"Should I Work for Free" flowchart

[Doug Nelson]

I'm posting it in Salon because it's not 100% serious. Start in the middle.

http://www.shouldiworkforfree.com/clean.html#no5

[zganie]

Actually There is quite a bit of truth
Work for free or next to nothing

[Godmother]

I'd like to know how many people here (retouchers/photographers) if they were offered a full spread in Pop/Vogue/Elle or shoot a campaign for a major brand would think it's a bad idea to do it for free if you don't already have that kind of brand/magazine in your portfolio

[creativeretouch]

Originally Posted by Godmother

I'd like to know how many people here (retouchers/photographers) if they were offered a full spread in Pop/Vogue/Elle or shoot a campaign for a major brand would think it's a bad idea to do it for free if you don't already have that kind of brand/magazine in your portfolio

I do not think it would be possible to get this kind of offer ... They are not going to choose unexperienced photographer/retoucher as this production cost a lot of money and they are under the time pressure as well. I would suggest to everyone who is interested to watch The September Issue movie. This is a documentary about the preparation of the most important issue of Vogue Magazine - a september issue.

[Godmother]

Originally Posted by creativeretouch

I do not think it would be possible to get this kind of offer ... They are not going to choose unexperienced photographer/retoucher as this production cost a lot of money and they are under the time pressure as well. I would suggest to everyone who is interested to watch The September Issue movie. This is a documentary about the preparation of the most important issue of Vogue Magazine - a september issue.

Really? That's odd... I did an ELLE advertorial and a VOGUE Beauty editorial, 3 years ago, for free. I didn't have the names and it helped me plenty

[creativeretouch]

Originally Posted by Godmother

Really? That's odd... I did an ELLE advertorial and a VOGUE Beauty editorial, 3 years ago, for free. I didn't have the names and it helped me plenty

Did you get a paid work from them as well?

As a photographer you have a huge responsibility and you need to be able to deal with stress during shooting. As a retoucher you have much better position.

Two weeks ago I have been shooting for Jameson and I suppose to get paid ...

[garnet01]

Dosen't everyone have to do a test at some point?

[DaveCarthage]

IF I was offered the free spread and I didn't have the exposure yet, of course, yes. It may seem strange and out of place, but I have noticed these opportunities do come along once in a while, and if you're ready for them, you can really capitalize.

Overall though, I try to work for free on fewer and fewer things

[creativeretouch]

this is an interesting article:

http://zackarias.com/for-photographe...-the-industry/

[Vernon]

I for one enjoyed, Doug. Thanks; it rings (sort of) true on a few levels.

[plugsnpixels]

That's funny, Doug!

Remember, the less a client pays, the more they expect...

[aartist]

My only problem is, "food is not free" and the guys at the top are usually getting theirs.

Here is a video clip of free versus paid:LINK

[lkroll]

An ex-boss of mine once told me that if you don't make enough money to drive to work, why work. Cheaper just to stay home and save on the gas. Those words I kept to heart over the years. Food for thought.

[sirrduke2010]

This is the most controversial subject I have seen on the web. A lot of controversy.

[Kraellin]

in the film industry, i've always heard that getting your name on the credits was often worth more than any pay one might receive and consequently, especially folks just breaking in, would do whatever work they were in for free.

[creativeretouch]

Originally Posted by Kraellin

in the film industry, i've always heard that getting your name on the credits was often worth more than any pay one might receive and consequently, especially folks just breaking in, would do whatever work they were in for free.

Yes, Kraelin, I have heard this too ... But if they do not have someone paying their daily bils they have to take second job. For example as a cleaning staff. Isn't better to ask your rate for the work you love? The other question is how many times did they do this? And when they recognised they can ask for money? How many credits is enough to get paid?

[Kraellin]

creativeretouch,
i have no idea. i would guess it's like a loss-leader or advertising; you keep doing it till someone starts asking for you by name or volunteering to put you on the payroll. and heck, i dont really even know if it's done. it's just something i heard years and years ago

[creativeretouch]

Craig,

I am surprised that people did not start to pay for this opportunity yet ... I hope we are not going to pay for a possibility to work in the future maybe this is the way how magazines can get out off the financial crisis ...

Filip

[creativeretouch]

I came accidentally across this video today - basically it is targeted to web designers but I think it brings up important informations for any freelancer:

http://vimeo.com/22053820