As photographers, many of us have been asked to work for free, but imagine being asked to shoot a wedding not for money, but in exchange for having your work promoted to that wedding’s 300 guests.
If that sounds a little unreasonable, consider that the couple who approached the photographer made sure to mention that 117 of those 300 wedding guests are unmarried and aged between 24 and 35. Even better, 73 of the guests have unmarried children who are also aged between 24 and 35. Who could turn down that amazing offer?
In an email that has since been posted to Reddit, the couple asks the photographer to “sponsor 10 hours of continuous photography coverage” in exchange for exposure to the wedding's guests, not to mention the couple’s 3,000 followers on Facebook. A wedding brochure would be distributed to all of the guests featuring the photographer’s logo.
Screenshot from Reddit
Inevitably, the comments on Reddit are not kind, with many pointing out that once you’ve shot one wedding for free, other couples will probably expect you to do the same. Others hasten to add that even if you were willing to work in exchange for the couple “showcasing your work,” 3,000 followers on Facebook is not exactly a huge following.
How would you respond to this inquiry? Leave a comment below.
Thousand's of photographers have been asked to do things for free, the difference is they didn't whine about it on line. They simply said "no".
I never do exchanges, I can't pay bills with it. Celebrities ask a lot for it and I say no, I don't need them. The only problem is that ALWAYS a Photographer accept the deal.
I'd say no prob, then send this guy.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2132578/Are-Britains-worst-wedd...
If they can afford a wedding with 300 guests, they can afford to hire a photographer. It´s like these people that travel to Bali or where ever without money and sit on the street to beg for money.
How would I respond? ... I wouldn't... to be honest I probably wouldn't have even finished reading the message.
Regardless of what i would think of it, love all the comments, since everyone has an opinion and the diversity of it is constructive ones. Doing the Maths "lol" made me adjust my strategy and have a better respond to situations like this
It's a great opportunity to get Clients based on the laid facts but in the same veins it makes you a very thirsty Photographer. This opportunity if say is good for amateur and mid-experienced Photographers but it's a no no for a professional. Your work(s) should get you Gigs not necessarily someone's favor he's giving you. Every professional photographer has a basis for operation and he sticks to it. Be it integrity or loyalty.
But Hey! This actual offer will be taken by me based on if I really need such class of clients/guests to work for.