Photo work for employer. What is fair?

I need some opinions out there. I've been fortunate to be given the opportunity to put my photography skills to use for my employer.
I've been using my own 40D, lenses and software up to this point but am feeling the need to be compensated for the use of my own equipment. This looks to be a long term deal.
I've been thinking about upgrading to a 7D and finally got the nerve to approach the company manager about compensation. I don't care much about copyrights or things like that since I'm still going to be paid hourly. I just would like to be paid for wear and tear, much like using my own vehicle for travel. I would still be using the 7D for personal use.

The company is offering to buy the 40D (I would still use it for now) as a form of compensation so I can put the money towards the new camera. Is this a good deal or should I be looking at other options? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

So you basically work for a company that wants to do what would usually be contracted out to do, in house, correct?
They should supply all the equipment.

GtrPlyr wrote in post #12069928
So you basically work for a company that wants to do what would usually be contracted out to do, in house, correct?
They should supply all the equipment.

That is correct but I am by no means a pro. Just a serious hobbyist excited about having some exposure.

iwannabe wrote in post #12069966
That is correct but I am by no means a pro. Just a serious hobbyist excited about having some exposure.

The minute you take this assignment you ARE a pro.

Expect to be treated accordingly.

They provide the gear, or pay you a rental fee.

iwannabe wrote in post #12069966
That is correct but I am by no means a pro. Just a serious hobbyist excited about having some exposure.

That may be, but apparently in your employers mind, you're good enough for them to use, eh?
I have an idea. How about, along with this 'exposure' everyone seems to be magically fascinated about in lieu of getting paid, is also the idea of being compensated for ones work as well!

If you're doing this during normal hours in place of your other work, then you are being compensated.

Agree with the pay for gear, though. Let them supply it. Or take them up on the offer to buy the 40d. They will probably pay way more than what you could get selling it privately

Willie wrote in post #12070075
If you're doing this during normal hours in place of your other work, then you are being compensated.

Agree with the pay for gear, though. Let them supply it. Or take them up on the offer to buy the 40d. They will probably pay way more than what you could get selling it privately

That is my thinking. I was just curious what others thought.
Thanks for the inputs so far!

OP, is the photography piled on top of your normal duties or being done beyond your normal work hours?

adorama has one listed for $549. See if they'll give you that much for yours.

If they buy it from you, use that money to get yourself a 7D and use the 40d at work.

GtrPlyr wrote in post #12070155
OP, is the photography piled on top of your normal duties or being done beyond your normal work hours?

Currently on top of my normal duties. Work is slow, thus the opportunity. Any PP work I do at home counts towards my 40 hour work week.

Willie wrote in post #12070168
adorama has one listed for $549. See if they'll give you that much for yours.

If they buy it from you, use that money to get yourself a 7D and use the 40d at work.

I'm thinking more like $600 minimum. Thought I'd factor in the use of the software and use of lenses as well.

What about figuring out a list of gear that would be needed to accomplish whatever they need doing, and while being conscious of budget constraints, write it up with cost totals and present that to them?

It's a sticky bucket your stepping into. If you didn't do the photography for them, who would?
- As for copyrights, your so close to the edge of work for hire, it's a good thing you don't care about the rights.

Follow your own thoughts, but watch yor back and remember your bank account.

TopHatMoments wrote in post #12070512
It's a sticky bucket your stepping into. If you didn't do the photography for them, who would?
- As for copyrights, your so close to the edge of work for hire, it's a good thing you don't care about the rights.

My thinking is that if all I was doing was photo work for hire then I'd be more concerned with the copyrights. Maybe I'm being too generous.

The way I look at it is work is slow, they're giving you something to do and still paying you. Don't push your luck.