Earlier this week, an Atlanta based photographer who wonders why he is always being asked to do free shoots, put up a tongue-in-cheek post on Craigslist (update: Link removed as post is no longer listed) asking for people to give up their services for free. Have a read, it’s very funny.
“I am a photographer and since people are always looking for free shoots I assume that they must also do their job or provide their services, for free.
I am looking to hire all types of people to do all sorts of jobs for me, as long as I do not have to pay anything. Just think, you will gain more experience, and I will put the word out for you and let everyone know what wonderful work you do. This opportunity will bring you a ton of unpaid work, but everyone will love you. So if you have a job or service you provide, and will do it for free, please let me know, because I am sure I have work for you and will hire you in a second.
Feel free to email me with the service you can provide, when you can start, and please include references.
I look forward to your free service.
Thanks”
- Location: Atlanta
- Compensation: no pay
Funny. Photography is not always respected as an art because anyone can buy a camera, yet it is up to the self-respecting photographer to stand up and set standards for what work they will take on what terms. Sometimes perceptions can change when artists/workers stand up for themselves.
You’ve pretty much summed it up 🙂