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Mike Pipes
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p.2 #1 · Pro Bono Work

You need to give yourself some "Self-Assignments" before seeking out business owners to "practice" on.

What happens when you get "clients" for whom you're working for free, but the end results (ie: the photos) aren't of marketable quality? Now you have someone who is expecting to receive good photos and you have nothing to provide.

Either make up your own assignments for practice/portfolio, or if you feel the need to experiment, like already mentioned, hand-pick who you work with and make sure you get something out of the deal that amounts to more than the experience. Example: You see a certain company advertising consistently in a popular local publication, you can approach them to offer photography services, provide photos they can use in their advertising, and in turn they have their ad re-designed in an elegant fashion to mention your business as the photographer. They're still paying whatever awful rate for their ad, they get nice photos at no charge, and you get the benefit of co-advertising without any cost to you. If you have other friends who run their own businesses and you think they might benefit from photography, you should target them before you go running mass advertising offering free services.

When it comes to restaurants, you can always ask if they mind if you bring some gear in the next time you come in for an early lunch or dinner on a typically slower day (to beat the rush, for ease of setting up gear). This way you get to shoot your food for practice, they're not wasting any money/food for a shoot that might not pan out because you're a paying customer, and there are no expectations of either party. There's no perceived risk on anyone's part and no reason at all for them to turn you down. If you produce images you can sell back to the restaurant, or they like what you did and want to hire you for more, it's a bonus.

Jun 15, 2008 at 02:39 AM

Jonathan Knight
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p.2 #2 · Pro Bono Work

http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1989

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=29736

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=29598

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=29552

I think that's plenty of reading for you.

Jun 16, 2008 at 07:31 PM

Bill Grae
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p.2 #3 · Pro Bono Work

I get a cynical kick out of all the posts in the "Gigs" section of Craigslist looking for photographs to cover an events, provide headshots, or assist with a promising business venture . . . all without any compensation. As photographers, our time, investment, and experience all have a monetary value.

I volunteered hundreds of hours as an animal cruelty investigator and SPCA officer. Took lots of photographs of crime scenes, as a result. Before that, I volunteered with a local shelter group . . . those are pro bono pursuits. Business, however, is business.

Rant over.

Jun 19, 2008 at 04:23 AM

dmacmillan
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p.2 #4 · Pro Bono Work

Free is not free. While you're dorking around trying to learn more about photography, the company is investing resources, if nothing more than time.

Since, by your own admission, you don't know what you're doing (if you did, you'd charge for it), there's a slim chance you'll actually produce something useable by whoever allows you to shoot. Bottom line, it will more than likely be a waste of time for them. I don't see where they'd benefit. If they're smart, they would decline the offer.

If you have some friends who'll indulge you, that would be the way to go. I don't see approaching strangers as a good idea.

Doug

Jun 19, 2008 at 01:11 PM

Bill Grae
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p.2 #5 · Pro Bono Work

Whoah. Dude, chill out.

I think Mike Pipes' post, above, is a little more productive a suggestion. I developed enough experience making something of a nuisance of myself at my daughters' and friends' birthday parties, family gatherings, etc., practicing the craft, to make it feasible to offer my services for pay later on without fear of embarrassment. Well, without TOO much fear, anyway.

Jun 20, 2008 at 03:29 AM

Rosemary R
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p.2 #6 · Pro Bono Work

I agree that you should select a charity to work with. Non-Profit organizations are a very good way to network and become known in events photography.

Jun 23, 2008 at 07:00 PM

mdude85
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p.2 #7 · Pro Bono Work

Having first hand experience in charging nothing for my work and then attempting to transition into a profit-building business model, I can tell you it's practically impossible to get any business this way. In fact, I've lost several potential jobs from people approaching me for work expecting to pay nothing. Shooting for free sounds like a good way to build a portfolio, and it is, but you will soon find that there will never be a "right time" to start charging. People will always expect you to shoot for nothing, especially if you live in a small community where word gets around quickly.

My advice would be to always charge *something*, even if small. You can always get away with raising your prices from event to event as you start building your portfolio.

I don't understand this whole side conversation about shooting for charities as a way to get into the business.

Edited on Jun 30, 2008 at 10:38 PM

Jun 30, 2008 at 10:36 PM

Rosemary R
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p.2 #8 · Pro Bono Work

mdude85 wrote:
Having first hand experience in charging nothing for my work and then attempting to transition into a profit-building business model, I can tell you it's practically impossible to get any business this way. In fact, I've lost several potential jobs from people approaching me for work expecting to pay nothing. Shooting for free sounds like a good way to build a portfolio, and it is, but you will soon find that there will never be a "right time" to start charging. People will always expect you to shoot for nothing, especially if you live in a small community where word gets around quickly.

My advice would be to always charge *something*, even if small. You can always get away with raising your prices from event to event as you start building your portfolio.

I don't understand this whole side conversation about shooting for charities as a way to get into the business.

Shooting for charities gets you out networking and allows you to be of service to organizations whose work you support. It's a wonderful marketing opportunity. It also gives you an opportunity to add to your portfolio.

Jun 30, 2008 at 10:55 PM

ShutterLover
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p.2 #9 · Pro Bono Work

Established small businesses no, but starving-artist theatre groups, or shoestring start-ups yes.
Rather than doing free work for the Moms and Pops why not do a doctumentary personal project on Mom and Pop shops? They're a dying breed in monopoly capitalism so think of it as social history. You still get some great shots for the portfolio and it's not really free work.

Jul 07, 2008 at 12:00 PM

Steve Ickes
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p.2 #10 · Pro Bono Work

While I do shoot pro bono for a select group of charitable organizations, I am still very selective. Just because they claim charitable organization status doesn't immediately give them a free pass. I currently only shoot pro bono for two organizations and even that is limited. With regard to start up businesses I may offer some sort of one-time discount or trade but make them very aware that 1.) this is a special deal, and 2.) I don't typically make this type of exception. If you do not set those parameters up front, they will come to expect the same consideration each and everytime and before you know it word will get around and you will be known for your cheap pricing.

There can be some value in providing discounted and free services to some businesses and organizations. However, if you're not careful or vigilant you might find that you suddenly have the reputation not necessarily as the best provider of photographic services but rather the cheapest.

Jul 08, 2008 at 01:39 PM

EOSMIKE
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p.2 #11 · Pro Bono Work

DO NOT work for free, or give away work for FREE or for a "photo credit"

If you are going to work for FREE, it should be one of the following:

1> an internship (where you benefit mostly by gaining valuable work experience with a business of like mind);
2> charities, one that you wish to have a close affiliation with;
3> work with another pro shooter (corporate / wedding / PJ) ... you help him at various assignments over a relatively short period of time, and he/she teaches you (and you learn) some marketable skills;

All these experiences will help you gain future work prospects!

Edited on Jul 08, 2008 at 09:29 PM

Jul 08, 2008 at 09:28 PM

mulder32
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p.2 #12 · Pro Bono Work

The only free work I have done is for my church. They needed headshots of pastors, overseers, etc. We also did some "action" shots of the worship leader, youth pastor, etc to use on marketing brochures, etc.

Occasionally I will give discounts to friends, etc, but not for free.

My 2 cents.

Jul 19, 2008 at 07:13 PM

shatterkiss
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p.2 #13 · Pro Bono Work

mulder32 wrote:
The only free work I have done is for my church. They needed headshots of pastors, overseers, etc. We also did some "action" shots of the worship leader, youth pastor, etc to use on marketing brochures, etc.

Occasionally I will give discounts to friends, etc, but not for free.

My 2 cents.

And why did you do it for free for your church and not your friends? I would think that, for most professionals, it would be the other way around.

Jul 19, 2008 at 10:14 PM

mulder32
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p.2 #14 · Pro Bono Work

shatterkiss wrote:
mulder32 wrote:
The only free work I have done is for my church. They needed headshots of pastors, overseers, etc. We also did some "action" shots of the worship leader, youth pastor, etc to use on marketing brochures, etc.

Occasionally I will give discounts to friends, etc, but not for free.

My 2 cents.

And why did you do it for free for your church and not your friends? I would think that, for most professionals, it would be the other way around.

Because I am using the abilities and knowledge God has given me back to Him in a way by helping my church which helps further His kingdom. My camera equipment is His, not mine, so, rightfully so, I'm using it to honor Him. Hope that makes sense.

Jul 20, 2008 at 01:18 AM

chez
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p.2 #15 · Pro Bono Work

mulder32 wrote:
shatterkiss wrote:
mulder32 wrote:
The only free work I have done is for my church. They needed headshots of pastors, overseers, etc. We also did some "action" shots of the worship leader, youth pastor, etc to use on marketing brochures, etc.

Occasionally I will give discounts to friends, etc, but not for free.

My 2 cents.

And why did you do it for free for your church and not your friends? I would think that, for most professionals, it would be the other way around.

Because I am using the abilities and knowledge God has given me back to Him in a way by helping my church which helps further His kingdom. My camera equipment is His, not mine, so, rightfully so, I'm using it to honor Him. Hope that makes sense.

I am with shatterkiss...I put family and friends before other things in life. If anyone gets something done for free ( does not have to be photography ) it is family / friends first...everything else 2nd. Without family / friends...what do you have?

Jul 20, 2008 at 01:45 AM

K-Lex
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p.2 #16 · Pro Bono Work

Pavel wrote:
The only thing I do for free personally are dog charities. I won't do a wedding for free for a friend. It devalues it. Its getting to the point that couples don't mind paying $3000 for flowers, $4500 for catering ... but want the photographer to do it for $800 ... or free. Then they have pro results in mind. Funny how that works.

And word travels. Do one for free .... and five other couples will be told how smart they were and got the photographer for free. Or ... how they can't believe it how bad their pictures turned out. Wedding photographers seem to slowly be seen in a worse and worse light ... I've noticed.
You know, I think you'd hit the nail on the head there. Not just with weddings, but with anything. People will happily pay silly money for certain things but want others dirt cheap. How many people do you know that will go out and spend £200 on a pair of trainers and jeans for their kids and then want a pro photographer to do some shots of them that they'll put on their wall and keep forever for £25.
You can't do one for free and then charge their friends more either - otherwise they'll get the hump and won't employ you.
Do nothing for free and future customers won't expect it to be free.

Jul 20, 2008 at 05:29 PM

mdude85
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p.2 #17 · Pro Bono Work

shatterkiss wrote:

They're not reasonably clients if they aren't paying you. Moreover, I suspect most businesses would object to being represented on your client list if the work you did for them wasn't part of a standard screening, review and hiring process, as you're essentially using your client list to imply an endorsement that they haven't given you.

Money doesn't have to change hands in order to consider someone as your client.

Jul 21, 2008 at 05:08 PM

shatterkiss
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p.2 #18 · Pro Bono Work

You can consider something as whatever you like, that's the beauty of a subjective perspective. But with a client list the question is whether or not the industry would consider them your clients, as the point of a client list is demonstrating to prospective clients who you're already working for/have worked for. I guarantee that if a prospective client discovered that you had entries on your client list that were only there because you worked for them for free it'd leave a bad taste in their mouths...it carries the implication that you couldn't earn that same client if you were charging a commercial rate.

Also keep in mind that a prospective client may treat your client list like a list of references, especially in a smaller market. Do you want someone you're courting to give a call down your list and get in response, "oh, him, right...no, he just shot some photos for us for free, I think he was trying to build up a portfolio or something. He has us on his client list? That's funny." It's a big world, but these tend to be small industries and markets - people know each other and word gets around.

Jul 21, 2008 at 05:38 PM

mulder32
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p.2 #19 · Pro Bono Work

chez wrote:
mulder32 wrote:
shatterkiss wrote:
mulder32 wrote:
The only free work I have done is for my church. They needed headshots of pastors, overseers, etc. We also did some "action" shots of the worship leader, youth pastor, etc to use on marketing brochures, etc.

Occasionally I will give discounts to friends, etc, but not for free.

My 2 cents.

And why did you do it for free for your church and not your friends? I would think that, for most professionals, it would be the other way around.

Because I am using the abilities and knowledge God has given me back to Him in a way by helping my church which helps further His kingdom. My camera equipment is His, not mine, so, rightfully so, I'm using it to honor Him. Hope that makes sense.

I am with shatterkiss...I put family and friends before other things in life. If anyone gets something done for free ( does not have to be photography ) it is family / friends first...everything else 2nd. Without family / friends...what do you have?

And that's totally OK; it's just a matter of priorities. I put my faith and God before everything in my life, hence the pro bono work for my church!

Jul 21, 2008 at 09:33 PM

K-Lex
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p.2 #20 · Pro Bono Work

Admirable certainly, profitable (in materialistic terms at least) - no.
Like you say, matter of priorities. If you'd get more enjoyment out of the feeling of doing something good for your church - it's a no brainer. Good on you.

Jul 21, 2008 at 10:19 PM

Dean Treml
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p.2 #21 · Pro Bono Work

I agree with most posts on this subject. Offering free photography is just not the done thing. It only looks dodgy, implies lower quality, devalues the trade, and worst of all, has the potential to really annoy existing "professional" photographers who earn their entire income by providing a photographic service and who also won't appreciate having an existing client drop them because of a new guy on the block offering free photography.

How many people have owned an SLR and thought about being a professional photographer? Plenty of people have spent a couple of thousand on camera gear and called themselves just that... I'm not saying you are one of these people, but it's just the way the trade sees a lot of people around the fringe, because everybody has taken photos, has an opinion, and sees it as a potential career option, (the amount of people I've met that have said "I always wanted to work for National Geographic" or some such...) but there is a bit more involved. Local accountants would be pretty pissed off with me if I bought a calculator, pencil and a couple of ring binders and started advertising a free accounting service!

Put your portfolio together under your own steam, be creative and clever, Shatterkiss's idea above is sound, and then when you're feel you're in a position to jump in come back and ask a few more questions.
I have no objections to people wanting to get into the photography business s long as they do it in a way that reflects professionalism, integrity and a bit of respect for those already involved.

Jul 22, 2008 at 04:17 PM

mdude85
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p.2 #22 · Pro Bono Work

Dean Treml wrote:

I have no objections to people wanting to get into the photography business s long as they do it in a way that reflects professionalism, integrity and a bit of respect for those already involved.

There is no such thing as "a bit of respect" in the business of competing in a saturated market. It's kill or be killed, and I'll take "kill", thanks.

Edited on Jul 22, 2008 at 04:44 PM

Jul 22, 2008 at 04:43 PM

mdude85
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p.2 #23 · Pro Bono Work

mulder32 wrote:
And why did you do it for free for your church and not your friends? I would think that, for most professionals, it would be the other way around.

Because I am using the abilities and knowledge God has given me back to Him in a way by helping my church which helps further His kingdom. My camera equipment is His, not mine, so, rightfully so, I'm using it to honor Him. Hope that makes sense.

Hm, it seems to make sense, but if everyone is created in God's image, then it would also make sense to shoot your friends and family for free, no?

Edited on Jul 22, 2008 at 04:52 PM

Jul 22, 2008 at 04:52 PM

mdude85
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p.2 #24 · Pro Bono Work

shatterkiss wrote:
Do you want someone you're courting to give a call down your list and get in response, "oh, him, right...no, he just shot some photos for us for free, I think he was trying to build up a portfolio or something. He has us on his client list? That's funny." It's a big world, but these tend to be small industries and markets - people know each other and word gets around.

Well, the solution to that would be to merely contact your intended clients and ask them if it would be appropriate to include them on your client list. This way they are not surprised to be considered clients when someone contacts them, and they also have the option of saying no. That's pretty standard business etiquette.

Jul 22, 2008 at 04:55 PM

mulder32
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p.2 #25 · Pro Bono Work

mdude85 wrote:
mulder32 wrote:
And why did you do it for free for your church and not your friends? I would think that, for most professionals, it would be the other way around.

Because I am using the abilities and knowledge God has given me back to Him in a way by helping my church which helps further His kingdom. My camera equipment is His, not mine, so, rightfully so, I'm using it to honor Him. Hope that makes sense.

Hm, it seems to make sense, but if everyone is created in God's image, then it would also make sense to shoot your friends and family for free, no?

Lol. True. And so are people who are not my family and friends, so I guess I charge nobody.

Jul 22, 2008 at 07:06 PM


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