Services in Exchange for Internet Picture Orders

[laawaaris]

I received an inquiry from a non-profit organization (similar to Walk for Hunger, Cure for Cancer, etc).

They told me they have an event for 2 hours with over 300 people attending and wanted to know "about my services when I work with a charity". They then asked if I would be willing to donate my services in return for promotion and internet picture orders, etc.?

What would you guys do in this situation? I have been working with lots of companies and organizations and Non-Profits and Charities are really, really hard. They always worry about budgets and numbers and never want to pay for the photography. They also harp on the point that they are Non-Profit and make it sometimes seem villanous if I mention that I am for-profit.

Anyhow, the organization said something about internet picture orders - but I highly doubt there will be a way for me to setup a formal backdrop for formal pictures with that many people. It will probably be party pictures and may amount to absolutely nothing.

Anyhow, would you folks drop your rate in this situation? It sounds to me like the organization will not even consider me if they can find someone who will do it for free.

*SIGH*

[laawaaris]

Another point they mentioned is Promotions, I am not sure if I can use this promotion to my advantage but I suppose I could ask them a little bit about what they would allow me to do? Setup a booth (unmanned) with pamphlets, display some of my photography, mention my name on the PA system, etc?

[LoungeLizard]

You've got more experience in this realm from what you say. If charities are a PITA, let them know that just because THEY are a charity does not make you one.

You're either in business to make money or you're not.

[laawaaris]

I had to look up what PITA was on Urban Dictionary.com - how funny!

I might just tell them that, but I will first tell them my dream of promotions (multiple easels displaying my photography, a booth where patrons can take pamphlets and have their photos taken, etc).

I'll also look up what kind of a Tax Break I can get on donation of services.

In the end though, I may just end up rejecting this offer - I can't do every deal that comes my way after all.

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by laawaaris

I'll also look up what kind of a Tax Break I can get on donation of services.

Let me know as my (limited) research is that you can't write off the "retail price" of what you donate if you produce it - only the material costs!

[laawaaris]

not sure if this place is the authority, but it appears i can't deduct photo services for a tax break ...

http://www.nonprofitissues.com/publi.../point/66.html

[dbphotos]

If it's a non-profit you believe in, donate your time and if any sales come of it, that's just a bonus. As far as what you can deduct, I would get a letter from them acknowledging your donation of services. There is a deduction to be had but check with your tax pro as to to what extent. It's worth having a CPA or EA (Enrolled Agent) do you taxes just for their advice. I'm sure you can deduct any actual expenses, i.e. mileage, gas, food, supplies, etc.

[laawaaris]

The non-profit said they will allow me to "promote" myself with some samples of my photography on display, any brochures, recognition and so forth.

I am going to go ahead and do the event - its for MS and I think it is for a good cause and will allow me to display my photography to hundreds of people as well - which makes me really happy!

[LoungeLizard]

Originally Posted by laawaaris

which makes me really happy!

...and when it comes down to it, that is what is important.

[laawaaris]

i am going to showcase some of my photos from China - to go along with the FotoFest 2008 "Chinese Art" theme

Should be a hoot !

[DeLeon]

Let us know how it goes! It sounds like a good cause and I see nothing wrong with donating your time.

I sometimes have a hard time with non profits. My wife works for a children's home, and I was asked to do the senior portraits for the kids. I shot 5 kids, and they each got an 8x10, 2-5x7's and 8 wallets. I also donated an 11x14 collage of all of the kids to the home. I was told by the office manager to send them an invoice for what they owed. When the head honcho had to sign my check for $100 he flipped his lid that I was not donating my services. I broke down what I gave them, and what it would have cost at regular prices. I also gently reminded him that I have a family to support and this is my full time living..and I'm also on the committee that decides how much he makes a year (6 figures)...he eased up on me.

[laawaaris]

Yeah non-profits are soooo hard. One time I did some work for a non-profit and created the terms so they would pay after 30 days. I gave them the pictures and handed them an invoice, thinking that would be fine.

30 Days went by and no payment - so I called and asked. The non-profit complained about poor quality of photographs and then went on to say they were "non-profit" and could not pay me until the next event (2 months away).

I didn't know what to do but I really wanted the next event on my resume/portfolio so I just waited patiently. Finally I realized that the non-profit just wanted pictures for free !!! I had to resort to very silly business tactics and essentially threaten the non-profit. What do you know - as soon as their best interest was at stake, they were able to come up with the money.

Now when I deal with these non-profits and they ask if they can pay after 30 days - I simply tell them that is not a problem, if they don't mind waiting 30 days for the pictures.

It's funny how a non-profit will seem to find the money to pay when you make it known to them they have to pay!

[toverman]

You might want to see if the organization wants images for its Web site, where you can provide them for free if you get a photo credit or can put watermarks on the images.

And as for Internet orders, they don't have to be formal photos for people to want them. Like at other athletic events (I've done bike rides), the images are dumped on a Web site and you can either scroll through them or search for your ride number. The impromptu photos, taken professionally, are going to be the ones people may want. You'll just have to have a way to promote your Web site so people can get to the images.

Sometimes giving back can have unintended results of bringing you real business later.

[laawaaris]

yeah these are definitely ideas to think about

i've never really created any marketing materials or done any marketing campaigs - but since this non-profit seems to allow and encourage this, it gives me some motivation

i'll have to think through some ideas and definitely try something to see how it goes

[toverman]

One idea (one that can work at weddings, too), is to hand a business card to everyone you take a shot of. People at events like that (I've shot everything from cystic fibrosis walks, MS bike rallies, all-night cancer walks) love to have their photos taken to help them remember the feeling of participating and making a difference. You might even have a set of cards printed especially for the event.

Don't be shy about it! Most people will react positively if you say, "Hey, I just got an awesome photo of you and your friends. Here's my card if you want to check it out next week online."