I'm newb trying to get into wedding photography. I used to assist, a commercial photographer who was awesome, but he doesn't work weekends so I had to stop when I got a day job. I've been trying for about a year to find wedding pro to second or assist, but the only people who respond to my inquiries turn out to be less experienced than I am. I'm not a gwc who thinks photography is a cool easy way to make a living. I've been passionate about photography since I was 7, when I got my first camera. A minox rangefinder. Built my first darkroom when I was 12. Went to RIT for photography for a year. That is when I got burnt out and took a pretty massive 9 year or so break from photography.

I include all the detail as the crowd here is generally more sympathetic and helpful to those to take the business and craft seriously.

My question is: what is the feeling on shooting charity events as a way to get experience? It would be for no money. Should be a pretty swanky good looking crowd. Should I be getting paid? Is this undercutting a pro? Should I just leave it to a pro and keep on looking for one to assist/2nd?

My website for reference if that matters. www.dilg-photo.com

-leo

Good questions. I'm curious to see some of the answers. I'm also wondering if shooting for a charity can be interpreted as donating (your services) to a charity.....for tax purposes.

Hey Leo,
Glad to hear you're interested in going about it the right way. One thing I would note is that most experienced and skilled pros get many requests every week for assistants and 2nd shooters. Photography is one of the most competitive fields around right now and for many of these shooters, there is little benefit to having assistants who may eventually become competition. That's not to say you shouldn't assist, or that photographers won't acquire new 2nds but just to point out that the 'cold-calling' method (for lack of a better term) has the potential to turn people off sometimes.

I for one have met nearly all of my 2nds/assistants at photographer meetups or over lunch or something before ever hiring them. To me, the personality of an assistant/2nd is just as important as the images, so I would never take someone out with me without meeting them (or knowing stuff about them) first. I met a photographer for lunch one time and was completely appalled at his appearance, language and demeanor. After that I decided not to hire any cold-callers. Just some food for thought. Hope it helps and good luck!

I am doing a Charity event in Two weeks. I believe that it is good exposure and promotion, helps you build a better portfolio, and you get a break on the taxes.

All that besides the fact that you feel good about yourself, you do a service to the
community, and on your website it shows that you are a people person, not just
an overpaid hairy guy with a camera that just cares about money and profits.

Tony Hoffer wrote:
Hey Leo,
Glad to hear you're interested in going about it the right way. One thing I would note is that most experienced and skilled pros get many requests every week for assistants and 2nd shooters. Photography is one of the most competitive fields around right now and for many of these shooters, there is little benefit to having assistants who may eventually become competition. That's not to say you shouldn't assist, or that photographers won't acquire new 2nds but just to point out that the 'cold-calling' method (for lack of a better term) has the potential to turn people off sometimes.

I for one have met nearly all of my 2nds/assistants at photographer meetups or over lunch or something before ever hiring them. To me, the personality of an assistant/2nd is just as important as the images, so I would never take someone out with me without meeting them (or knowing stuff about them) first. I met a photographer for lunch one time and was completely appalled at his appearance, language and demeanor. After that I decided not to hire any cold-callers. Just some food for thought. Hope it helps and good luck!

He stikes again with advice brilliance.

Thanks for that feedback Tony. I've been contemplating joining the local professional photographers association for a while. wondering if it would be worth my while as a non-pro. This is probably just the reason why I should join.

I've volunteered to shoot events for the Special Olympics. I was doing it for practice and to learn and as a noob any practice is good. While its not wedding photography (luckily for that I have Spencer to teach me ) it did give me some practice at anticipating moments.

I will add that my time spent assisting and 2nd shooting with pros has taught me a lot not just about the photography side, but about client interaction as well.

maxwell1295 wrote:
Good questions. I'm curious to see some of the answers. I'm also wondering if shooting for a charity can be interpreted as donating (your services) to a charity.....for tax purposes.

Nope. The IRS is very strict about donation of services and deductions. You (currently — there was some talk about changing this, but I don't think it's gone through) are only able to deduct your actual costs incurred. You cannot deduct the retail cost of your service.

My rule is if the charity has full time paid employees I can be paid to shoot the event. If it is a tiny one with all volunteers then I might comp it. The Presidents and CEO of Local charity groups still take home a lot more than I do so in no way do I feel bad about charging full price. The hotels don't discount the $75.00 a head meals or the meeting room rates. That is at least 75% of there income.

one of the major fundamentals of my business is giving back, so i build a lot of non-profit work into my year. it enables me to share my talents with deserving organizations, gain great exposure and network with people, and it's always good practice shooting in different situations.

keep in mind that you should only promise what you can deliver. be honest about your skills and level of commitment. treat it just as you would any paid job and it will pay off in so many different ways for you AND the charitable org.

good luck!

Tony Hoffer wrote:
Hey Leo,
Glad to hear you're interested in going about it the right way. One thing I would note is that most experienced and skilled pros get many requests every week for assistants and 2nd shooters. Photography is one of the most competitive fields around right now and for many of these shooters, there is little benefit to having assistants who may eventually become competition. That's not to say you shouldn't assist, or that photographers won't acquire new 2nds but just to point out that the 'cold-calling' method (for lack of a better term) has the potential to turn people off sometimes.

I for one have met nearly all of my 2nds/assistants at photographer meetups or over lunch or something before ever hiring them. To me, the personality of an assistant/2nd is just as important as the images, so I would never take someone out with me without meeting them (or knowing stuff about them) first. I met a photographer for lunch one time and was completely appalled at his appearance, language and demeanor. After that I decided not to hire any cold-callers. Just some food for thought. Hope it helps and good luck!

Dang if I lived in the USA again I'd be so offering my soul to 2nd shoot for one of you guys lol. I'd be the best personality you'd find wether you like it or not Just for the sake of having to see you guys at work.