The Frustrations of Being a Photographer.

On Saturday morning I was handed a wedding invitation by a work colleague, not her wedding but the wedding of friends of her's. I know the couple not all that well, but well enough to say hello. My colleague asked me to bring my camera along to get some pics for the couple. I declined the invitation to her horror.

About a month ago I attended a fair which showcases locally grown produce and handicrafts. I attend this fair every year. It's a nice afternoon out with some good photo ops. This time, one of the organisers (foreigner) asked if she could have a copy of ALL the photographs I took. I told her only if I believe the images are worthy.

Next, I was having a snack with my wife and this woman came up and asked me if I got pics of this and that. I told her no. She asked me if I could and to be quick as one of the stalls was closing. I asked why she didn't employ one of the locals who could use a few bucks. Her answer- "Why should we pay for photos if we can get them for nothing?"

Look guys,, I'm not being mean. I regularly use my photography skills on a voluntary basis if I deem the NGO's mandate appropriate.

Rant mode is now off!

Jurgen, reads like you're being taken advantage of.

rick_reno wrote in post #14754902
Jurgen, reads like you're being taken advantage of.

I'm a pretty easy going guy, I like to help out. Sometimes I think I am.

Been there done that. Not cool. Won't be doing it again that's for sure lol. I get taken advantage of, too. That's just the world we live in. I've learned that it's great to help out, but not to the point of letting people walk all over you.

People these days will always try to get things for free before coughing up some money. What was the point of adding "(foreigner)" in there? I don't really see that as relevant.

yogestee wrote in post #14754914
I'm a pretty easy going guy, I like to help out.

I also like to help out whenever the occasion arises. - which is mostly children's birthday parties

Wow, that's a lot of nerve and a sense of entitlement. It's one thing to ask for free photos and say I'll take whatever I can get, but it's entireley something different to dictate the terms of free.

It's pretty easy to say no once you get used to it.

Photography is much similar to my other hobbie, (paid, however) as a musician. As a quality act, we bend over backwards to please a customer. But when pushed beyond the limits of reasonable expectation, we push back.

Same thing with Photography. If I happen to show up to your event with a camera, I'm shooting for myself. If you ask politely and provide an email address, you'll likely get some nice images for FREE. If the expectation becomes, 'since you have your camera, mind getting shots of this or that for me and giving me all your images', the camera will likely go back in the bag.

Some people come off as rude and demanding while placing unrealistic expectations on service providers of all kinds anymore. Things have definitely moved away from, 'it doesn't hurt to ask politely,' to more pointed demands bordering on confrontational interaction.

Like nicksan says, 'just say NO!'

dave

mikeinctown wrote in post #14755963
Wow, that's a lot of nerve and a sense of entitlement. It's one thing to ask for free photos and say I'll take whatever I can get, but it's entireley something different to dictate the terms of free.

No kidding!

nicksan wrote in post #14756459
It's pretty easy to say no once you get used to it.

I completely agree. I get better at it every day

For some reason I'm reminded of the Capital One Visa commercials by David Spade where all he says is "No." So funny!

Keith_D wrote in post #14755005
People these days will always try to get things for free before coughing up some money. What was the point of adding "(foreigner)" in there? I don't really see that as relevant.

I don't think you realise where I live. The woman is Brit and not Lao.

I would have either accepted the wedding invite, but told her you don't like to bring a camera to a wedding because you don't want to interfere with the pro, or, handed her a proposal to be the wedding photographer.

If a stranger asks me for free photos, I politely decline, using whatever reason I deem appropriate. However, I have on more than one occasion volunteered to send someone copies of photos I took.