Unexpected Response: What might not actually be a business post..

To continue from the title, I could make it into one, maybe.

Minnesota has a handful of teams in what is called the MAFL - or Mid America Football League, an amateur football league for players who are not in college or high school, but still want to play.

I contacted one team, shot a game or two and was invited to shoot the championship game at the Metrodome. Note that I was never paid for this, all for fun - they don't pay anyone for their photos.

Apparently they may have changed that policy. I sent my local "St Paul Pioneers" team an email and I received this response:

"
Hello Ben,

Thank you for contacting the St. Paul Pioneers. We have a photographer for Sunday's game vs the Maulers. We have not nailed down their services for the season, so if you're interested please send your requirements to out team president George Hall. You can reach him at eorge@pioneersfootball​.org

Thank you and we hope to talk to you soon.

The Pioneers Info Squad"

Understand a couple things here. I sent the initial email with no intention of being paid. I love shooting football and this level is excellent practice for shooting high school football for ACTUAL money this fall.

I also probably can't make it to every one of their games, as I often have to work on Saturdays.

Should I offer to shoot for free and maybe offer a CD, or actually make a bid? I don't want to undercut this person, so I might offer to do just one game, as I'm sure they want more than one.

Thanks,
Ben

1. Always get paid.
2. Always sound busy.

No one wants to date you if you sound desperate and no one wants to hire you if you're always free. I'd reply and say "here are the Saturdays I am available. I'd love to book these slots for your team and I hope this helps your season's coverage."

(assuming you feel you can deliver paid-level material consistently)

TheHoff wrote in post #5872521
1. Always get paid.
2. Always sound busy.

No one wants to date you if you sound desperate and no one wants to hire you if you're always free. I'd reply and say "here are the Saturdays I am available. I'd love to book these slots for your team and I hope this helps your season's coverage."

(assuming you feel you can deliver paid-level material consistently)

Part of the problem is that I don't really know which Saturdays I am available. I would probably charge around 100 dollars per game, just to offset the money I would lose at my other job - ironically as a sports photographer at a huge facility in my area.


"(assuming you feel you can deliver paid-level material consistently)"
I just got accepted to SportsShooter with no sponsor - just awaiting activation, if that answers your question.

Yea if you can't book in advance you may be out of luck with this one. It sounds like they will want every week covered and if you don't want to be the 'freebie shooter' who shows up but rather considered as a pro, you should have things scheduled. Sorry this isn't more help but it sucks to let a good opportunity go.

Please see my response about shooting for free or for very little money here:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=532835

Gotta agree with Hoff, it may be more time commitment than you are able to do.

At this point, I'd get back with them and ask more about what their expectations are, and how they would want to use the images. You don't have enough info from their earlier response to draft a "list of requirements". Perhaps you'll be pleasantly surprised, able to meet their needs and can make a little something extra on the side. Or perhaps not. You really won't know one way or the other until you get more info.

amfoto1 wrote in post #5873176
Please see my response about shooting for free or for very little money here:

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=532835

Gotta agree with Hoff, it may be more time commitment than you are able to do.

At this point, I'd get back with them and ask more about what their expectations are, and how they would want to use the images. You don't have enough info from their earlier response to draft a "list of requirements". Perhaps you'll be pleasantly surprised, able to meet their needs and can make a little something extra on the side. Or perhaps not. You really won't know one way or the other until you get more info.

I sent an email asking their requirements and potentially offering to make a bid at shooting all their home games.

I'll keep you guys posted.

Thanks for the help!

Ben-

While you may not be free for every game, offering a professional service means that you will have to make a commitment for you or another qualified photographer to be there. If that is the only thing holding you back, exapnd your resources to find other photographers who can fill in for you.

-Scott