Would you photograph assignments for clients free?

[aoresteen]

Yes I would work for free IF the assignment was to photograph:

1. The Rolling Stones concert,

2. The Super Bowl, or

3. An Adele concert both before and after or

4. President Obama at the White House.

(they provide the credentials & passes).

Of course I retain all rights to the photos and they get a one-time use rights.

Otherwise they will pay me for my work.

 

[newsgrunt]

Nope. Never unless it was a cause close to me and I knew the principals. If it's a business venture and they want free work, then they can pound salt till the cows come home afaic.

 

[presspass]

No. Not ever. Never. My time is valuable, as are the skills and equipment. Try getting a refrigerator or a new car on these terms.

 

[Dwig]

I'd do a free job only as a charitable contribution to a deserving organization or to help a close friend "boot" a new business. I wouldn't do free work for any for-profit organization.

 

[OurManInTangier]

I'm not sure whether it makes any sense at all to compare professional photography to electrical engineering, but our clients pay within 30 days (or within 14 days with 2% off). Most of our clients are large german companies in the automotive sector.

There is just one exception to this rule: one 20.000 employee company says they cannot process an invoice "that fast" -- but that's BS, of course. They pay within 60 days.

I wish it were so for me, but I'm glad to hear for your sake it is for you.

The terms on my invoices state payment within 30 days of receipt of the invoice, percentage of clients that manage that...pretty much zero. Maybe one or two but it depends on which individual you may be dealing with and whether someone on the payments team has a day off 🙄

I had a friend who worked within the Communications Team at a large company I did work for actually tell me, proudly, that he often 'sat' on invoices for a week or two "to save some money." I pointed out that it was wonderful that he was able to potentially save his firm a few pennies in interest, but the next time he looked to use the small business/supplier he may find they went bust simply down to a lack of cash flow - do it enough and there's no small businesses/suppliers left to provide for you needs. I genuinely don't think it had occurred to him at all!

 

[Oscuro]

Yes I would work for free IF the assignment was to photograph: 1. The Rolling Stones concert, 2. The Super Bowl, or 3. An Adele concert both before and after or 4. President Obama at the White House. (they provide the credentials & passes). Of course I retain all rights to the photos and they get a one-time use rights. Otherwise they will pay me for my work.

Some of these situations are acceptable environments for "spec" work. But be careful - depending on the situation, doing this will earn you the ire of those who have fought for a decent wage.

Oh and you always retain copyright... piecework or "work for pay" sets everybody back. Don't do it. It's never worth it. Never.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Sure I've worked for free, and would again; but not for many people. In particular I've done quite a lot for the Tibetan Government in Exile, sometimes not even for expenses, and I'd do the same again tomorrow if I could afford to. I've also worked for local environmental and cycling groups, and (of course, when I was young) for friends who were setting up bands. Most of us must have done the last. But for a someone who's making a financial profit out of me? No.

Cheers,

R.

 

[bmattock]

I am not a professional photographer. At one time, I did dabble in shooting weddings and events, and I have sold photographs to a variety of commercial entities (not by trying, they usually contact me via Flickr).

I take 'free' photographs of military veterans events for free. Otherwise, I only shoot to please myself and no one else. The rates I charge myself are quite reasonable.

The only issues I've ever experienced were actually from other photographers who disagreed with my not charging for charity events. Apparently I am taking food off their tables.

 

[Colin Corneau]

Alternative question: would Visa/Mastercard, your lawyer, your electricity or water utility, etc etc. take zero payment from you?

No?

Then tell the alleged 'client' to shove it up their arse.

 

[bobby_novatron]

I'm a professional piano instructor (my day job) and I also do a considerable amount of freelance work (playing music at functions). I've been doing this kind of freelance work 25+ years. I started in 1991, and very early on I learned not to be taken advantage of. And just like in photography, people generally unfortunately don't want to pay a decent rate for a professional service i.e. music for their function.

Doing photography / music / art work etc. for free when the work is going to be used to benefit the individual or business in a commercial way is extremely bad form. It's bad business for the artist, cheapens their efforts, and distorts the playing field for other artists.

One of the most insulting offers I ever received was being offered a chance to play music at a local upscale bar/restaurant for free. The upside for me was that I was going to "get exposure." But get this: the manager offered to pay me in french fries and soda pop. I am not making this up.

I instantly responded by using the lawyer / plumber analogy, and telling them to shove their french fries where the sun don't shine.

 

[newsgrunt]

Yes I would work for free IF the assignment was to photograph:

1. The Rolling Stones concert,

2. The Super Bowl, or

3. An Adele concert both before and after or

This is exactly why the business is, in part, going down the toilet. People shooting for access is...nah not going to say it.

 

[bmattock]

Just as an aside, I don't think this is the kind question that demands anger or yelling.

"Would you consider doing this job for free?"

"No, thank you. I prefer to be paid."

"OK then, thanks anyway."

I don't understand why it is necessary to tell the person asking to stick it where the sun doesn't shine. It's really not that big of a deal. One could even leave out the 'thank you' when saying 'no' if they feel that strongly about it.

 

[KM-25]

I was asked to make headshot portraits for some folks at Morgan Stanley. Since I'm retired, I made them for free because I wantd to. I don't know if they expected that but I did it.

When I am retired, I won't screw over those who are not by working for free because I "want to".

 

[bmattock]

When I am retired, I won't screw over those who are not by working for free because I "want to".

And that's your choice. Tolerance of the choices of others does not require agreement with those choices.

 

[KM-25]

And that's your choice. Tolerance of the choices of others does not require agreement with those choices.

He was an active professional, to do that with a deep pocketed firm like M.S. even if retired kind of negates what ever level of professionalism he may have had in my opinion.

X-Ray asked for opinions, well based on what Bill wrote, he got one. Gotta a problem with that??

 

[bmattock]

He was an active professional, to do that with a deep pocketed firm like M.S. even if retired kind of negates what ever level of professionalism he may have had in my opinion.

X-Ray asked for opinions, well based on what Bill wrote, he got one. Gotta a problem with that??

No. Have a lovely day.

 

[Oscuro]

This is exactly why the business is, in part, going down the toilet. People shooting for access is...nah not going to say it.

X1,000,000

 

[KM-25]

I used window light, one reflector. I had one of the associates there help me with the reflector. She enjoyed it. Full frame digital Canon SLR mounted on a Manfretto tripod. 135 f 2.0 Canon lens. Nice Queen Anne Chair, I borrowed from a V.P. office, he didn't care, instead of posing stool. Re-arranged one of the offices to use as the temporary studio. Lovely light supplied for free from nature!

I had fun and the folks I photographed had an enjoyable time. It was a good experience for everyone!

Back at the studio, I fired up a 10 year old iMac wih CS4 to process the RAW fles. I enjoyed the gig even though it was pro bono.

If invited, I'd do it again, same price. Smiles and lots of fun!

P.S.

If I read it correctly, the thread title states:

Would you shoot assignments for clients free?

It doesn't ask for a comment about me, what I do, or anyone else here.

Thank-You.

Your choice, but imagine how good your story would have been had you asked them to make a donation of $100-$200 to a local charity in trade for your time and expertise?

Try thinking of the bigger picture next time....

 

[newsgrunt]

... It's really not that big of a deal...

It is a HUGE deal when your livelihood depends on it. Exposure doesn't pay rent, doesn't buy groceries etc.. Too many people expect photographers to work for free (and somehow photographers are usually the only ones to be unpaid) and the ones who do are helping to devalue our work.

You said you weren't a professional photographer so I'll give an allowance on that but people who shoot for access are scum afaic.

 

[x-ray]

Reminds me of this:

I like this! Perfect!!!