Go to any popular photography community website and you'll probably not have to look very long before you come across an article or forum thread about working for free.
It's understandably a hot topic and will probably always be a contentious issue, with the ever-growing numbers of keen amateurs swelling the ranks and scrabbling for a foothold in the industry. Working for free is seen by many as the only way to grab some precious market share.
Originally this post wasn't going to be about working for free, but it's relevant because these images are from a free shoot. This is Deb Hodgson, a singer songwriter who I approached via a mutual friend. Remember, it's as much about who you know as what you know - work those contacts people!
Having met with the lovely Deb and talking over our respective plans & creative aims, we decided to schedule a free shoot: the aim of which was to work together on some new images for her new album. We both had ideas on the sort of shots we'd like; Deb with her album in mind, but me with one eye on developing my portfolio and getting into the music scene... purely photographically, of course - I can't sing a note.
So Deb came to the studio and with the help of the always excellent Anna White we made some gorgeous images, a couple of which I've included here. There are still some left to post-process, but the image at the top of the page is already in print and being used to distribute some sampler CD's to some of Deb's contacts, both here and in the States.
In summary then, I'd say that working for free is good. In the right context and under YOUR conditions. Don't be bullied by 'clients' who, in response to your quote, say 'But we can get Mickey Mouse to do it for free'. If they want free, and there is nothing in it for you, then walk away.
Be selective with what time you give away, it's valuable stuff.
Working for free sets an entirely different tone for the process... Working for free but responsibly and with high quality has enabled me to boost my creativity and inspiration, not to mention the appreciation of the people who couldn't afford paying for the images.
ReplyDeleteI mostly try to work for free where people are in need, not just lazy or unwilling to pay. It can also be a very good "demo", if you will, of what I can do for them in future paid jobs.
Feel free to edit out the link, but here's one of the inspiration exercises I've undertaken for 2011 - related to photography (http://blog.petarneychev.com/2010/11/19/ten-things-for-free-in-2011/).
Congrats on the good results!
Petar