Event photography - offer to shoot free with no takers?

sniper_md wrote in post #11404559
Wow
I see some people have some anger towards other photographers that offer free work in order to build portfolio. Then perhaps they can offer suggestions on how to build a portfolio?

Thank you

It's like trying to get a SAG card (Screen Actors Guild)....LOL You can't get a card unless you have had an acting role, but you can't get an acting role unless you have a card.

It is difficult to build a portfolio without doing work. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get work without a portfolio. Just about everyone wants to 'see' samples. So, how are you to show samples if you have none?

There is nothing wrong with offering some free sessions to build a portfolio. Nothing at all. Those that get paid and have been getting paid for some time now look at free sessions as a waste of time, or something for the lesser accomplished photographer. Most forget the fact that this is a tough economy and anyone wanting to break out in this industry is going to have to resort to things like free sessions. This was not necessary for those that started when the economy was good because there were less photographers and more paying clients. That's a recipe for success. Well, there is no fool-proof recipe for success these days. There are less paying clients, more 'photographers' (or GWC), and much more cost aware consumer. So, even those that can spend the money are more careful in their spending.

Who cares if you have to give some free sessions now? This is YOUR business and forget about what the Nay Sayers think. You need to do what you need to do to build your business, period. If you have to do a some free sessions then do so. It's not like you have to do a lot of them. Just do a few, take more photos than normal to give you a lot to work with, then you have your portfolio.

Best of luck to you!

Sometimes perceived value is associated with the cost one pays.
In your case, you have associated a value with your services. 0
If I were going to the market to buy you a steak, would you prefer I buy the $.50 manager special or the $30.00 top of the line? Without even seeing the meat most are going to say the $30.00 steak is going to be a better meal and the $.50 manager special will probably make you sick. Same thing with photography. If you charge $10K to shoot a wedding, most will assume you are better then the guy charging $200. Not always the case but most of the time it is true.
Now when your customers are out there looking for photographers they typically have a budget in mind. They know what they can afford. If you are within that dollar amount you may get yourself a client.
If you really want to shoot for free, create a price list of what you are going to charge once you have built your portfolio, and create an ad that specifically states what type of client you are looking for. Offer them a heavy discount.
The best way, IMO to get jobs is to work with another professional. Learn the ropes first.

I don't understand why [SUPposed] professionals get upset over newbies offering freebies. It's free because the person doing it has little to no experience or confidence to deliver a product. Anyone willing to accept a photographer on those terms isn't going to be looking at you. Ever.

zagiace wrote in post #11405966
The best way, IMO to get jobs is to work with another professional. Learn the ropes first.

I don't know about you, but the LAST thing I want to do on a paid shoot is babysit, and that's exactly what I'd be doing with someone who hasn't "learned the ropes."

cdifoto wrote in post #11406463
I don't know about you, but the LAST thing I want to do on a paid shoot is babysit, and that's exactly what I'd be doing with someone who hasn't "learned the ropes."

I don't like it too much either, but it is how I learned. Someone helped me out many years ago and I hate to think of going through this business with more trial and error then I had to even with the help.
From my experience, getting the help early on has done a tremendous amount of good for me. Learning the methods from someone who is successful is worth 100 free shoots.

MJPhotos24 wrote in post #11405222
Events - a night out with a bunch of friends can help with that easy.

This is how I got started.

Also, make sure you're very personable to every working person you meet. This includes the bouncers, waiters/bartenders, coat check. That way you prevent any problems getting in for when you are on assignment, and might even get some free drinks!

sniper_md wrote in post #11404559
Wow
I see some people have some anger towards other photographers that offer free work in order to build portfolio. Then perhaps they can offer suggestions on how to build a portfolio?

Thank you

I'm going to show up at your place of employment and work for free, after which I will go home, take a nap and then work at my other job that pays me. I am sure your employer will be looking for as many people like me as he can find, and will replace you and your coworkers. Of course you won't like the fact you are out of a job and starving, but its OK for you to do that to others it appears.

cdifoto wrote in post #11406428
I don't understand why [SUPposed] professionals get upset over newbies offering freebies. It's free because the person doing it has little to no experience or confidence to deliver a product. Anyone willing to accept a photographer on those terms isn't going to be looking at you. Ever.

It's more of trying to teach the right way to go about things than be upset over how they go about it in most cases, especially on this board - there's other boards they get straight out PO'd at newbs though. It's hard to get out of a hole you dig yourself taking the wrong route, I learned from a complete idiot and that included bad business practices. Made the mistakes, realized they only held me back and for a LONG time, and don't like seeing others make the same mistakes that are easily avoidable. It's not the affect they'll have on my business, it's I'd rather see people make it than fail - isn't that the whole point of giving advice here, even if it's direct, harsh, and not a bunch of rainbows and lollipops?

Maybe in your world it doesn't happen that these people wouldn't be looking at hiring you, but in someones it does. You have a newer photographer still learning the trade, sure someone offering free has undercut them so it gets to the point they fail without ever making it past a certain level, there's always a revolving door of newbs giving it away or working too cheap because it can't be sustained and built off of for many people.

It honestly affects photographers in sports more than say weddings, seen some great team photographers lose contracts simply to fans with cameras. I can hear someone already saying "if they're that much better they would pay" - not always true. Seen it first hand too many times to swallow that line of crap. Fact is in a perfect little world if nobody did it these clients would be paying, but we don't live in that world so you have to get above and beyond the lower levels. Some will, some won't, and some will never even get the chance because of a variety of reasons.

Personally - even with bad advice, I waited four years practicing before I ever reached out to anyone as a client. Had some approach me and we worked out deals, mostly bad ones, but was not going to be "that guy" buying a camera and claiming to be a pro - and this was back in the film days where it wasn't so rampant, but existed. Nowadays you have people getting their first camera delivered the same day as their business cards!

Figure out how to get your 1st gig, the rest will come by word of mouth, not advertising. Look in the papers and online for groups that are having reunions, or birthday parties. Check church banquets, and its the holiday season, so there will be tons of holiday parties. You'll have to go to them at this point and ASK ...

Not necessarily word of mouth. I've had to constantly continue marketing myself to prospective clients. Just last week, I shot two events pro-bono, as an interview of sorts. Already landed an on-going in-house portraiture job because of one of them. The other I'm waiting on stats.

MJPhotos24 wrote in post #11408175
It's more of trying to teach the right way to go about things than be upset over how they go about it in most cases, especially on this board - there's other boards they get straight out PO'd at newbs though. It's hard to get out of a hole you dig yourself taking the wrong route, I learned from a complete idiot and that included bad business practices. Made the mistakes, realized they only held me back and for a LONG time, and don't like seeing others make the same mistakes that are easily avoidable. It's not the affect they'll have on my business, it's I'd rather see people make it than fail - isn't that the whole point of giving advice here, even if it's direct, harsh, and not a bunch of rainbows and lollipops?

Maybe in your world it doesn't happen that these people wouldn't be looking at hiring you, but in someones it does. You have a newer photographer still learning the trade, sure someone offering free has undercut them so it gets to the point they fail without ever making it past a certain level, there's always a revolving door of newbs giving it away or working too cheap because it can't be sustained and built off of for many people.

It honestly affects photographers in sports more than say weddings, seen some great team photographers lose contracts simply to fans with cameras. I can hear someone already saying "if they're that much better they would pay" - not always true. Seen it first hand too many times to swallow that line of crap. Fact is in a perfect little world if nobody did it these clients would be paying, but we don't live in that world so you have to get above and beyond the lower levels. Some will, some won't, and some will never even get the chance because of a variety of reasons.

Personally - even with bad advice, I waited four years practicing before I ever reached out to anyone as a client. Had some approach me and we worked out deals, mostly bad ones, but was not going to be "that guy" buying a camera and claiming to be a pro - and this was back in the film days where it wasn't so rampant, but existed. Nowadays you have people getting their first camera delivered the same day as their business cards!

Well I was that guy at one point. Pretty much every photographer in my area sucked, which was one reason I got into it in the first place. I wouldn't waste a second being taught by someone who's work is garbage. Even if they were doing well as a business, I wouldn't want that kind of success. It's too Wal-Marty for the likes of me.

Another vote for calling your favorite charity. Other than non profit organizations, no one will appreciate you and will always expect you to work for free. Keep in mind the value of your time and what your gear costs along with the fact that a shutter repair is about $300. Working for free is a loss.

If you perceive newbies-photographers who offer free services as your direct competitors and see a threat to your business, it means only one thing - you realize that your work is no better than that of newbies. You just don't want to say it loud, that's all. You prefer to call yourself a professional but deep down inside you know you produce no better images than a newbie.

sniper_md wrote in post #11404222
I am wanting to get into event photography (ceremonials, official dinners, charitable events etc), and posted on CL offering free coverage (so that i can build portfolio).

sniper_md wrote in post #11409864
If you perceive newbies-photographers who offer free services as your direct competitors and see a threat to your business, it means only one thing - you realize that your work is no better than that of newbies. You just don't want to say it loud, that's all. You prefer to call yourself a professional but deep down inside you know you produce no better images than a newbie.

O-K...