Toronto Photography Meetup Group

I found a classified on Craigslist that was posted by a major Canadian company. They were looking for "associate photographers" and to say it was vague is an understatement. So I Googled it to see what those who took it had to say — yes I was bored. Apparently they are offering recent grads the opportunity to gain professional experience in a seemingly dead end opportunity. Well over 400 hours of internship and no reference when you leave. You earn a certificate that is bronze, silver or gold depending on the amount of time you volunteered. Really?

That was an extreme case but there is a trend of "free" within the creative community — especially for recent grads. Sometimes it's taking advantage of photographers but sometimes it's a mutually beneficial venture. There are instances where a photographer might be capable of great work but lacks the experience in a given scenario — so they volunteer to get a few pieces that may win over future clients or employers. It is a slippery slope but everyone who is looking to shoot even semi-pro is climbing that slope and may consider it. You could be either contemplating a non paying gig or perhaps you have lost a low priority job to a photographer willing to TFT.

Lets face it, even well known photographers do the occasional "favour" for clients. So my question is how many here have done the free deal to gain a few photos or get to the next level and what do you consider to be an acceptable trade? I guess this can include TFP shots for models but I thinking more about commercial work.

It's not just in photography, either. Unpaid internships have become a blight on employment.

http://cupwire.ca/articles/53643

Bell Canada?

Their New Grad program?

I did have a chance to check it out and actually the facility and equipment they have on site is extremely impressive. Four D700s with all the typical pro lenses, iMac workstations, Elinchrom studio lighting with all the modifiers....

Video equipment equally as awesome, two Panasonic AGX-100(or whatever the mircro 4/3rds HD camcorder is) and other Panasonic HD camcorders

Honestly, for a fresh grad with limited to zero work experience it's a great place to start.

I'm sure a grad can come out ahead if they leave with excellent photos.

Back when I was a design student I placed more weight on a internship based on their reputation for quality work. Choosing a placement because they have new gear may not benefit a grad in the long run.

I can totally understand trade. For example if you are a pro but haven't gotten into newborn or maternity etc. Without these images there is a slim to none chance you will get a paying gig. You either try and find a model and pay them (not so easy for newborn) or do trade.


IMO no client that is willing to pay top dollar for high-quality images/service would go the craigslist/kijiji route and get a "free" photographer. And if you are a photographer catering to those clients then you shouldn't be impacted.

I saw that Bell "internship". It seemed dirty.

Supply and demand. If good candidates do not materialize then compensation will increase. If you have a budget and get good results from a free labour source, then why wouldn't one do it?

There are SOOO many interns at my company at any one time, I swear it's run off the backs of free labour!