Need some opinions

[CaptainTom]

I may be offered a photog spot with a local regional newspaper. Here is the hitch... They pay practically nothing for photos that are used. I won't embarass myself by saying how much...
The question is, would it be worth my effort to shoot for them and to be able to market myself to the companies and municipalities I would have this new access to ? The paper includes a credit and web address on all photos. I would also have access to press credentials, etc.
My current status is that I have regular clients who schedule shoots with me in advance. When I am working for them I am very busy. But, when I don't have shoots scheduled I am sitting around looking for things to do. This is when I would be available to the paper.
I am inclined to give it a try, but would appreciate other comments...
I have my asbestos underwear on, so be blunt......

[PeteQ]

Tom, personally I think that would be a pretty good deal. I would welcome something like that. If they will work with you regarding scheduling with your current clients then I think it is a winner. You will get some more exposure (bad pun...), insight and experience with a different workflow and and assignment process. The credentials would be a big bonus also. As for the pay, although it might not be what you want, is it fair and do they cover other costs associated with your assignments, etc.? Those things add up fast, as we all know.

Worst case is after a trial period you step away from it no worse for wear, best case is we start seeing your stuff on the cover of some nationwide like Doughnut Daily....

I say give it a try!

[RubenZamora]

I would do it just to get into the PJ world, get creds, access to events and build up a better portfolio for when you do land something bigger. I would love that oppurtunity right now.

[RandySmith]

Two years ago a guy started a local bi-monthly paper in my town. Out of the blue I contacted him and we talked about me taking photo's for the paper. My association with the paper has exposed (sorry for bad pun) me to countless community and other activities including becoming almost the "exclusive" sports & activity photographer at the local high school. I can't swing doing senior portraits at the moment, but I suspect if I went to the Superintendant and put in a bid for the job, I would end up adding that to my list of things to photograph in the community as well. Recently, I was asked by the Fire chief if I would be willing to start carrying a "911" pager. I have accepted that, and now I'm included in the training with the volunteer fire-fighters. All this being said, I basically get paid nothing in currency from the paper. However, if I should ever decide to go with photography full-time in this community, I've established myself and a lot of people know and trust me to do a good job for what they want (and can afford). I don't know if this answers your question, but I certainly am proud of my involvement and how I've become an active part of the community and it's development.

Randy

[brad]

I've done exactly this and while it doesn't bring in much money, it does bring in some... and they've included ads for my photography and another business I have for free... I keep doing it, so it must not be too bad of a deal.

Do mind me asking you which paper? PM me if you'd like.. I might be able to give you more specific advice.

[SGPhoto]

Tom,
Here is my advice because I too am doing the same exact thing you are, I work occassionally when my schedule allows for the Ft. Worth Star Telegram, Granted its not much pay and none of my sutff has made front page but it is PJ work none the less, it gives you experience in Caption writing the way the paper wants it done. The only thing is they may or may not be able to get you into Higher profile events like TMS or anything like that because that is reserved for their Regular Staffers or so I have been told. It will depend on the paper though.

The only thing I can recommend is when you are shooting for the paper be it small or large, be careful how you market your services while shooting for them, the reason being is, it is known by most PE's that their photographers will probably do it but its is kind of frowned upon if it gets back to them if you are soliciting your services while working for them.

Like you state it gets you into some High profile events to where you can shoot stuff for your portfolio and things of that nature, but with the way most papers work you could not do anything with the photos until normally 3 days after they have run in the paper. But that also depends on their specific rules.

Any other specifics I am sure we can try and help you out.

Keep us updated.

Steve

[CaptainTom]

Absolutely great advice. As I stated in the original post, this is just a feeler, and I haven't gotten any more details. I 'll keep you all posted.

Thanks so much for being part of this terrific forum.