Advice needed

[isaiahbrink]

Hello fellow CPFer's, I'm in need of some advice here, for I have a delima of sorts, at least on the personal level. Within the couple of years, I branched out to do portaits of models, to build up my portfolio, which I accomplished and just in time, for I got sick and tired of dealing with the negatives that I had delt with that genre of photography. Please understand, I know some of you do it for a living and do it quite well, it's just not my cup of tea for the time being. I decided to take a break from it for an indefinate period of time, but was recently asked to photograph an event for the local Black Chamber of Commerce. I REALLY don't feel like doing it, and it has nothing to do with race or anything like that, I'm just exhausted at the moment of dealing with event photography and portaits, hence why I am hesitant. Instead of being paid a lump sum, say $100 for the event or $25 an hour (just made up figures) I will get free membership to the BCofC, which even I can understand can be an excellent netowrking opportunity. But, since I just lost my main job, and need money to keep the roof over my head and food on the table, I really want to ask to be paid for this instead of free membership. If I were asked to do this a month or two ago, I'd be all over it, but now, I don't even want to do it, but would consider doing it for pay. So, here's my main question, should I ask to be paid for doing this event, take the free membership, or not do it at all. Thanks in advanced.

[Pattyhm73]

id say get paid for it, specially because of the situation ur in...good luck, keep us post it

[Silverstangs]

Sometimes, the networking alone is worth alot more than pay... but... it's a matter of how many clients you can get via networking? Also, it sounds like your getting burned out, you might want to consider picking up a intern or a business partner or develope a cooperative with a couple of photographers and back each other up.

As far as the BCofC, it's a pretty large organization, and even if I was a bit burned out, it's something I would due because internal voices travels far in that organization.

[isaiahbrink]

Originally Posted by Silverstangs

Sometimes, the networking alone is worth alot more than pay... but... it's a matter of how many clients you can get via networking? Also, it sounds like your getting burned out, you might want to consider picking up a intern or a business partner or develope a cooperative with a couple of photographers and back each other up.

As far as the BCofC, it's a pretty large organization, and even if I was a bit burned out, it's something I would due because internal voices travels far in that organization.

I agree with you Scott, the networking can pay off, depending on how many clients come my way and the BCofC is a large organization. And it's a bit more than a case of burnout, it may be temporary, or it may be permanent, I don't know, but let's just say, even if I get paid for it, I'm not looking forward to doing it. On a personal level, I just want to get back to landscape photography, which I have always loved and have a true passion for. When I did things like this in high school, even then, I got paid for it. So, I'm leaning towards asking them to pay me for it. I'm not sure yet though.

[Abel]

Isaiah, I have to agree with Scott... It does sound like youre burned out.

On an event like this I know the contacts can be a great asset but money in the hand would be much more beneficial in the financial situation that youre describing youre in.

I dont think it would be too much to ask to get paid instead of doing it in exchange for a membership. chances are they wont use you and find someone else that will do it for free that will exchange their services for a membership.

If youre really not interested in shooting the event even if it is a paid gig... i certainly wouldnt do it for free or in exchange for something that doesnt have an immediate monetary value...

let us know what you decide on...