p.9 #2 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
While I feel for anyone's business suffering, I can not but question the current logic GFM is having with regards to upcoming shoots as they continue to schedule events and forward "contract" awards to photogs to shoot them, with the added caveat that "payments are behind" "consider this before accepting"
I've had to cancel 4 upcoming shoots (2 in just the past 3 weeks) because I'm simply not willing to put myself out there without any remote idea to when payment would come.
Working for GFM in the past has been a delight, but who has the time and frankly money to put out to simply shoot on the future promise of a return? If I wanted to follow this protocol I'd shoot youth sports events without a contract in hope of making something in return from the parents who might actually pay for the shots prior to stealing the screen capture images with my watermark on it!!!!
I had a friend recently receive the can for not attending an event because he's been waiting to get paid.........
Boiler plate, auto generated canned email or not, it's just not right that he received this....
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Removal from Gameface Network
From: Brent Doscher
Date: Mon, xxxxxxxxx, 2016 xxxxxx am
To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: Gameface Media Photography Department
Due to you not attending xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, you violated the terms of a legally binding contract and your account has been terminated with Gameface.
Brent Doscher
Director of Photography
www.gamefacemedia.com
I'm saddened by this turn of events and for GFM- I hope they can turn it around, as I do wish to get paid for what is still owed.....I know that it will be be a very long time before they build their rep back up and know it will be a longer time after that before I ever consider shooting for them again.
p.9 #3 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
Add me to the list of confused. They don't owe me money at this time but since I am mostly retired now I have not shot for them in a while but months I did put in a request for a race near my home that is coming up this weekend. Last week I got the "request denied, we are full" for that event but when I go to their web site the event is still active and open for requests. Looking at the weather forecast for this weekend I think I am happy that I will be at home, warm and dry and not worried about getting paid for a long day.
Thanks. Since they are paying photographers that worked after me and are now not returning my emails or calls (despite promising to do so) I guess I might have to escalate this some. Bummer.
p.9 #12 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
One of the issues I have noticed and commented to GFM about was the quality of the photographers over the last 2 years. I have shot many events in Texas and more than half the photographers I have shot with are terrible. I mean grandma shots from the bleachers were 10 times better but those photogs still got paid the same amount I was being paid after 26 years in the business. CRAZYYY That could be one reason there are financial troubles Once the clients see the quality of photos they are refusing to pay for crappy pics ?? Maybe It is probably a combination of many factors - who knows -- but it has been 4 1/2 months since I have been paid so I cannot accept any other projects from GFM until I receive payment for past services and then I will demand payment up front before agreeing to any future shoots. Sorry but I have bills to pay like everyone else. If I were relying on this money for food or shelter I would be screwed - living on the street - with no other recourse.
p.9 #13 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
RHavard wrote:
One of the issues I have noticed and commented to GFM about was the quality of the photographers over the last 2 years. I have shot many events in Texas and more than half the photographers I have shot with are terrible. I mean grandma shots from the bleachers were 10 times better but those photogs still got paid the same amount I was being paid after 26 years in the business. CRAZYYY That could be one reason there are financial troubles Once the clients see the quality of photos they are refusing to pay for crappy pics ?? Maybe It is probably a combination of many factors - who knows -- but it has been 4 1/2 months since I have been paid so I cannot accept any other projects from GFM until I receive payment for past services and then I will demand payment up front before agreeing to any future shoots. Sorry but I have bills to pay like everyone else. If I were relying on this money for food or shelter I would be screwed - living on the street - with no other recourse. ...Show more →
I've noticed this too...seen some photogs using "kit" 55-300mm lenses or similar on their cameras despite GFM's rather strict shutter speed and aperture requirements for some events (some events require an aperture of f/4...which the kit lenses usually don't maintain at all focal lengths).
Of course, I'm not perfect either - I forgot to delete a photo during a Tough Mudder that showed literally nothing (a runner had just entered the water and so there was nothing in the frame), and sure enough it showed up in the gallery. Oops.
I've gotten two offers since this fiasco began and I've declined them both. I just can't work for free.
p.9 #16 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
If you see those ads you should post a warning to potential photographers. There happy to get some work and not realize that they will probably be working for free.
p.9 #19 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
IKnowNuttin wrote:
If you see those ads you should post a warning to potential photographers. There happy to get some work and not realize that they will probably be working for free.
Check out the GFM Facebook page. . . looks like lots of people are still shooting for them at various events.
p.9 #20 · Gameface media - heads up on getting paid
I ran a tough mudder with some friends the other weekend and only noticed 4 maybe 5 shooters on the coarse! In chatting with them they were told do split shifts on obstacles to cover enough throughout they day. I saw many new faces and many of whom were brought in from over 5-6 hours away because they couldn't find people locally. I was offered the position, but obviously declined, but looking at the contract they are now offer to pay for gas (was 150.00) plus 0.35 a mile! I thought they always ranted that they don't cover that? I have also become quite friendly with the TM event and production staff and they are VERY aware of the financial issues GF has going on. They couldn't comment on what future contract hold between them. Lastly I am still waiting for my 4k
Once the clients see the quality of photos they are refusing to pay for crappy pics ?? Maybe