photographing various events for our church, for free of course. My photos are used on the parish and school websites and used in various videos produced by the priests and brothers. Awhile back I joked with one of the brothers (who uses the photos in the videos) that I wanted double my usual fee. Being from Peru, he didn't get it at first, but when I explained that double times zero is still zero, he laughed. I recently received an email from him wih the subject line "The usual fee" to ask me to photograph a parish event.

These "jobs" are fun and work at the same time, but they keep my camera skills sharp and in a small way justify the $$$ I have tied up in my gear (as if I needed any ;-). And it doesn't hurt my ego any when parishioners refer to me as the "official church photographer."

So, I know all you guys know this, but it's not always about the money.

 

[boomguy57]

If it works for you, great. Good to see another local guy on RFF!

 

[dasuess]

If it works for you, great. Good to see another local guy on RFF!

Well, it certainly helps that I have a day job, but I am planning on pulling the plug in a year or so and if I could make a few bucks on the side, that would be great.

 

[kshapero]

Yes, I love doing this also (Jewish style). And yes I am still waiting for a "raise".

 

[nikon_sam]

I've said something like this to many "Church" photographers and recently saw a big billboard sign that worded it better...

"Your Talent is a Gift from God,
What you do with it is your Gift back to Him..."

I've been the Unofficial official church photographer for the last 14+ years...

 

[kokoshawnuff]

As an amature I'm happy to help the causes or organizations I care about. If I was a pro, I don't know how often I would do work for free though

 

[daveleo]

We amateurs are very lucky in this regard. We don't have the stress of paying the bills by selling pictures, and we have people who like (or at least appreciate) getting nice pictures out of us.

What's not to love about it ?

 

[Dave Jenkins]

As an amature I'm happy to help the causes or organizations I care about. If I was a pro, I don't know how often I would do work for free though

Hey, even lawyers sometimes do pro bono work.

 

[dasuess]

Hey, even lawyers sometimes do pro bono work.

pro bo·no

1. done without compensation: done or undertaken for the public good without any payment or compensation

I think it fits...

And Dave, just checked out your blurb book - Wow !!!

 

[kshapero]

I have charged and not charged for the last 35 years and it has worked pretty well. I have even charged pro bono for individuals, too. I guess I am a big softie. Grrrrr.