When is it ok to work for free...

[glchism]

In the community that I work, people want to know what is going on around them. They do not always care where the information comes from. If it comes from the "average Joe with a point and shoot," they are fine with that. I do think it is important that the information be accurate and balanced.

The readers in my community do not need an award winning picture to be informed. Most people are visual learners. So, a nice image helps them get the message.

Today, I am covering a World Cup qualifying match, Belize vs. Mexico. I am covering the game for a newspaper in Belize. I don't know much about the paper. But, I think it is new and probably has low readership. It is not the largest paper in the country.

If they "scoop" the larger daily newspaper, what impact could that have on their readership. Whether we want to admit it or not it is all about readership. You can have great pictures. If no one reads your paper, you will not exist long.

I am not an advocate of giving pictures away. But, I do like to help and yes "I am charging this little paper in Belize for my pictures."

I use pictures as a tool to get people to read.

I am all about literacy.

[Angelo]

You should charge for your services. Just leave them with the impression that their money was well spent.

[laawaaris]

It sounds like deep down inside you have a driving motivation to shoot pictures. Whenever times are tough, or whenever you wonder how you are going to create a new picture - you can look at your motivation and reason for continuing to shoot.

That being said, it sounds a bit like your ideal and desire are so noble in your mind, that you would do it for free if you had to. After all, it gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment and contribution to the world and yourself to do so.

The difficulty comes with the business of photography - although some are better at it than others. To do photography professionally requires the understanding of marketing and business and selling. When you mix money with your passion, it can become confusing - and you may start shooting for money, rather than shooting for yourself.

In the end however, you have to decide your own balance and how to deal with it. I feel you are doing photography for a commercial entity (newspaper) - and as such you can (and should) take a professional, money-making approach to the relationship with them. On the other hand you are shooting for a higher ideal - and so your other activities (the shooting, editing, discussions) can revolve around your passion.

[Angelo]

These are the memories that last a lifetime!

Please disregard... Posted to wrong thread..

[glchism]

Thanks. It sounds like you know where I am coming from. But, I am misunderstood. Look at the horrible things they are saying about me on this thread.

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message...html?tid=29736

[Joe_Lorenzini]

I just read the thread over on SportsShooter and buddy, I have to agree with everything they're hitting you with.

Don't know what you expected to hear from a forum of photographers who rely on payment to live and to do what they love. And you sure didn't make any friends with your "so called "professional photojournalist"" label.

As far as I'm concerned you earned every response you got over there. If people here see if differently then great, you found a sympathetic ear. But you won't find any of it from me.

_/oe

SportsShooter Member

[dbphotos]

You always have to know your audience and SS is not the place to make a case for working for free. I agree with Joe and most of the comments at SS.

[glchism]

They attacked my sanity and mental stability. Someone refered to me as "manic." I don't think that is fair. Can someone set the record straight over at SS? I just want to get back to talking photos. I will find another soap box for literacy. Maybe, the folks over at Literacy Through Photograhy can help me. Thanks!

[dtown]

I'd see if they could lock that thread and in the new one just talk about photos. You could put something about those that want to help in the fight for literacy to PM you in your sig and just leave it at that. I'd look back on it and try to understand why it went down that path.

The original topic though really comes down to doing what makes you happy, if your getting what you want accomplished and putting food on the table then keep on doing what you do.

[carrbowl]

I don't think Gary is asking to give away all of his work, I think he is just looking at this particular project and how he can make it work financially. I think every person should do some kind of charity work and maybe this is Gary's. Am I missing something? Don't all photographers do some work at some point in their careers for free? or cheaper than normal?

[dminton]

Gary you basically walked into an Old West Saloon and yelled "COWBOY BOOTS ARE STUPID!!"

[glchism]

Dave - Where I come from we we give everyone nicknames. I will let you pick one. How about "D-Mint" as in Franklin Mint or "D-Money" as in "show me da money." Listen Cat Daddy. I am trying to raise some money for a Mark Tre. Did you see the pictures of the World Cup Game in the Chronicle? I think my were pretty good. Could have been better if I were shooting with a Mark III.

If you go to the Ambergris Today website, you can request the password to my smugmug account and I will let you buy some. Some people actually use their customers name as the password on smugmug. Why? It is for a good cause.

I will tithe 10% of the gross profit. Not gross like your pictures are bad from the game Bob Levey. (no offense Bob. just trying to give an example of how to use the word. It has a double meaning you know. that is why literacy is important. I am not going to talk about literacy because that got me suspended from SS. But gross profits. I don't no much about bitness. Hell, I can't even spell it. spell check please.

[glchism]

Did I say spell check. I meant where can I pick-up the check.

I was just thinking. I do know a little about business. Warren Buffett, the richest man in the world is from Omaha. Warren, if your are out their, "was up dog. Chunk up the O's." No not buy the big O. I think that is the motto of the chamber of commerce in Omaha. Add some more o's on the check you are about to write me for 2 mini vans, a Mark III and a new house.

Or is that fellow from Mexico now the richest man in the world. Can't remember his name. Help me out!

[glchism]

Somebody, said I was wrong for being on the internet while in church. I bet there are members of Joel Osteens Mega Church "Church Without Walls" that are on the internet while he is preaching. Or is that Lakewood or maybe Brentwood. I don't know which one. Shoot I go to Almeda Plaza Baptist Church. I heard they have to do Mapquests to find their cars after church. Because they have to park so far away from the church cause they have so many members. That like to give to worthy causes.

[utdbear]

I don't think you went wrong by doing the gig for free. Sometimes doing things for free is very honorable. I think the honor got taken out of it when you used it as a soapbox. It probably would have been better to have just kept it to yourself, and if anybody asks, admit it, then ask them if they have a problem with it. If they do, then at least you're not on the defensive.