Stop Working for Free as a Photographer or Videographer

Whether you're a photographer, videographer, or a retoucher, you've probably been asked for free work once in your life. Recently, I've noticed an enormous increase of job postings from companies or individuals who are seeking free photography or videography work, or in their own words, "volunteer work." In the past, free work ads were a relatively rare occurrence, but recently they have become quite commonplace. It is possibly related to the increase of photographers in the market as well as the increase in the number of photographers or videographers who want to dive into the market. It's not difficult to offer an explanation for the growing trend of free digital imaging work, and it is even easier to find a solution that might overcome the problems caused by it: Never ever work for free in any circumstances.

Most amateur and enthusiast photographers tend to switch to full time and earn their living by performing their art and craft. As a known fact, getting into the market is a little bit of a hassle, especially considering there are probably 10 times more photographers in the market than to 5 years ago. Therefore, even doing it for free, having a "published work" for photographers, is considered as an essential step for being noticed, and in some cases, this is totally wrong.

First of all, there is an ugly truth about working for free. You will never get paid work from a client whom you've worked for free previously. Once you work for free, you and your work will be marked as "worthless." It's based on human psychology. And if you still hope to be noticed and get paid work from another client in the future, well needless to say, by the merest chance, maybe you'll be noticed. If we cast aside being naive and optimistic, no one will even appreciate your effort. Besides, as an artist, you have enough expenses not to present your craft for free:

• Value of your time
• Cost of your equipment (including insurance and maintenance cost)
• Your annual marketing expenses  
• Your photography related subscriptions
• Annual cost of software that you use 

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/626542527

Nobody will care about these expenses except you. Every time you spend your time for free work, you are going to make a loss of your own savings, depending on these expenses. That's why, you have to be strict about not working for free. First, for yourself, then, for the whole industry. For instance, some magazines don't pay photographers or retouchers because they are aware of the fact that they can easily find any other contributor willing to work for free. But, what if every single contributor rejects their free work offer? Well, in the long run, they'll have to take this work seriously and make payments to their contributors. That's why we are all responsible individually to determine a market standard.

Being not paid before doesn't mean that your work and time is worthless

Working for free isn't the initial step for being a professional. On the contrary, you have to be paid for being a professional. If you don't have a professional piece of work to convince your future clients for paid work, then keep building your portfolio at your pleasure. Because, when you're hired for free, you won't even have a chance to add your own taste to the images. You'll be an operator with a fancy camera. At the end of the day, maybe you won't even use those images on your portfolio.

Likewise, don't expect good production from a client who doesn't have a budget for paying a photographer. As we all know, good production is key to good photographs. That's one of the reasons why you should spend your "free" time for your own personal projects.

Collaborations

If you are invited for a free project and no one is paid, then feel free to collaborate, hence you'll all be free without any limitations, and everyone will benefit from the final pieces on their portfolios. 

Volunteering/Internship Trick

Now, even some big companies and clothing vendors post ads on job seeking websites and they're seeking volunteer photographers for their e-commerce business. Yeah, they are making money from their business, yet they don't deem photography worthy. It's funny though, they sell their products because of those photos! So it's better not to apply for these kind of jobs.

Conclusion

• Working photographers need money like all other people.
• Clients buy the photographer's time and experience in return of the money they pay, and they get photographs of course.
• Amateurs get angry with clients, professionals educate them. So, when you're asked for a free work, explain the reasons to the client and why you should be paid.
• If you think life is too short for acting professional, just do not reply to those requests.  
• If you are willing to work for a specific person or brand, don't ask to work for free on your behalf, ask for a test work to prove yourself.
• Free work is never appreciated and respected.
• Social media shoutouts don't work, so don't work for free in exchange of social media marketing.
• Every dream has a price. You're not obligated to work for free for startups with no budgets, because every startup has marketing budgets. Let them spend for their "dream."
• Do not rely on job offers stating sentences like "great opportunity to show your skills." No one cares about your potentials, they just want their job done. 
• Never ever believe in people saying "I'll recommend you to all my network." This is the greatest lie in history. 
• There is actually a movement started about this issue. Check out the related Facebook group: Stop Working For Free.

In my opinion, the best way of getting a well-paying job is having a good portfolio. Spend your time efficiently to build your portfolio. Don't let vigilant companies or people use you and your time. These are based on my personal experiences. Please share your opinions and experiences in the comments section below.