qasas3251 Loc: Shippensburg, PA

Great advice, I'll file it away for later use if ever needed.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

Thank you very much.

canon Lee

I don't get your point. You want "credits" for donating your time? It would be nice if I got credit, each time, for donating my time. I don't expect it. When I volunteer I know I will work hard and long hours, but that is what I am donating to the cause. I don't expect any credits, perhaps a thank you is all I would need. I walk away with knowing I have helped another with my talents. Perhaps you might be over evaluating your importance a bit.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

I like this idea. The planners of the event were unprofessional in their actions. They should have thanked you and gave your information first and foremost. They could have given a special "thanks" to the other person for sharing his photos.....but that is where it should have stopped. Their attitude with you is unacceptable.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

For most a simple thank you would definitely suffice. But when someone asks you to do your profession for free, then gives another photographer "exposure" for future business, that is a grave injustice. Many businesses are helped by word of mouth and accolades. Since she did not receive any money, what is wrong with a public "pat on the back"?

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

In the grand scheme of things your volunteering is not different than hers. You both expected "exposure".

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

All fine, but from what was posted the people running the event were VERY unprofessional. It's the same old "takers and makers" story IMO.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

i think you continue to miss the point...i was ASKED to donate my time & expertise, i did not volunteer for this.
i don't think i am **over evaluating my importance a bit.**
a bit hostile on your part.

Cykdelic Loc: Now outside of Chiraq & Santa Fe, NM

I agree with you.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

thank you!!!!!

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

No. I'll get exposure this Saturday at the event I volunteered for, just by being there. That's what volunteering is all about. When you go in expecting a payment or reward, it is not volunteering.

Dun1 Loc: Atlanta, GA

When you volunteer you time and talent more often than usual it's not appreciated by some people. An more experienced photographer told me early on as we were photographing a football game, "Don't give your stuff away, if you do it will not have any value"

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I purposely didn't read the 9 pages ahead of my post, because you asked a specific question, and I'll tell you what "I" would do.

I think some depends on the tone of your letter, and if you have someone (that will be honest, not someone you "Know" will take your side) read it and tell you if you were indeed rude, or if it came across that way.

I think pursuing it will make you look bad, no matter what. It is a charity. If you attack them, or post negative things online, be prepared to be attacked, even if you are right.

I volunteer my time for one specific organization, but it was me that approached them, I set my terms, etc. If someone calls me and asks for "free work" I just pass on it. I have yet to speak to someone where that worked out well for the photographer.

I would take this as a learning experience. If you still choose to donate time in the future, spell out your terms in a contract. A contract requires that there is payment, even if the payment is a link to your website, or some kind of acknowledgement, it doesn't have to be "cash" (although, that's what I like better than a thank you)

Seriously, if your proofreading friend finds that what you said could come across as rude, I think YOU should apologize for the tone and explain that it wasn't how you meant it. They may own up after that and make things right. If you weren't rude, then just realize the type of people they are, and don't support them. Bad mouthing anyone, will always come back to bite you in the rear end.

canon Lee

No offense intended. Sorry that I don't get the difference between "donate" and "volunteer"? I am sure anyone can split hairs and come up with something. Obviously you are offended because you didn't get any credit or the credit went to another or you had to share the credit. Being a "designated photographer" has a different meaning to me between a paid shoot and donating your time. For me when I want to donate my time and volunteer for a cause, I don't expect more than a thank you. I understand that I am just another volunteer along with others helping the cause. I am sure that there are many others that donated their talents also and perhaps didn't get or want any credit. Donating is an act of kindness without any compensation.
Everyone that donates and volunteers works as a team for the cause. It is all about the cause and its success. Thank your from me for donating your time and talent for that cause, It shows you are a caring & giving women.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I think the OP is really saying that she was asked to do the shoot and then asked to do it for nothing. There is a fine line between donating and volunteering, but there is a line. It sounds like it wasn't her idea in the first place and, though she did it out of the goodness of her own heart, she still had hopes for some recognition. I can understand that state of mind. To be asked for something, then to be told she's giving it for free, and then to sacrifice her time and talent (possibly for a cause in which she had no personal interest) AND then to be denied recognition and be tread shabbily is an insult. It is not personal pride and profit; it is about hurt and betrayal!