When do you shoot for free?

[klynam]

I know, it goes against everything we say here on TPF...

"If you're good at something, never do it for free."

But shooting has been slow for me lately, though my other work is going okay, and all my equipment is sitting idle quite often. So I've been contemplating doing some free work for someone. Who? I dunno...

Maybe a family in the church who is out of work and could use an extra pick-me-up...
Maybe a single mom struggling to come up with Christmas presents...
Maybe a teen hoping to break into modeling...

Have you ever given away your services just because you can...no "trade fors"...no portfolio pieces...no PR value...no agenda at all, other than to be a blessing to someone else?

[MHampton]

First of all I am NOT a professional photographer but I think the principal would apply no matter what business you are in.

Your business does not dictate your making a gift of your talents to anyone. If you are feeling led to do something nice for someone then by all means do it. It would be like me helping someone I know with a computer problem and not charging them for it. Consider it a gift, plain and simple. Be blessed in blessing someone else with your talents.

[bigjon0107]

I would and have for the first two that you mentioned; the third, no. I also will do it just to keep my creative juices flowing, or when I get rusty (start of a football season, or something like that...granted that would be just for me).

But I always have enjoyed dong things for others, I happen to be OK at taking photos, so a 30min portrait session would be nothing compared to how much joy it would bring to a struggling family.

[bondarnes]

I donate my services to several worthy causes. If it is an organization they get an invoice showing my normal fees and a 100% discount. I have also given my work away to individuals on several occasions. I wouldn't say that any of this work is totally free since I usually reap some PR benefit.

[Tom]

Never just because I am slow.

I am happy to donate my services to worth organizations like Celebrating Adoption (my sister and wife were both adopted) or NILMDTS. Or organizations that are otherwise needy (sometimes church or whatever.)

But never because I am slow.

If I do a trade for, it is because of the benefit to me - i.e. portfolio. But I won't do a freebie because it could bring me more business - it brings more people that want freebies.

[klynam]

Be blessed in blessing someone else with your talents.

and

If I do a trade for, it is because of the benefit to me - i.e. portfolio.

At first I thought these were contradictory, but nope...just a difference between tangible and intangible benefits.

Never just because I am slow.

If I weren't slow, it may not have even have crossed my mind. I just hate seeing equipment sit idle.

I suppose I could just go shoot non-human subject matter. But I really like shooting people...

[bryanlindsey]

Originally Posted by thomas Campbell

I Won't Do A Freebie Because It Could Bring Me More Business - It Brings More People That Want Freebies.

+1

[Jusselin]

HAHA i shoot free all the time....its called practice

[CaptainTom]

When do I shoot for free ?

NEVER !! I always reap some benefit.

I may not charge a fee, or use it for my portfolio, or show anyone else.

But, I KNOW I did something good and that's sometimes worth more than cash, although you can't buy groceries with it....

[J Eddington]

When ever I feel it needs to be. I also shoot for free with NILMDTS and OpLove.

[ThePhotoBinder]

A great photographer that has prospered from photography told me that I should always remember to give back to the community and not just work for the money.

[Cajungaltx]

I volunteer with NILMDTS and shoot sessions for OpLove. Two organizations that are worth donating my time/effort/skill to.

I've shot plenty of sessions for free - people that I run into all the time at Starbucks, that I know can't afford me... but would be good word of mouth referrals...

That kind of stuff.

[ngoduyviet]

For a good cause, I'd be more than happy to shoot for free.

[Sweet Caroline]

I shoot free for teachers often. I usually do end up with referrals from them, but I also feel like it's a great way to thank them for the work they do.

Caroline

[Jaycee]

I'm not a pro but hope to start selling prints next year. In the meantime, I recently did portraits of dogs and cats up for adoption at a local shelter, used on their website and for a newspaper ad. It was great fun and I plan to keep on. The shelter folks were absolutely thrilled, and the chance to help animals find homes is very gratifying to me. I wish a lot more photogs would do this because it's much needed.