Recently I read a Photography blog that advocated never doing anything for free as a photographer. That doing so, even for family, set a precedence in which you will probably be exploited in the future. While there is some truth to this point, there is also a lot of opportunity to be had by firing your shutter for no charge. More after the jump.
For the beginner doing things for free is a no brainer. I have been known to take my mobile lighting setup to family gatherings in another state. Set it up in a garage and file the family in for a few minutes each. Two weekends ago I did this, the main shindig was at one house, and I set the studio up in a garage at another family member’s nearby house. Throughout the day, as people headed home, I would have them swing by for a few minutes for pictures. When I got home I retouched the images in post and then sent them to my family with a print release.
Some of you might be gaping at a prospect such as this, but wait for the rest of the story. This little arrangement, as well as taking good portraits, has netted me offers to come back for longer, PAID, shoots by the family members and even their friends. YES, asking me to travel 3+ hours to another state to take their pictures. Sure they could run to a local retail store and get crappy portraits made for 20.00 and no sitting fee, but many people don’t want this and are willing to pay good money for a boutique photographer to take the time to ensure they get the best images with maximum creativity. Not to mention one who is willing to come to them to shoot the images in a familiar environment. Granted, you might not be willing to do this type of thing, but if you are there are plenty of people out there willing to pay for it. Beginners in the Pro world might think this is crazy, but if someone asked you to travel to Peru for jungle shots for a major magazine you would be at the airport before the advance check cleared the bank. How is going to someone for portraits any different?
Another thing to keep in mind, is that if you need models, Free prints is the best way to get them to come to you IN DROVES. Especially aspiring models. This is definitely something to keep in mind.
As I mentioned in a previous post I am scheduled to have surgery tomorrow, so the next few posts will be short and to the point. I apologize for this, but I don’t think I will really feel like working much. I appreciate your patience.
Have a Great Day!
