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Are free photo shoots really so wrong?

Is it wrong for a photographer to do photo shoots for free?  Do the photographers that charge money for shoots lose business to those who do it for free?  Do the photographers that shoot for free ruin the integrity of photography and art?  Are the photographers that charge an obscene amount of money for their work automatically considered as better artists than those who do not?

First I would like to say that whether you choose to charge for your photography or not, it is your prerogative and no one in this world has the right to tell you otherwise.  Secondly, there are such concepts as “Time For Prints” and “Unpaid Test”, which are in essence free photo shoots.  And thirdly, it is in everyone’s best interest to receive money.  So if someone decides they want to lose out on a lump of cash, it is their loss as well.

Why do people do free shoots?  Is it for publicity?  Is it to improve their portfolio by working with some well-known artists?  Or is it just to spite those evil photographers who dare to charge money?  I am pretty certain it is not the third option.  Think of people who are new to the business and have no portfolio, how can they justify to charge anything while they are still trying to find someone to shoot with?   Why would I as a client want to shoot with someone who has five photographs in their portfolio?

On the same note if I am a client and I want quality service with superior product, I will most likely go to professional photographers and pay for what I need.  Because when money exchanges hands, it will legally bind the other party to produce what is agreed upon.  Yes, if I, as a client, would see a promising new artist with a good portfolio who is looking to grow it out, I may give them a fair shot.  An unpaid test is always a great way to discover new talent without losing anything but time.

In conclusion, all I would like to say is that there are many great photographers who won’t charge you, and there are many horrible photographers who will.  Paying someone money does not always mean you will get a superior product even though it implies it.  Each person should decide what business model is right for them and should not be criticized for it.  No one would ever go into a coffee shop and yell at the owner saying “How dare you give out free muffins with each coffee?  How DARE YOU?!”

As always please feel free to comment.

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