ronichas Loc: Long Island

I am a long time photographer, I have been asked to *donate* my images for free. I will get free exposure it they use my images. Nope, doesn't cover the cost and time I have spent mastering my art

Today, everyone is a photographer if they have a phone. I still don't give my work for free.

This is a cute theme song, there is some foul language but it says it perfectly.
Enjoy!!

https://petapixel.com/2022/04/15/the-theme-song-for-creatives-who-are-asked-to-work-for-free-nsfw/

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Very very true, and cute theme song!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice!

Mauitouch

How true! Seems everyone wants something for nothing.

BebuLamar

I never want pictures taken by anyone.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Most photographers don't want other pictures taken by others. Do you give away your images for free?

But many companies want free images, oh they said it is great exposure. That doesn't pay the bills, doesn't pay for equipment, classes, software to process the images.

BebuLamar

I would if someone asks. However, since I have no interest in other's pictures I also have no interest in showing others mine.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

For a legitimate charitable organization, l don't see why any offense is due in response to a request for free goods or services. The same may be true for some government agencies in some circumstances. I also think most of us would be happy to help a friend whose business was struggling.

I agree that other requests from commercial entities for free services or products are inappropriste.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Terkat

Good morning Roni,

I understand completely - I am in a similar situation. Love the song - it says it all.

All the very best and Happy Easter,

Terry

BebuLamar

I do not like the song but I didn't read your post carefully. No I wouldn't give my work for exposure. I do not want exposure. I would give my work for free but not for exposure. The exposure actually has negative effect on me.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Giving and doing work for free lessens all the time and expense spent on mastering a craft. Since everyone is now a photographer, all the well known photographers of the past, can no longer earn a living at selling their images, so many are now doing photo workshops.

Would you ask a hair stylist for a free haircut, yes give them lots of good reviews & exposure?
Would you ask an electrician for free work, for a good review, recommendations and exposure?
Would you ask a mechanic, gardener, doctor, anyone who has taken the time & experience to master their craft?

So why do people think they can ask a photographer? I feel photographers should be paid just like any other profession.

Just my opinion after 40+ years of learning photography, buying equipment, mastering photoshop, going to conferences, taking classes, I could go on and on.

I was asked twice in the past for my images to be used in books. I did request some compensation. Once I received it, once I didn't. Both were from well known men in their fields, who make a heck more money than I do.

Sorry for the rant, but this is one of my pet peeves.

BebuLamar

Also I didn't understood your post very well. I said I would give away my pictures when asked but it's only for someone who would simply keep the pictures and enjoy it for themselves. No I wouldn't give pictures to someone who wants to use in a book.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

That was funny. Needs to be the theme song for most photographers.