Would you do this?

[Steve5D]

I wonder if those who say not to do it because the client will always "expect it", or because the client's friends will expect the same deal, have ever actually done it.

If I do something special for one person, I am under no obligation to do it for anyone else. Period. No two clients are the same and, as such, each are dealt with differently. If someone thinks they're going to get a similar deal, just because I did it for someone else, they're likely going to be disappointed.

To the point of whether or not another photographer will be able to get a similar gig, that pays, doesn't matter to me. If someone isn't good enough to land a gig because I take a gig like this, that's his problem, not mine. Him working is not my concern. My concern is setting myself up for a possible return on my investment of doing a shoot like this. The gigs I got after shooting the poker run were rather well paying, and I simply wouldn't have gotten those jobs for the simple fact that I never would've met the people who ended up hiring me.

I'm not saying that every photographer should agree to do these kinds of shoots every time they come up, but there's no reason to summarily dismiss such opportunities, especially if you're just starting out and getting your name out there. Treat it as an investment in your business. Look at it as advertising. Everyone in that room is a potential client, and they're a captive audience.

Look at the big picture, and consider what the possible advantages are for you. If you don't feel that those possible advantages are worth the time, don't do it...

 

[thetrue]

Well stated, Steve

 

[Tony S]

I would do it. Maybe even counter back for some other freebies as stuff on the day of the shoot itself is not really worth much to me, I'm working then.

 

[sactown024]

Wow thanks everyone!


I think I will do it but they are a well established restaurant with expensive plates so I don't think they are struggling for cash which bothers me the most.

I do need the exposure so I will try to squeeze a little more out of them and most definitely slap a big watermark on all photos.

The printer is a great idea, any suggestions on portable ones?

 

[texkam]

most definitely slap a big watermark on all photos.

Be prepared for a fight on this.

 

[STIC]

[...

 

[thetrue]

most definitely slap a big watermark on all photos.

Be prepared for a fight on this.

"That's the dinner and drinks version...if you want watermark-free photos, we can work out a licensing deal"

 

[sactown024]

"That's the dinner and drinks version...if you want watermark-free photos, we can work out a licensing deal"

Correct

 

[sactown024]

I openly told them when I sent the original email asking if they would be interested in using a photo I took on their website, that I am looking for exposure, so I kind of walked right into "not a paid event" trap.

 

[STIC]

...

 

[sactown024]

here is my response, feel free to add or remove before I hit the send button.

"Hi Kate -



The Scottish celebration sounds like an wonderful event and I would like to be a part of it. I know a lot of times photography is one of those things that people think can be "done without" but I can promise I will get quality shots of this event that will hopefully entice more people to see the fun that was had at the restaurant, in return will have more people come out and check it out year after year and bring in more sales for Waterhouse.



That being said, I have recently made a move to from Peterborough, NH to Somers, NY which is a little over 3 hours of a drive. I understand you have spent an abundance of money on bagpipers, musicians, poets etc... unfortunately leaving photography up for bartering. I could really use the exposure and I think this will be a great event to show the people what I am capable of behind a camera, but I too am on a very restricted budget. That being said, I am not asking Waterhouse to pay me for the event on top of the already offered presence, food and drinks but i would ask to be compensated for the gas mileage to and from Waterhouse. (375mi round trip, $.50/mi) which will be a fraction of the cost I would normally charge for such an event.



If you are comfortable with this, I would like to get together and discuss how the night will pan out so I can decide what equipment I should bring with me. Also I would like there to be a signed agreement to protect both of us and state that the images taken will not be used for printing (I have a contract and print release form in place already). If prints are needed, I do require these to be ordered through my printing lab, of course you will be more than welcome to use the images on your website at no charge as long as the photos credited to me."

 

[The_Traveler]

I would leave out all the non-pro sounding stuff. No one cares, it's business to business here, make your case.
Ignore the food and drink, that doesn't count. Negotiate for your services and get this into a business arrangement.
Don't sound eager and willing to compromise.
Draw a line and let him see it.
Don't buy yourself a job.
Make it worthwhile for you in some way, even just as a 'job'.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________


The Scottish celebration sounds like an wonderful event and, potentially, I would enjoy being a part of it. Unfortunately, photography is one of those things that people think can be "done without" but quality shots of this event will allow more people to appreciate the level of this year's fun and will entice more people to come next year - providing, not only good memories, but building anticipations for future success.

I can deliver those quality photos that you need.

As you said in your email, you are 'on a budget' and, although I would not usually donate my services to a for-profit entity, in this situation, the opportunity to showcase my work in your venue and network makes the situation acceptable on balance. Here is my counter proposal. I will shoot pictures of your party and provide your images for your web publicity at no cost beyond my mileage and expenses from my base in Somers, NY. (see details below)

In return, I would expect that you will publicize my involvement as the official photographer, put my business name and contact on any handouts for that evening (in the form 'official event photography by XXXXX') and provide my business card as part of each guest's package or at the seating.

I have attached my standard contract with some estimated dates, times of service and schedule of deliverables. Please note that payment of the anticipated expenses are due with your return of the signed contract in advance of the evening. Without the contract and payment the advance, I cannot reserve the time.

Please note that that, under the terms of this contract, I retain all copyright to the images but you may use the photos without further charge for web and printed publicity for this event. I will provide a link to a gallery of the evening's shots and any reprints for your or client must be done through my printer.

I will give you a call on ____________ and we can discuss any questions that might arise in regards to timing of deliverables, requests for specific shots or any other topic that might affect what equipment I need to make available and any reimbursable expenses.

Thanks you for thinking of me and I hope that we can make this a useful engagement for both of us,

 

[The_Traveler]

You are essentially, 'sponsoring' part of this evening by not being paid, get something back.
Otherwise you are driving , etc. for nothing.

No expenses in advance, no work.
A contract is a contract, no work, no pictures without fulfillment.
And if he doesn't agree wholeheartedly to all the things that don't cost him $, like the publicity, etc, you are just being used and it won't be worthwhile.

This is basically a loser for future business (300 miles from home) but its a chance to emulate a pro engagement.

 

[KmH]

Wow thanks everyone!


I think I will do it but they are a well established restaurant with expensive plates so I don't think they are struggling for cash which bothers me the most.

Restaurants run on very thin profit margins.

Well run dinner or full service restaurants usually have profit margins of between 2% and 5%, but well run fast food restaurants can have profit margins of 25%.

 

[Steve5D]

I was unaware of the travel required. I thought this would be a "just headin' down the road a piece" shoot in your own town.

I wouldn't do it; not for what they're offering. Time and gas are way too valuable. If you're going to ask for them to help cover gas, at least go for what the IRS permits, which is (I believe) .55 per mile. I would also ask for them to provide accomodations, as driving three hours after working all day, and trust me on the, blows.

Yeah, there would have to be a little bit more on the "me" side of this equation for me to do this job...