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“You pay me nothing, I pay you nothing.” That’s the definition of fair. Or is it?
The question asked by a photographer in a group that I coach:
I was recently given the opportunity to become part of the leadership team for a local networking group. My duties would be taking photos at events and the monthly meeting.
Pros: The group is full of my ideal client, this would make me highly visible in the group, I can market myself to the group, and there may be an opportunity for a free vendor booth at an annual event.
Cons: Working for free and I will have to pay my own luncheon and other expenses.
I think I can get clients from the group. Should I do it?
The response that I offered, both as a business coach and owner of a photography business:
Being paid in exposure only works if you get exposure, and if that exposure leads to a sale. We do a monthly luncheon for a NFP, as well as a LOT of donation work for different sport related groups and events locally. We always get “all access” including meals, refreshments, restricted spaces, etc. Images are watermarked and/or credited in print.
These are simple terms we set and no one has denied them to date. That vendor table that you mention? That would be negotiated in as part of the deal. “You pay me nothing, I pay you nothing.” That’s the definition of fair.
Several concerns were mentioned that deserve attention.
The concern about people not networking with you because they think you are staff is true. But if you are there to network and don’t, whose fault is that? Yours. ( The general “you”.) Step up, introduce yourself, the camera is merely a prop, and the best kind of prop – one that demonstrates what you do. Explain what you are doing, how it builds brand and how you can do the same for them. It’s a pitch without pitching. Win!
The concern about being too busy taking photographs to network? Again, that’s on you. Determine in advance what images you are going for and how many. It is not a wedding, where every minute detail is critical to your bride’s album selection. Treat it like any other gig, and you can set a value on your time. We have a large annual conference here and photographers line up to volunteer. They float around, meet people, and get business.
As far as what happened to the last photographer? Let’s face it, there is a CameraOwner behind every tree, and groups are not hard up to find someone who will jump on the “exposure” ladder. Hopefully, they had other opportunities come up and took them. That’s the purpose of networking, and social and community engagement in general.
The bottom line is that you get out of a thing what you are willing to put into it. Photographing an event and networking are not mutually exclusive. If you want to network, network. Set boundaries, negotiate for tangible benefits, and do not be shy to explain that your bank doesn’t accept “exposure” on deposit slips.
You will have a better experience all around.