I'm not a photographer. (aka Ethical question regarding sittings)

[Stradawhovious]

Well, the "you're not a photographer" thread got me thinking... (then rolling my eyes).

Let me post a hypothetical question. Lets say someone that has some experience behind the shutter, and with lighting wants to take it to the next level. Let's also say that this person isn't ready to set pricing for a sitting, but wants to get some more experience.

Would said person be in the wrong for offering a free sitting, and charging $25 a piece for images?

My thoughts..... er..... I mean this persons hypothetical idea is to have clients browse throught the shots, select the photos they like (if any) and they will be given a PPd image, on a DVD, with a print release for $25 a pop.

The only real gamble on the side of the client is one of time, right?

 

[Overread36]

Personally I think that if the photographer just wants experience they should get someone they know (family, friend etc...) and just do some practice shoots with them. That way the photographer can tinker around with lighting,setups and the like without having to worry about appeasing the client as such (though you might have to offer to do the cooking/a few beers etc.... depending on who is in the chair).

That is far better than having someone come to you for a service and "trying it out" on them, even if the fee is tiny. Furthermore its not good to start your business practice charging far less than you can make an income upon - part of "practice" is doing and that means doing it all - not just slaving away at the work for minimal pay, but doing the work for a fair; workable sum of money.


I would also say that the best way to get experience is to do an intership or apprentice under a local working photographer/studio. Again you gain the experience, without both undercutting your future (and others current) market and also without causing problems (since any pro working over you should be there to spot and prevent.

 

[Stradawhovious]

Personally I think that if the photographer just wants experience they should get someone they know (family, friend etc...) and just do some practice shoots with them. That way the photographer can tinker around with lighting,setups and the like without having to worry about appeasing the client as such (though you might have to offer to do the cooking/a few beers etc.... depending on who is in the chair).

That is far better than having someone come to you for a service and "trying it out" on them, even if the fee is tiny. Furthermore its not good to start your business practice charging far less than you can make an income upon - part of "practice" is doing and that means doing it all - not just slaving away at the work for minimal pay, but doing the work for a fair; workable sum of money.


I would also say that the best way to get experience is to do an intership or apprentice under a local working photographer/studio. Again you gain the experience, without both undercutting your future (and others current) market and also without causing problems (since any pro working over you should be there to spot and prevent.

That all makes very good sense. I guess not anticipating ever doing photography as a career for a sole, or even supplemental source of income clouded me to the "making a living" aspect. You are also right that the appearence of "trying things out" on a "client" is tacky. I would never want to appear to be doing that.

Thanks for your input!

 

[kasperjd4]

One of the hardest things to do in business is raise your prices and keep happy clients...

That being said, a lot of new models will do shoots for trade, so you give them photos, they give you their time. You can kindof test out new things on them, but practice before hand on family/friends so you have a general idea of what your doing when the model comes in.

 

[Stradawhovious]

One of the hardest things to do in business is raise your prices and keep happy clients...

That being said, a lot of new models will do shoots for trade, so you give them photos, they give you their time. You can kindof test out new things on them, but practice before hand on family/friends so you have a general idea of what your doing when the model comes in.

Good advice! I feel comfortable enough with the equipment I have to be able to set it up and be reasonably close to what I want, and my family, friends and pets have taken to running away screaming any time I have a camera in my hands now. Even bribes and begging don't work anymore.

I should also clarify that I'm not interested in photographing people, rather their four legged counterparts. I have more fun with that than I do shooting people.

Overread makes a good point. I've decided to wait until I can go, nail the shots and leave first time every time.... even though I'm not going to make a career out of this now or in the future. No sense in perpetuating the dreaded "I haz camera, I haz had it for 3 whole weeks now..... givez me money pleaze" stereotype.