Amanda Koehler
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 p.1 #18 · What to charge!!?? and other... | |
I agree with most of this. There will *always* be someone who will provide photos for free for whatever reason. It's something we, as photographers,need to realize. As I said, I was paid by the bride and groom for the first wedding I shot. They were familiar with my work, the fact that I had previously been paid for shooting portraits and events, and liked what I produced. And, yes, I offered them a discount (which they declined).
Depending on geographical location, it's not always easy or possible to shoot with a "professional" photographer. Somehow I think building model cars and fixing lights are a far cry from being a professional mechanic......shame on me as the consumer if I hired this person to work on my car and it was screwed up......but I understand what you're trying to say here.
Some people really don't care if they hire a "professional" to shoot a wedding or event for them. They are more concerned about the cost and doing things as cheaply as possible than the quality and end result. These are the people who will search for the *free* or *cheap* photographers. In my opinion, each photographer needs to determine what market or niche he or she wants to be in and make efforts through education, experience, etc. to get there.
Yes, "performing occupationally for a gain" is one way of looking at it. BUT.....just because I am paid to shoot portraits, weddings, events, and real estate for monetary gain, does not mean that I feel qualified to shoot and be paid for other types of photography such as product shots, sports, etc. If I were asked to do those types of thngs for compensation I would most likely decline and indicate my reasons or offer to try it for free with no guarantee of the outcome to gain experience. I do think that this is where honesty and integrity come in when defining oneself as a "professional" and acting in "a professional manner."
Just my 2 cents...
sjames19 wrote:
Going out on a limb here...
To all of your FREE people: Sure do all of these for free. When you find yourself in the position and desire to become a full-time photographer and actually charge for your time and product, don't be surprised when you lose weddings to others offering their "well intentioned" free services. If you are providing value, and you want the B&G to value you, then simply give them a discount. They will respect you, and you will keep some respect for yourself.
Get your experience assisting someone with professional experience. Don't risk screwing up someone's wedding and hide behind your advance warnings of "inexperience". Would you trust your friend to fix your car because he has tools in his garage? He has worked on building model cars, and he has used the same tools to fix three broken lights in his house. C'mon, he'll fix the your car for free.
Amanda - Professional means that you are performing occupationally for gain. So, if you are not gaining financially, then call it what it is -- a hobby.
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