have to start somewhere, right?

[macobee]

Hi, i am a hobby photographer, but see chance to earn a few bucks over time doing what i like most, cant be wrong right?

so here goes, someone i know wants to find a photographer to do food photos for a regular club magazine, a monthly magazine that informs members whats going on in the coming month, i know they take shots in house now with point and shoot and are not happy (doh!)

So I thought of proposing to do 2 or 3 shoots free of charge (they typically want 4-5 shots done per month) and after that charge them HK$ 300 per product shot, lets say a cocoktail shot and they will get few images at diff angles etc for that.

question is would that sound reasonable, and I have to show them of course something first, so I threw this portfolio together quickly (if you can call it that).
http://www.hongkong-chefs.com/Marcoimages/Portfolio.htm

pls tell me do you think this has some potential, or am i just dreaming out of my head?

Thanks

Marco

[Jim G]

One thing - if you start providing your services for free it may very well be hard to convince them that they should suddenly start having to pay you. Why not start charging from the start? Your shots are far better than what they're likely to manage with a point 'n shoot.

Offer a trial session, only paid after you deliver the goods so to speak and thereafter set whatever terms work out best for both parties.

[elysium]

I would only do a test shoot for free and maybe one extra shoot as goodwill if they are still uncertain. After that, start charging. Otherwise it is so easy for them to milk you.

Stand your ground and by your work and you will see how happy they will be to keep you on. Your work is good so I shouldn't see any complications from here. Good luck with your venture.

[macobee]

Thank you Jim and Ely, it makes sense what you both say, one trial shoot, and then charge.

thank you for the compliments.

that leaves me with a contract, how to draw a contract up for photography are there any samples online i can make a start from?

how about the licensing issue as well?

[macobee]

btw how do you curtail a clause in your contract where you are not allowed to take up any other job? are there ways around this? as its just aprt time stuff ill be doing only when i am available?

[bieber]

btw how do you curtail a clause in your contract where you are not allowed to take up any other job?
...don't put one in it?

[macobee]

yeah well than it'll result in no job here in Hk, almost all job have this requirement in contract i believe

[bieber]

yeah well than it'll result in no job here in Hk, almost all job have this requirement in contract i believe
Maybe if you're applying for a _job_, but there's no reason an independent contractor like a photographer would ever be expected to include such a clause. Especially considering that you'd be the one drawing up the contract in question. If you don't want something it it, don't put it there.

[macobee]

sorry bieber i am referring to my existing full time job.

[Scott McLoud]

sorry bieber i am referring to my existing full time job.
I dont know how different contracts are in different countries, but small print is what we have here. However ive never came upagainst what you are, so im not too sure but just add it in small print is all i'd say

[anonyymi]

I have that clause in my contract. I ignore it. When I have so much part-time work that it starts to affect the full-time work then I'll be ready to change to the job I want to do (the part-time stuff).

[bieber]

sorry bieber i am referring to my existing full time job.
In that case, ask whoever's in charge of you at work about it. If they're not going to sue you or fire you, then you're clear. If not, you have to either forget doing anything else or try to get out of your contract at work. Are you sure it says you can't do any other work? I've heard of non-compete clauses, which prohibit working for a competitor within a certain amount of time from working for your current employer, but never anything that forbids any other jobs...

[macobee]

hi again and thanks Bieber yes it says i am not allowed to take up any form of paid work apart from my existing job. however i did what you said and mentiopned my intentions, and the consent was given its no problem as long as it wont affect my full time job.

so off we go!

[Scott McLoud]

hi again and thanks Bieber yes it says i am not allowed to take up any form of paid work apart from my existing job. however i did what you said and mentiopned my intentions, and the consent was given its no problem as long as it wont affect my full time job.

so off we go!
Thats good news!