Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Finally I got this famous quote from a group who ask me to shoot for their crap (car related). Usually when people ask them to shoot I just give them a quote, if not they can look for someone else.

First time someone said this to me, and I truely understand the meaning behind of it now.

I'm pretty sure a lot of photographers did deal with this kinda statement, but I'm just ranting.

I feel safer to whine in here because this place is pretty private.

Cheers,
Ste//

This is a pretty common thing most of us deal with in this industry. I got an e-mail recently from an amateur photographer asking about business advice on how he should start up his wedding business. He told me that he doesn't mind undercutting prices or doing it for little to no money to get experience or get his name out there. It's probably important to realize that there will always be someone behind you eager to take on the job for less or nothing at all.

However, if your work is strong enough and you've carved a good niche for yourself, you will have no trouble finding the proper clients who will pay you a fair amount for your work. The clients who say things like that (i.e. they've got lots of photographers to choose from to shoot for free) probably don't value your work and in the end you probably don't want to work for them anyway.

Your work on cars is GREAT and those people are idiots if they think they can find something one fifth as great as yours for free. I don't know anyone who shoots cars for free who have equipment like yours. You can refer them to me, I'll bring my camera phone.

if you even bother to reply, I would send the following

I hope you are happy with the other photographer's free images - have a good day

value of work is apparently a difficult concept that people will not acknowledge unless they're one doing the work.

not too long ago I quoted for a company that needed contents for their website. they tell me that they can even get a programmer for less than 1/5 of my price from India. they also added that there are plenty of students who will write articles for 5 dollars a page or even free for the privileges of building their resume.

of course when I asked if I can get their services for outsourced price, they tell me that I'm crazy.

happens all the time, everywhere with anyone. best to ignore such parasites for your mental well being.

What is this group?

The historic collection of Henry Ford automobiles? Gold plated GT-R? About to be featured on Time Magazine?

Anything special about these cars??

The only time I would ever do something for free is if I needed/wanted to try something completely new with 50/50 chance of failure or if they're willing to give rides on Mosport big track etc...and food, and drive me there.

thanks for the input guys..!



haha no gold plated GTR on time magazine, i'll disclose the group.. but it involve with printing flyers of their cars for an event next year, the guy said he promote (or get my name out) by having my names everywhere on flyers or their cars...

but seriously, how will that get my name out.. sounds like he just want someone do the work for free more than promoting a photographer like me lol.

Sounds like an adequate response. Perhaps following it with, "Lose my number." would truly spell out the intent, for the truly dense.

I think you are wrong there - it WILL get your name out
People will ask him who the photographer was, and he will gladly tell them - he's a guy that will shoot things for free!

I would leave the door open though (or don't close it) - that's just my style

If he does get a free photog, that doesn't do a great job, he may realize that he wants better work, which costs

it's always a possibility - some people do get informed or find out the hard way

um... why dont you think of it as a sponsorship?

you "sponsor" them with your pics in a return of having your name/blog on their cars and flyers. Just treat it as advertisements.

For exactly the reason posted above. You end up advertising yourself as the guy who shots for free.

lol jokes

oops double post

ok lets put it this way,
for example, if a hair salon sponsors an event to do free hair styling for all contestants, does that mean they do hair styling for others for free too?

Checks this video ...Not sure if this video is posted already


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This video is what comes in my min....
Cheers

u don't even wan to pay me to shoot ur car lmao, are u telling me to sponser ur car for free now? Lol lol

that was only a JOKE from last night after I saw that fb pic...

Dun worry I'm just kidding lol

i dont see a big problem with doing a shoot for free, the only point here though is how it is said.

if they expect/request you to do it for free in an ignorant manner (like the OP's situation) then obviously you wouldn't do it probably out of pride alone...

on the other hand, if their approach is more professional, and you can see non-monetary benefits, then why not?

THAT

WAS

GOLDEN.

He speaks the truth.

the point is I don't even know the quality of the show, it can be another crappy show.. Who knows

brilliant!

good ol CSCS

Work next month for free. I don't know what you do, but I guarantee you it'll get your name out there for future "ladder-climbing" purposes

no.. not cscs again lol

Dude, just tell them to buy you lunch then bring a point and shoot on Auto. If they don't like the results tell them how much it will cost for the results they want.

LOL i'd love to do that, but i don't want to burn any bridges in the local car scene yet hahahahahaha

I would burn it quickly, most are parasites, they're just as bad as club owners wanting you to shoot their clubs for nothing. But at least at the clubs you have a good chance of going home with a hawt drunken babe!

PASMAG sucks!

Your stuff is amazing ! .. Definatly worth being payed for .. You use rigs no? your gonna set up a rig on a car for free? **** thatt

one day, when i get famous i will haha...

and yes i agree.. pasmag sucks!