What do I tell my boss ?

[jbrown1]

I work as a web developer for an airport parking company. I've only been with them for 6 months, but its going great. My manager recently found out I was a bit of a photographer, and now she wants me to go around the car park with a couple of guys from marketing and take shots to use on our website and promo material. Obviously no mention of reimbursement was offered as it's going to be during company time. My job description doesnt mention anything about taking photo's for corporate use.

So my question is, what do I do ?. I know for a fact, any mention of getting paid for taking the shots will probably be frowned upon. I've been only with the company for 6 months, so dont really want to upset the apple cart. So, should I just take the shots and be used and abused ?.

On a side note, it appears they hired a pro about 3 years ago to wander around taking shots (the only way I know it was a pro, is because, looking at the exif, the shots were taken with a 1DS mkII).

I feel as though I've been backed into a corner a bit...

[primoz]

Normally I would say, don't work for free. But in cases like your have, you really don't have much other chances. Sure you can argue, photography is not in your job description, and they can hire you on afternoon, out of working hours, but unless you have new job arranged already, I really wouldn't want to go that way.
You can still try to arrange some extra favor for yourself, but forget about money. And sometimes, doing favor to boss is not so bad thing either :) But on the end, it's question if they will know to appreciate it, or they will just consider it, as something they don't even need to thank you for. But as I wrote on beginning... you really don't have much chances... unfortunately.

[Andrushka]

definitely not the easiest situation... a lot of folks here might cry "photographer's rights" and in a sense that is totally true... but what do you do? its the great battle between ideals and reality...

I was in similar situation not long ago where i was working for a non-profit doing websites, audio/video recording and editing and some photography stuff - all for the low low price of my part time during college hourly wage with no benefits (even after college!)... oh my... but on the bright side, getting paid for what you usually work, during work hours and getting to improve on your hobby isn't the worst thing in the world either, thats how i always looked at it - got me through...

so each person gets to decide - ideal or real

[tim]

On one hand you don't want to rock the boat. On the other you've spent a massive amount of money on your equipment, and they want free use of it. Really it's a tough situation. Asking to get paid would probably just piss them off and leave a sour taste in everyones mouth. I wonder if you can say you're happy to do it without saying you'll always do it free... but it might not come across well. Maybe jokingly "I usually charge $250/hour, but because I like you..." (chuckle). But maybe that's a bad idea too.

Really, tough call. Let us know what happens!

[TeeJay]

As Tim says, you have spent a lot of money buying your gear, your time might be already paid for, but your equipment hasn't!

If the company has a camera you can use, then fine, otherwise "some compensation" should be in order.

That compensation could be monetary, or, simply a credit alongside any usage - leaflets, brochures or promo material etc.

Maybe your approach could be "my time is already paid for - but my camera charges £X per hour!"

Good luck

TJ

[EOSAddict]

I work as a web developer for an airport parking company.

My job description doesnt mention anything about taking photo's for corporate use.

These are the key statements... you are not employed as a photographer. She is asking you as a favour. And it depends what you want out of it.. I would suggest clear agreement to credit you with the shots as a absolute minimum and some sort of separate agreement outside of your contract.

By asking you she is saving lots of money (potentially) so.. I would make the point that you don't work for 'free'. But then again, I do have the advantage of working somehwere I can't get sacked from so you have to assess 'your own risk' ;)

(I have 16 8x12s of my photos mounted on my office wall and was recently asked if I would provide some images for around the office "to brighten the place up". I'm definately an amateur... but I provided the images on condition I got my watermark on them as credit)

[zacker]

Ask yourself... do you love to shoot or do you just wanna shoot for $$$? I mean, you obviously dont make your living shooting sooo... i think shooting for the company you work for's website (sounds right, looks wrong) for free, isnt the end of the world, besides its still like your getting paid to shoot, you WILL be on company time while shooting...right?? if not, dont do it, this has to be done on their dime .. if they wanna pay you, then do it on your time.. even better, if they will pay you, tell them youll do it on a weekday, call in sick that day, then go there and shoot... lol try to get paid twice for one day...lol,lol,lol.. seriously, if they want you to shoot for a day, while on the clock, and you love to shoot... go for it and dont sweat the small stuff!

[ANGUS]

I would say to him he can have limited usage for 1 year or six months under a contract outline what he can use them for and after that negotiate, you will have been there longer and have more pull. Maybe ask if he can pay your normal hourly rate while you do the shoot.

[tim]

I would say to him he can have limited usage for 1 year or six months under a contract outline what he can use them for and after that negotiate, you will have been there longer and have more pull.

Most people don't understand usage rights, and I suspect that would piss most bosses off. The figure if they hire you do take photos they own the photos. I think the market is going to change in this direction in coming years anyway.

[exile]

Question: what happens with the work that you don't get to do while you are out shooting - do you have to make up that time elsewhere? In other words, it might seem you are shooting on company time, but unless your work deadlines are pushed back in recognition of this then you still have to put the same number of hours in to turn the work in on time.

[LBaldwin]

Ok there are a few things at worl here. I don't know about the UK but here in the California, it is almost always a work for hire situation. So if they tell you to sweep the floors that is what you do.

If they want you to create images for your job and they are paying you to shoot them then that is what you do. Now comes the issue of gear. If they want you to shoot then they need to provide the gear or compensate you to use yours. Compensation can be in a paid day off, or a rental agreement. And here is why, lets say you use your gear without an agreement in place and it gets stolen or broken. Who pays for the repair or replacement should that occur?

If you freelance or seel your images or have a recognized business in any way let them know and bid for the job!!

Good luck,

Les

[Paul Slavin]

If they want you to take pictures as part of your job, they supply the equipment (as I'm sure they supplied your pc, software etc), if not they hire you as a photographer, and pay accordingly.

[zacker]

Question.. your dad or mom wants you to bring a camera to the next family picnic to get some photos of old aunt marybell before she dies.. do you charge her or just make her pay you for the use of your camera? if so, what do you charge? do you then expect to eat there? do you take the cost of the food off your bill or do you take both the cost of food AND the cost of the use of their oven, stove or bar b que? what about usage? are the photos to be used for display in a photo album only? or will they be hung in the hall way? what about copies? will you use a limited use clause so they cant make and distribute copies to other family members? these things need to be considered when you own some camera gear ya know!
lol,lol,lol...

[mitchella68]

Try to watermark your images, your at work for the money might as well try to help your portfolio

[michael_]

If they want you to take pictures as part of your job, they supply the equipment (as I'm sure they supplied your pc, software etc), if not they hire you as a photographer, and pay accordingly.

i like this idea, approach it with care though, say no drama if its on business time, or do it after hours to get overtime (if you get overtime rates) but try to use their equipment (if they have it), i know when i used my car for work i would get mileage paid for, the other way is if you can work it so that you have to do post processing, mention that you can do it but it may take some time and you will need to process the images from home, this may guilt them in to something or make them realise that they should reimburse you somehow.

Question.. your dad or mom wants you to bring a camera to the next family picnic to get some photos of old aunt marybell before she dies.. do you charge her or just make her pay you for the use of your camera? if so, what do you charge? do you then expect to eat there? do you take the cost of the food off your bill or do you take both the cost of food AND the cost of the use of their oven, stove or bar b que? what about usage? are the photos to be used for display in a photo album only? or will they be hung in the hall way? what about copies? will you use a limited use clause so they cant make and distribute copies to other family members? these things need to be considered when you own some camera gear ya know!
lol,lol,lol...

i think thats a sill example, family vs work is just a little different.

[IndyJeff]

I would approach the boss with something like the following

I kind of feel like I am in a pickle here. You see, besides doing the web designing, I also do photography on the side for which I count on as part of my annual income. I guess what I am asking is are you asking me to do this without being compensated or were you planning on paying me? Of course if your planning on paying me I would expect to give you a generous discount over what you would have had to pay if you hired ANOTHER professional photographer.
That all being said, I would love to do it however, I don't want it to become something which I am being taken advantage of because of my skills and on the same note I wouldn't want to take advantage of you, as an insider, by charging you an industry standard rate. I would want it to be adventageous for both of us to procede with this. It would be great if we could work out a deal where it is a win-win situation for both of us, wouldn't you agree?

[LBaldwin]

Question.. your dad or mom wants you to bring a camera to the next family picnic to get some photos of old aunt marybell before she dies.. do you charge her or just make her pay you for the use of your camera? if so, what do you charge? do you then expect to eat there? do you take the cost of the food off your bill or do you take both the cost of food AND the cost of the use of their oven, stove or bar b que? what about usage? are the photos to be used for display in a photo album only? or will they be hung in the hall way? what about copies? will you use a limited use clause so they cant make and distribute copies to other family members? these things need to be considered when you own some camera gear ya know!
lol,lol,lol...

You do what you Mom and Dad ask you to do and you don't charge. Otherwise you will get the bill for the next family dinner!!

Zacker, family and business are two completely subjects, entirely.

Les

[TeeJay]

....family and business are two completely different subjects, entirely. Les

Agreed.

TJ

[zacker]

i think thats a sill example, family vs work is just a little different.


whats the diff? getting paid is getting paid...right?

lol

i know its silly, i was just fooling around with everyone whos telling to OP to "get paid," "dont use your equipment without pay" , make your work pay for this and that" all that stuff..

its like when your friends say.. "tell your wife you dont care what she says, youre NOT going to her mothers birthday party and you ARE going to the bar with us, I would if i were you" .. its easy to give advice, its hard to actually do it.

[bacchanal]

As far as I know, if you're on company time, you won't own the copyrights...the company will. So, usage issues shouldn't really come into play. Fwiw, I do some photography for my company. I also do some IT work. Both of these things are above and beyond my normal job. I'm on salary, but when doing these additional functions I report my time and get time and a half or double time depending on the situation, which is fair enough compensation for me.

Unless you have some special arrangement, which isn't the case in this situation, it's not really a work for hire situation if you're on the clock. Think of it as being a part time shooter for a wedding mill or something. Those people don't own the images either.

[exile]

I think it is worth pointing out that in the UK, your employer can only require you to do work that is in your job description. However, if you agree to do work that is not in your job description, this then becomes a de facto part of your job description and they can require that you do it again.

People, consider this. What would you be saying to a poster that came here and said "I took some pictures for my employers and I did it for free because I felt that I couldn't say no and I couldn't charge them. now I find out that they are using the images in a worldwide marketing campaign. It sucks, they didn't even credit me!"

Threads like this have been posted here before and it always comes back to the same thing. Get it all out on the table in advance, come to an agreement, get it in writing and get it signed before you do anything. Then nobody can complain that they have been screwed over.

[bacchanal]

I think it is worth pointing out that in the UK, your employer can only require you to do work that is in your job description. However, if you agree to do work that is not in your job description, this then becomes a de facto part of your job description and they can require that you do it again.

People, consider this. What would you be saying to a poster that came here and said "I took some pictures for my employers and I did it for free because I felt that I couldn't say no and I couldn't charge them. now I find out that they are using the images in a worldwide marketing campaign. It sucks, they didn't even credit me!"

Threads like this have been posted here before and it always comes back to the same thing. Get it all out on the table in advance, come to an agreement, get it in writing and get it signed before you do anything. Then nobody can complain that they have been screwed over.

Interesting, I'm pretty sure that isn't the case in the US...but then, all the jobs that I've had don't really have a job description other than, "whatever the boss asks you to do".

[mdm]

Do a nice job and a pay raise down the road may be your compensation.

[exile]

Interesting, I'm pretty sure that isn't the case in the US...but then, all the jobs that I've had don't really have a job description other than, "whatever the boss asks you to do".

UK employment law has much stronger protection for employees than exists in the US. For example, we can't be sacked on the spot except in exceptional circumstances.

Anyway, the OP is in the UK and so that's all that really matters from his employment perspective.

[northlander]

I agree with the posters giving the advice to just do it and hope for the reward at annual review time. Demonstrating your usefulness can add value to your position. In the grand scheme of things you're getting paid to take/edit pics on company time, are you really losing out that much? Like I said, I'd just do it. It would be a different story if they were asking you to do this after work hours.

[primoz]

Exile it's same thing, or probably even more strict, here in Slovenia too. But there's one thing... sure they can't sack you on the spot, but they can surely make your life at that particular job so crappy, that you will be happy to resign yourself.
Don't understand me wrong. I'm never for "work for free". But there are cases, you just don't have much other options. Of course it depends how good your relations with boss are. And how normal your boss is, but in worse case, you really don't have much other options then do it for free... even if it's not in your job description. In such cases, thing just aren't as easy as when someone, with who you are not connected at all, asks you for free photos.

[primoz]

Northlander it's not about he would be losing so much. It's about taking paid job out of someone else, someone who would be hired and paid, if he wouldn't do it for free.
But on the end, especially when consider my two previous posts in this thread, it all comes down to his own job. And when I have to consider someone else's job vs. my job, my job will be worth "a bit" more for me, and I will care less for someone else, in such particular case :) Be no matter what, try to get out of this as much as possible, even if it's not money.

[LBaldwin]

Northlander it's not about he would be losing so much. It's about taking paid job out of someone else, someone who would be hired and paid, if he wouldn't do it for free.
But on the end, especially when consider my two previous posts in this thread, it all comes down to his own job. And when I have to consider someone else's job vs. my job, my job will be worth "a bit" more for me, and I will care less for someone else, in such particular case :) Be no matter what, try to get out of this as much as possible, even if it's not money.

I thought about the outside hiring aspect of it, but there are plenty of companies that have inhouse gear that gets used by employees all the time. This I think falls into the same catagory. I am working on a freelance vs. inhouse story for a major photo magazine.

One of the issues is of course ownership of the images, they belong legally to the company not the photographer / employee. This is one of the hallmarks of being the employer. Newspaper photographers that work directly for the newspaper are in the same boat.

Realistically if his employer instructs him to do the images I am not sure he has a reason to say no, unless there is a conflict of interest. But they cannot force him to use his own gear.

Les

[zacker]

i guess the bottom line is... if your boss asks you to take some shots of or at work for their site.. decide if you wanna do it, most companies dont have there own pro gear unless they have their own pro shooter.. if my boss asked me to take a few shots at work, Id gladly do it.. heck i shot our company picknic.. i like to shoot.. and if my photos were used on our web site, i would also put em on my personal site under "published work" no problems!

[northlander]

But, he's not doing it for free. Would this same argument be the same if his boss asked him to tighten the waterline on the faucet to keep it from leaking? It's a simple job that a plumber would charge a bit more for but would it be worth holding out for more or not doing it at all?(I know, lame example but the point is there.) I think this is one of those situations where everyone will have their own opinions.

[exile]

Realistically if his employer instructs him to do the images I am not sure he has a reason to say no, unless there is a conflict of interest. But they cannot force him to use his own gear.

Les

As mentioned earlier, in the UK his employer can not force him to do anything that is not in his employment contract ... unless he agrees to it and sets a precedent.

[IndyJeff]

Should the employer be able to ask the employees to change the oil on company casrs? How about when the office needs painting or the carpets cleaned? Would these also be considered as something you should do and hope for a bonus or a raise in pay?

I think if the OP would let the employer know that he would be willing to do it off the clock and as a seperate employement, subcontractor instead of employee deal, and with a discount the employer would still go for it.

On the other hand, just telling the employer that it may be beyond the scope of your photography talents would get him off the hook altogether.

[Village_Idiot]

Should the employer be able to ask the employees to change the oil on company casrs? How about when the office needs painting or the carpets cleaned? Would these also be considered as something you should do and hope for a bonus or a raise in pay?

I think if the OP would let the employer know that he would be willing to do it off the clock and as a seperate employement, subcontractor instead of employee deal, and with a discount the employer would still go for it.

On the other hand, just telling the employer that it may be beyond the scope of your photography talents would get him off the hook altogether.

Of course not. But those vocations are looked on as manual labor and if some one has painted houses before, they're not going to be asked to paint the office.

However, photography is an art and many people view it in many different ways. The OP views it as an art that takes skill and has a value. The OP's boss views it as something with little value to the OP, so therefor, thinks nothing of asking of a service that the OP might normally charge $500 for.

What I would do is "I'm sorry, but photography is a part time business for me and I like to keep my photography business seperate from my career. If you would like a quote for my services I could provide one, but I'd much rather not mix the two" and then explain how doing photography without reimbursment will hurt you rather than help.

Now on the other hand, if you don't mind doing them, you could at least tell them that they're licensed for X amount of time and all pictures will have a visible credit when viewed from the web page. You're still receiving reimbursement, but now it's in the form of free advertisement.

[DavidPhoto]

Is it really that big a deal to go take a few shots for your company web site? They are paying you a salary and this way you can get away from the computer and take some pics on company time. Seems like a great opportunity to me but if it is really a problem for you then just tell them you can't.

By the way, do you reimburse them for time spent on the internet or on personal matters during the work day? Whats good for the goose....

[primoz]

Jeff I'm not saying you are wrong. In ideal world, which might actually exist outside of Slovenia, you are 110% right, but around here...He has right to say no it's not in his job description. And with a bit of luck, his boss will be understanding and won't mind this. But from personal experience, I don't think understanding bosses exist :) So all I was telling was, that he should think twice, before he goes and risk his job (or at least pleasant working conditions) because of something like this. Maybe things are different around the world, but around here, something like this would almost for sure influence at least boss opinion about you. And in worse case, he, or she, can make your work place living hell. At least around here, they can't sack you for this, but sometimes that would be easier way out anyway.
But once again... I have no idea how such things are considered in UK or in USA. My opinion is based only on my personal experiences here in Slovenia, so all this might be completely different in UK or USA, and people, including bosses, might look on such things completely different then here.

[Marnault]

I would take the shots for free in a situation like that, especially if its a one time thing, if they started to make a habit of asking you to be their photographer then you could bring up additional compensation.

But the important thing to remember is when its time for your next raise, to bring up the point that you have grown beyond your original job description and deserve a raise.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

Not a pleasant spot to be in, really.

You have a boss who is trying to use your skills (not related to your job) to complete work that she will be credited for completing "under budget" or within set limits, etc. It is hard to be difficult about this, while she will not do anything directly, down the road who knows?

Is this boss the type to remember past favours? or one who just continues to use people to get to her needs?

Casual approach to some type of mutual beneficial agreement would be the path I would take. I do the pictures and you support raise-new equipment-new SW- etc.

I did the security photos for my employer, but I knew the favour would be returned, (I got studio lighting and equipment the marketing team no longer used, a lot of it!) Probably have some of the best portrait type security photos going :lol: Some even ordered for reprints from me for family :lol: Plus I've picked up some work from co-workers.

Look for the win-win and make the best of it. Not everything is black and white, sometimes you need to find the 17% grey area to work in.

[gymell]

I work as a web developer for an airport parking company. I've only been with them for 6 months, but its going great. My manager recently found out I was a bit of a photographer, and now she wants me to go around the car park with a couple of guys from marketing and take shots to use on our website and promo material. Obviously no mention of reimbursement was offered as it's going to be during company time. My job description doesnt mention anything about taking photo's for corporate use.

So my question is, what do I do ?. I know for a fact, any mention of getting paid for taking the shots will probably be frowned upon. I've been only with the company for 6 months, so dont really want to upset the apple cart. So, should I just take the shots and be used and abused ?.

On a side note, it appears they hired a pro about 3 years ago to wander around taking shots (the only way I know it was a pro, is because, looking at the exif, the shots were taken with a 1DS mkII).

I feel as though I've been backed into a corner a bit...

The two questions I'd raise with them would relate to schedule, and to the equipment you'll use. I'd say if they provide all of the equipment and factor the time of shooting photos and any post processing into your regular development schedule, then possibly go ahead and do it. If they expect you to use your own equipment, without any additional compensation, then either negotiate compensation for it, or refuse. You can't be expected to put wear and tear on your personal property for your employer. Also if you have personal insurance on your gear, using it for business purposes would likely jeopardize any coverage you have. Furthermore, if they expect you to do additional work and don't adjust your other responsibilities to allow the time, then you're basically working for free. Ask them how that time will be compensated for. If you leave the ball in their court as far as how equipment and/or overtime will be handled, then you shouldn't feel backed into a corner about this.

[SlowBlink]

I'm only on my second cup of coffee but I'd say, If it gets you outdoors and away from the desk for a few hours (stretch it as long as you can) forget about the Art of War business model for an afternoon. It's pics of a parking lot for crying out loud. I'd rather be doing that than writing code. This could be a step up into doing other photography for the company and I'd keep the job casual for now. It's not like you try it once and you'll be pimped out to every office in the complex. Try it without the complications and see where it leads. I don't think every situation requires a contract and agent to negotiate the best deal, this seems to me to be one of those times. Good luck with it.

Then again, I just read the Africa thread so I'm feeling all cuddly right now. :)

[spphoto]

I've done photography work for my day job (graphic desgner) before, and what we did was on top of my normal hourly wage, I also got an equipment rental fee. This was because I brought my own equipment (cameras, backdrop, lights, tripod, etc.), if you were to use their equipment tat wouldn't apply obviously. I did all the editing and everything on their time as well, so I was getting paid my design wage for it.

[New Hobby]

How about if you are hired to sweep the floor or do basic data entry and they find out you have a large background in high tech? Is it alright for them to pay you the data entry / floor sweeping wadge and expect you to run their computer systems? Just a thought.

[Citizensmith]

I work for a large engineering firm and regularly get sent out on photographic assignments. It used to be my basic hourly rate plus occasional additional compensation when I used my own stuff. Then the office bought a 'decent' camera, a powershot S70 so I didn't have to use my own camera. I was getting sent out more regularly so earlier in the year I got given $2000 to get whatever kit I wanted for an office camera. Now I do the assignments at just my regular rate of pay, no extras, but I'm completely happy with that. I do get some really fun (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=422305) assignments.

[SlowBlink]

How about if you are hired to sweep the floor or do basic data entry and they find out you have a large background in high tech? Is it alright for them to pay you the data entry / floor sweeping wadge and expect you to run their computer systems? Just a thought.

I understand what you mean but I'm not sure that's an accurate analogy. A fairly new job and the boss hears he knows how to shoot. It's not like he's being asked to do the CEO's portraits. He's going out to shoot the parking lots, most likely not going to be portfolio work although you never know. The next day in the office he's the guy who did the shots and saved them some cash on updating the website. Now if he's asked again and again to shoot for free he knows to pick up some astro lube on the way to work because he's getting ...'d. If he turns it into a hard negotiation the boss may as likely ask someone else and he's not the guy who saved them some cash. I don't think it"s clear anyone is trying to take advantage yet.

I think Citizen said it better, I concur.

[poloman]

I see the Citizensmith scenario as being the most likely end to doing this for your employer. As you are doing web design, it fits nicely into the range of possibilities for you. If you want to be a photog, this may lead to much more work for you. Your fellow employees will see the kind of work you can do etc. etc. If it starts to happen all the time talk to your employer about purchasing gear or paying a rental fee for yours. Give them the first one for free. :) You might also negotiate other photo tasks as you discuss this task with your boss. Like employee photos.....product shots....whatever.

[FlyingPhotog]

I'll just toss in a quick agreement with the idea that while you're an employee of the company, your equipment isn't.

If you shoot this with your gear, they RENT your gear.

[kuanyu]

I make my main living in the IT field, I make great money and am on a flat weekly pay. If asked I will sweep a floor, move furature or anything within reason. They pay for my time, up to them how I spend it (within reason). As for making them rent your gear, have you wrote them a check for that time you charged your cell phone at the office or send a personal email? No one can really give goos advise on this as it comes down to YOUR situation at the office. I have gotten some good thanks after doing a 'favor' for the company but I've also gotten the shaft. I would do it and see what becomes. If it turns out you get the shaft, next time just be sure all the pictures are a bit OOF and generaly bad, they won't ask a 3rd time.

[IndyJeff]

Now on the other hand, if you don't mind doing them, you could at least tell them that they're licensed for X amount of time and all pictures will have a visible credit when viewed from the web page. You're still receiving reimbursement, but now it's in the form of free advertisement.


Horsehockey, it's not advertisment. It's a freakin photo credit which means absolutely nothing in the world of compensation. You wanna talk about devaluing your work? Doing anything and agreeing on a photo credit is about as big a devaluing of your work as you can find.

Oh and painting by a housewife or do-it-yourselfer is manual labor. Ever see professional painters at work? There is an art to it.

[ChatKat]

I think you would not have posted here if you truly wanted to do this. You can say no. You can say you don't have the right equipment - it might need a special lens you don't have like and ultra wide for example. You can tell them that the equipment you have might not be right for the subject. You can ask a lot of questions about the job and what they expect. Just a snapshot or do they want detail shots>?

You have a great opportunity to educate your boss too. So many people just think that you have a great camera and you will get great pix. Teach her about usage and commercial photography, copyright. Tell her about wide angles vs telephotos. I plan that every hour I shoot that I need two more for PP and sales, uploads, copies and backups.

It's way more than just point and shoot. You can say that the technical for this kind of shoot is just not up your alley.

[GilesGuthrie]

In the UK, most employment contracts have in the job specification a clause "other duties as required". This gives employer and employee enough leeway, but it usually errs on the side of the employer.

Since the OP is someone for whom photography is a hobby he'd like to be more serious about, I think that it's fairly clear-cut. The employer is going to pay him to get outside and take photos, therefore he's going to be able to refine his craft on company time. Legally, for the duration of the assignment(s), the OP is actually self-employed, since he will be providing the tools for the work. This affords him some flexibility in negotiating the terms and conditions. If I were in this position, I would:
Tell my boss that I was keen to do the photography, but that
I was concerned that it would impact my workload, which
might require some paid overtime to complete the photography and the day-job.
I would also expect to be able to spend a reasonable amount of time completing the assignment, including taking any extra shots I felt necessary to complete this or potential future assignments, and that
I would retain rights to distribute and sell the images in any way that did not directly and tangibly affect my employer's business (i.e. selling them to a competitor), plus
I would expect a photo credit any time my pictures were used by the company in any form of publication, and
if my employer re-sells my images, I get 50%.

If there are any objections from the employer, point out the self-employed bit (which will give you a neat get-out, because your contract probably precludes you from moolighting), and also the value of the equipment that you'll be bringing to the assignment, which is your own investment.

Managers will always take the road of least expense and difficulty for them. If you ensure that you appear to be helpful, but on the condition that you can get a little extra out of it too, then the manager is almost certain to go for it, and everyone wins.