Shooting for paper

[advdesigns]

Hey,

I just wanted to get some info from those of you who shoot for mags and papers.

I recently got contacted by the Daily News in my area about doing some photography for a section of the paper that covers special events (fishing tournaments, jetski races, fundraisers, etc..), they had seen some of my work while I was shooting for the Pro AM Jet Ski tour this year. Anyway, they want to trade me advertising space for my work, which is not a bad trade seeing how much it costs to advertise in the paper. I have a feeling that this might be an opportunity to get my foot in the door and possibly end up a staff photographer.

I was curious if anyone else had this type of experience and if it was rare or maybe a story on how you got involved shooting for the news. Should I feel lucky that they approached me? or is this normal? Any info on how I should respond would be helpful.

Thanks,
JD

[Pekka]

That deal sounds ok, if you are not doing this for living yet. Just make sure that what you get from them feels ok to you and this deal does not last too long (read what you sign!): if they really need you and like your work then they will have eventually to pay you real money. 80% of getting shooting jobs is about knowing the right people and making them like and trust you and your work so it is good to get yourself known in the right places. Just make sure you are not known as the "guy who shoots practically for free".

[IndyJeff]

Let's see, the paper wants to use your pictures so they offer you a "chance" to shoot for them and instead of paying you, they pick up a new advertising client. Hmmmm, I would do this but, it would be very short term, unless of course the advertising was getting you quite a few jobs. I would definately make a limit on how much they sent me out to shoot. You don't want to be doing a $1000 worth of assignments a week for a $200 advertising bill. Get the terms in writing.

[advdesigns]

thanks for the responses. I will keep all that in mind when they are giving me assignments.

On another note does anyone have a ballpark figure for what a staff photographer makes. I know that in huge cities it will be greater than smaller ones, but whats an average?

Thanks