Photography Job? And pigs fly!

[dreemes]

I've been watching Craigslist, especially DFW, and I am seeing ads for photographer jobs. There have been a few different companies in different parts of the country seeking a photographer for some event in the area or something. Curious thing about the ad is they all have this line:

Please send the following to <an email address>: resume, inventory of photographic equipment, hourly and daily rates, availability, event experience, website or portfolio, level of proficiency in processing images and Photoshop skills.

What I find strange is they want an inventory of photographic equipment. Uh sure. And I bet if you send them a list of nice high priced equipment I bet one of their representatives will be more than happy to pay you a visit and it won't matter about your photographic skills.

It's tempting to apply for a job with them. Equipment lets see... a coulple 1DsMIIs about 10 L lenses including 400, 500, 600 and yes a 1200mm L lens and plenty of other stuff... Oh I forgot my address. Lets see what was it? Oh yes... it is the same address as the Dallas police chief.

[boxofrocks]

I've seen those, but they haven't asked for a physical address.

[zepp]

If I were searching for photographic equipment to rip off, all I would do is visit one of the many photo forums, like this one, and view members equipment list in their profile or signature then do a little searching to find out where they live. Why give them a lead upfront via an ad or return email address?

One can't be to careful these days. It always amazes me the length people will go to list every exact piece of gear they own in their profile or signature list.

One doesn't have to fall for a scam to be ripped off if the person doing the riping off is desperate enough. People are so daring and desperate (and low life) they will even rob your camera gear in broad daylight from your car when you run into the camera store. Putting two and two together to assume that one visiting a camera store might have gear in their car.

[Jake]

Yeah, it seams like the easiest way to rip off some photo gear is to just walk in to a nice wedding venue and take a camera bag or two.

[JPalmer]

'Course... we always ask our freelancers for the newspaper their cameras and lens capabilities.

We're probably not going to hire you if you don't have a f2.8 lens.

[L Stegall]

I wouldn't have a problem telling a legit employer what I had in the way of equipment, but Zepp has listed the exact reason I don't list anything online.

[TxManx]

You can always respond to an ad like this with everything requested except your equipment, and state that your equipment list is available after contact has been established...

I don't know...I guess I'm not jaded enough to think everything is a scam, and - I figure unless I'm completely caught unawares, they can argue with my gun...

It does seem logical that they would want to weed out the p&s crowd, or those with only a kit lens...depending on the job...right?

[dreemes]

I wouldn't think much about the request for inventory if I walked into the local paper wanting to freelance. But when I see 3 or 4 different companies in different cities using the same ad format more lights and sirens go off than I have in my fire station.

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by TxManx

You can always respond to an ad like this with everything requested except your equipment, and state that your equipment list is available after contact has been established...

I don't know...I guess I'm not jaded enough to think everything is a scam, and - I figure unless I'm completely caught unawares, they can argue with my gun...

It does seem logical that they would want to weed out the p&s crowd, or those with only a kit lens...depending on the job...right?

You could always send them the list of equipment starting with concealed carry permit and H&K40.