Should Photographers Work for Free

Should you consider working for free as a photographer or filmmaker? This is a question that often comes up, especially for the new creative trying to establish a presence in the photography and filmmaking space. I share my thoughts on when and when not to work for free. Keep in mind that I am a big advocate for not diluting the brand of photography by always giving your services away for free.
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Kevin Ross
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#WorkforFree #Photographer #Filmmaker

[@KevinRossRN]

Not to dilute the brand of filmmaking and photography, but when is it appropriate (if at all) to provide your services for free? Should there be some form of payment exchanged even if it's just an in kind transaction with another service? Let's dialogue here.

[@AbdulJawula]

In my opinion it is only relevant at the beginning when trying to build a portfolio or the person you are shooting for is a celebrity and willing to tag you when they post or give credit on the content (I.e. music video or short film)

[@KevinRossRN]

Yeah I think it comes down to the mindset of employee versus a business owner. An employee wouldn’t work for free, but businesses often give out free product, offer deep discounts, and do a lot of promotion in the beginning that sets them up for the long game. Good to have you here.

[@RamaSivamani]

Also if it is a gift it is ok if you would gift that much to someone. If your mom was visiting you on her vacation and asked for a quick headshot or 30 minute portrait session with her in the park by your house you wouldn't charge her for that or if you do fine art landscapes and she wanted a small print to put up in her house you probably wouldn't charge her for that. That is a gift to your mom would do willingly. In a situation like that, it doesn't have to be your mom but someone close to you that you would feel good about giving a high value gift to then doing some photo or video work for them for free as your gift to them doesn't dilute your brand or your service.

[@KevinRossRN]

I’ve had others mention this as well. I’ve talked to folks that have offered their property (condo/home) that they usually rent out, but giving it as a gift for a weekend or predetermined time. We actually had someone make our wedding cake and other desserts and gift it to us, which we certainly didn’t expect or ask for. I think it’s really just coming down to the idea that this is easy, and/or being outbid by someone with very little to no experience because they’ll perform the services for free.

[@michaely8102]

Love your videos!

[@KevinRossRN]

And you know what I love?...It's that you popped down here in the comments to let me know. 👊💥 Much appreciated.

[@enricomarconi8358]

Kevin, if someone has a weeding in a luxury exotic location and CAN actually pay for you flight, hotel, food and what have you, then it's a lame excuse for them to say: 'we don't have the budget etc etc'. Is that what they're telling the shopkeeper when they're buying the bridal dress? Or perhaps is that what they're telling the Hotel / restaurant where they'll host their nuptial banquette? I mean... we ought to be extra careful with this type of approach as we're all gonna be out of work if we nurture and feed he idea that 'it is OK not to pay photographers' ... as next stop will be: Photographer?? Pay me if you want to shoot me (as this is what I've been told by 2 or 3 women - you can imagine what my answer to that was.. I won't write it here). Also consider this: this is a 'one in a lifetime' event in your life right? Who wouldn't budget for a photographer/videographer for their wedding day?? No, man it doesn't fly, I'm sorry (whichever way you slice it).

[@KevinRossRN]

I definitely hear what you’re saying and I do believe that capturing this event should be a priority, but often times still gets the least priority when making initial wedding plans. Photographers should be paid and also itemize the cost of the equipment and time invested as well as the time away from other projects. I’ve talked to several folks in the travel industry that have shared details on the fact that the wedding planner (or couple) will get bulk pricing on certain amenities where it wouldn’t really hurt the bottom line to have a photographer staying at the resort and eating for “free” because it’s just part of their overall price/budget. It’s interesting human behavior to show someone a package number like $25,000 (arbitrary number)for flights, blocking off a certain number of rooms, and let’s say breakfast and dinner included for the weekend for a wedding party and close family…and then why not just have one room set aside out of that allotment for the photographer… But then a separate line item of say $10,000 (again, arbitrary number) for a photographer’s daily rate which includes scouting, equipment, and a certain number of photos/package….it’s like that line item puts some people off where it might have just been better to say $35,000 all in, and 10K goes to the photographer. 🤷‍♂️ Anyway, I definitely understand what you’re saying though and many who are planning a wedding at this level should be budgeting for a photographer. It often seems that folks are choosing the photographer that outbids the other on price alone.

[@enricomarconi8358]

@@KevinRossRN those 'wedding planner' should have different type of photographers ranging from 3,500 ro 35,000 and a few prices in between - this will affect the number of shooters at the party a videographer(s) assistant, mobile lights etc. depending on the budget. There's a a great Latin expression 'forma mentis' (lit. form of the mind or way of thinking). The forma mentis that has been developing is terribly dangerous: we're getting used to getting things for free such as movies, music files, photos, softwares etc. This not only devalues these items (as what comes for free must have no value, right?) but also teaches the young generation that it is perfectly acceptable that a Dr. gets paid a million bucks a year, whilst a musician or a photographer should almost pay out of his own pockets to practice his profession. And the proof is in the pudding as it goes. How many 'students' do we have out there offering 'free photos'? and thinking it's perfectible acceptable to act that way and slave off for free to someone else benefit (i.e. a client who will never become a client and is put off from hiring a professional photographer, as there's the young guy offering his services for free!) not to mention that that potential client was just stolen to another photographer who makes a living shooting images. it's a terrible forma mentis and, in my opinion, unethical to ask for a free shoot and to accept one.

[@KevinRossRN]

Again, I definitely hear this, and agree. There are a lot of up and coming businesses that do work to build a “portfolio.” My whole belief and what I’ve told potential clients is that if I want to continue to have a business, and you want to continue to have businesses providing (whatever) service you’re seeking, then “you” are going to have to pay. I also think that with many of us sharing our work on social, which includes just about anyone sharing cool photos on social, the end result looks easy.