Beginner photographers - offering free photos to build experience?

3 years 9 months ago #690500 by Alfonso Camil
Eh, I'll post this question here.  Would you advise offering free photos so I can build experience?  I don't feel comfortable requesting any fees, however desire to build experience.  So is it safe to assume this is what most do?  Work for free so you can build the experience?  


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3 years 9 months ago #690505 by garyrhook
In what job can one expect to be paid while one acquires even rudimentary skills?

Hint: only the military. There may be others.

There is nothing wrong with asking folks to trade their time (and patience) for images. Even better if they'll cooperate by actually giving you feedback about your work.

Also a great way to start developing thick skin :-)

So, yes. But you also want to be intentional about how you conduct business. Treat it (rightly so) as a transaction wherein you are committing to deliver a product, paid for by someone's time. Everyone deserves compensation, don't you think?


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3 years 8 months ago #692904 by Tim Dulaney
Funny, I was just thinking about this as well.  Perhaps many beginners do.  You hear about others making money with their cameras and you wonder what is the shortest path for you to get there.  More so these days.  But why would anyone hire me with limited experience?  Then you think about offering services for free to build experience.  

Very insightful post here.  Thank you. 


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