Anyone Nicked your Act ?
Jul 11, 2017 08:55:22 #
Has anyone on here had this issue and how did you deal with it ?
This is a constant Re-occuring theme for me ..
I've been commissioned as ' Official Photographer ' for an event..
Usually an outdoor weekend Camping or Butlins type thing .. Have done this
for few years in a row .. I work very hard as there are lots of things going on over
the weekend ... Take about 200 or so images ... Get home and spend a very long time
Editing them then put on CD and post to the organizers .. Who then use them for promotion etc .
they are always very pleased with the results .
For this on Various events , ive not been payed , Just free entrance / Accommodation / food
( if its a Holiday Camp ) ..
Then all of a sudden some ' photography Student ' comes along who Buys their own Ticket and
offers to supply images Free of Charge ( for the experience) .. So then it's curtains for me !!
This has happened to me a few times over ..
Since the Invention of the Digital Camera .. everyone and their Dog as Posing as a ' photographer '
This is a constant Re-occuring theme for me ..
I've been commissioned as ' Official Photographer ' for an event..
Usually an outdoor weekend Camping or Butlins type thing .. Have done this
for few years in a row .. I work very hard as there are lots of things going on over
the weekend ... Take about 200 or so images ... Get home and spend a very long time
Editing them then put on CD and post to the organizers .. Who then use them for promotion etc .
they are always very pleased with the results .
For this on Various events , ive not been payed , Just free entrance / Accommodation / food
( if its a Holiday Camp ) ..
Then all of a sudden some ' photography Student ' comes along who Buys their own Ticket and
offers to supply images Free of Charge ( for the experience) .. So then it's curtains for me !!
This has happened to me a few times over ..
Since the Invention of the Digital Camera .. everyone and their Dog as Posing as a ' photographer '
Jul 11, 2017 09:08:18 #
I hear you, no quick solutions. You could have had them sign an exclusive agreement before hand that you have exclusive rights as the official photographer.
Jul 11, 2017 09:15:05 #
cyclespeed
Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada
And your point is? Sounds to me like you want some form of exclusivity to which you were never granted. I suggest you refresh your business plan such as it is and try to find a niche market for your photos. Perhaps having some of the better ones printed on metal. Of course at your own expense initially until the demand for your work justifies you charging a price that allows you to recoup your costs.
Jul 11, 2017 09:21:43 #
Without some form of contract you can not do anything about it. It happens all the time.
Jul 11, 2017 09:22:23 #
As suggested, even though there is monetary exchange, I insist on a contract to assure each party that they know what to expect and what compensation, if any, is anticipated. Unfortunately, in cases such as yours, the contract is for each event and not a long term situation. It's a sign of the times.
A while back, I stopped in my local camera store. There was a young guy in there just ahead of me at the counter. He looked at the sales guy and asked which camera he should buy with a price tag under $800 because he had to shoot a wedding that afternoon. That's what professionals are facing these days.
--Bob
A while back, I stopped in my local camera store. There was a young guy in there just ahead of me at the counter. He looked at the sales guy and asked which camera he should buy with a price tag under $800 because he had to shoot a wedding that afternoon. That's what professionals are facing these days.
--Bob
Lukabulla wrote:
Has anyone on here had this issue and how did you ... (show quote)
Jul 11, 2017 09:22:49 #
You can try offering something that is not , or can not be, offered by the amateur. Email photos - print on site - better shots - green screen with backgrounds they choose ?????
Or, you can continue to make Buggy Whips like the rest of us............
Or, you can continue to make Buggy Whips like the rest of us............
Jul 11, 2017 09:27:05 #
It seems everyone with a cellphone fancies themselves a "pro photographer" these days. Times change. Your only recourse may be to continually 're-invent' yourself and how you market your services, much as Butlins has been forced to do with the passage of time. I'm not unsympathetic regarding your perfectly valid concern, but what can you do?
Jul 11, 2017 10:00:53 #
The point is...
--Bob
--Bob
cyclespeed wrote:
And your point is? Sounds to me like you want some form of exclusivity to which you were never granted. I suggest you refresh your business plan such as it is and try to find a niche market for your photos. Perhaps having some of the better ones printed on metal. Of course at your own expense initially until the demand for your work justifies you charging a price that allows you to recoup your costs.
Jul 11, 2017 10:16:20 #
A woman came to me wanting me to shoot her wedding. She was refereed to me by a mutual friend. After talking to her a few times it soon became clear she wanted me to shoot for free. ( because we had a mutual friend) She ended up having one of her friends with a point and shoot being her official photographer.
I saw the pix a few months later on her FB page. They were terrible.
I saw the pix a few months later on her FB page. They were terrible.
Jul 11, 2017 12:03:12 #
Lukabulla wrote:
...Then all of a sudden some ' photography Student ' comes along who Buys their own Ticket and
offers to supply images Free of Charge ( for the experience) .. So then it's curtains for me !!
This has happened to me a few times over ..
Since the Invention of the Digital Camera .. everyone and their Dog as Posing as a ' photographer '
offers to supply images Free of Charge ( for the experience) .. So then it's curtains for me !!
This has happened to me a few times over ..
Since the Invention of the Digital Camera .. everyone and their Dog as Posing as a ' photographer '
The hard truth is, if I correctly understand what you are saying, the usurpers are providing better shots than you have been.
Jul 11, 2017 12:48:18 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Lukabulla wrote:
Has anyone on here had this issue and how did you ... (show quote)
So buy your own ticket and pose as a photographer as well!
Jul 11, 2017 13:28:12 #
Lukabulla wrote:
Has anyone on here had this issue and how did you ... (show quote)
There is only one thing that will stop this: Make images that folks want so badly that only you can supply. Period.
If the camp or whomever wants run-of-the-mill images then they'll buy them from whomever can supply them at the cost that they are willing to pay.
The only way to survive in photography is just like any other business...have a product that they NEED to come to YOU for.
I got that bit of advice from a Roberto Valenzuela video and if you've seen his expertise...you'd appreciate it.
Jul 11, 2017 13:59:09 #
Lukabulla wrote:
Has anyone on here had this issue and how did you ... (show quote)
I don't see where the "issue" is. They didn't appreciate your work; that is unfortunate, but you can't take it it personally.
Jul 11, 2017 14:24:26 #
My work for 5 years to them was always appreciated by the Promoter .
It's Just that they can now get a Photographer for Nothing ... it's money no more and no Less .
It's Just that they can now get a Photographer for Nothing ... it's money no more and no Less .
Jul 11, 2017 14:41:56 #
Lukabulla wrote:
Has anyone on here had this issue and how did you ... (show quote)
No. I am a businessman. So anytime someone wants my services, the first thing I ask is what they want done, the second thing is what their budget is. Free entrance, accommodation, food, travel expenses, etc are all regarded as reimbursable. If there is any hesitation or blinking, I suggest they contact a school that teaches photography or a local photo club for a suitable candidate. I do nothing for free when asked to, but I often freely provide services through volunteering. I make it a point to not work for friends or family, other than my immediate family.
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