Children's Program at Church

[kenmyers70]

Yesterday I ran into an issue at church. I was asked to photograph a Christmas program featuring the 3,4, and 5 year olds. I personally have a difficult time seeing this as a money making venture. For me this is one way to provide my talents to support the ministry. There was another photographer there, who I haven't seen before who said he was planning on selling his pics. After lurking on many of the business discussions here on TPF, I don't want to undercut someone whose income depends on his photography. (Mine clearly does not).

What would you do?

[JohnT]

Did your church hire this other photographer?

[kenmyers70]

I don't know the details of what he was asked but I believe he was asked to take photos by the same person that asked me. I had NO contract and clearly felt that I was not "hired". I was simply "asked to take pictures"

[LWimages]

And who asked you to photograph the event? Under what term?
If he was hired, and I was only asked to do so, I would only post mine up on the website for displays. Maybe donate some photos of immediate member of family of the person whom asked you to photograph the event.

[kenmyers70]

I was asked by the Director of Children's Ministries who was acting directing this particular program.

[HotHolly]

This sounds odd to me. Usually the bigger churches that have children's programs and spring for a photographer, then turn around and sell the images of the kids in order to raise money for the children's ministry, a missionary, or something. If the photog makes any money, its usually more of a kickback (eg - 1/2 goes to the church and 1/2 goes to the photog).

Asking 2 people may be a way of covering their butt to make sure they have 1 photog there. I think you need more details. If the other photog was hired, I'd want to know why they asked you also. They may not be thinking of it the way I've seen it done above. They may just want snapshots.

[Wes]

I do a LOT of photography of children's events at my church. I offered up my talent as an act of service to the church and, therefore, will not charge for my efforts. This IS, however, an excellent way of marketing my services and I have seen some jobs come my way because of it.

Have you talked to the other photographer and come right out and asked how he's handling this? Find out what he's doing and then mimic it. YMMV.

[kenmyers70]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

This sounds odd to me.

Well, I don't think our Church has thought this one through. I guess neither have I for that matter. I was just trying help out the Church and didn't expect for there to be issues. You would think I would have expected this from multiple discussions on this forum. The core question for me still remains, Would you shoot a children's program for free?

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by kenmyers70

The core question for me still remains, Would you shoot a children's program for free?

Yes, if you want to. I wouldn't expect it to be a money maker, but if you want to do it for service to your church - go ahead. If you are concerned that they hired another photog, just ask what's up. You are right, they may not have planned it out very well. So it may not be a big deal.

Short version - if you think it would be fun (kind of like the same satisfaction you get out of shooting your own kid) then go ahead. That sounded kind of funny. But you know what I mean.

[carrbowl]

Ken, I'm like Wes...you have to decide if this is a ministry or a money making deal. At the beginning of doing photos for the church, I was unsure. This lead to many frustrating days and nights. Once I decided it was a ministry, I did not care if I made money or not. I don't make enough money to make it worth my while, but since it is a ministry, it doesn't matter.

I would talk to the ministry leader and explain your concerns. You don't need to be in the middle of something .... that's what it appears to me---why would they have two photographers??? Did the other guy volunteer and wasn't asked? I think your instincts that something isn't right is right!!!

[kenmyers70]

Renae,
I always thought of this as a ministry. Not only does it not seem right to me to make money off of a children's program at church, I don't think it makes a lot of economic sense. BTW, about every parent had their own camera, but considering the quality of the lighting I doubt they will be happy with their P&S. I was at 2.8 1/160 ISO 1600 for most of the performance. I agree heartily with Wes that this is a good marketing opportunity. I just didn't want to undercut someone else who needed this as part of his business and was wondering what the pros here thought. Clearly we need to get the policy clarified at church about photographing programs for profit.

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by kenmyers70

Renae,
I always thought of this as a ministry. Not only does it not seem right to me to make money off of a children's program at church, I don't think it makes a lot of economic sense. Clearly we need to get the policy clarified at church about photographing programs for profit.

My church, which is rather large, insists on paying me to photograph special events. In the beginning, I offered to do it for free, but they wouldn't hear of it. They think my pictures are great, are willing to pay, and I'm they're go-to guy. Whatcha gonna do? :-)