As photographers, you would have often come across instances where people close to you, especially non-photographers, want to utilize your services for free. For instance, your close friend may ask you to cover their family function, or your family members will need help to edit their profile pictures or holiday photographs. Trust me, I have been on this boat a bit too many times, and after a while, it gets immensely irritating. It feels like the person asking does not value your time or does not understand the effort you put into your work. So, here are a few tried and tested methods that can come in handy to you if you ever find yourself in this ‘free photography service’ situation.
Just Say ‘No’
The most obvious in this free photography service situation would be to say ‘no.’ However, this will entirely depend on your relationship with that person. For instance, it is okay to turn down an offer where a friend offers a ‘free photoshoot’ for an event/commercial assignment. The best way would then be to be straightforward about your decision and politely say that you need to ‘decline’ the offer for other ‘paid’ projects. This may also be the last time you speak to them if the person somehow feels offended.
Explain the Value of Your Work
In case it is someone close to you, like a cousin or close relative, the other tactic would be to sit down and explain how much time, effort, and perhaps the cost of equipment is to highlight the value of your work. Start by saying you ‘appreciate’ what they are offering. However, it is important to politely remind them that what you know comes from years of experience and sacrifice. Would they expect the same from a family doctor or technician? No. So, why should you bear the brunt of it?
An Alternative Option
Let’s just say this is someone who doesn’t understand the first two points and is still behind your life as this is the ‘only’ option for them; in that case, you can offer them an alternative: ask them to help you in return or ask for taking a discounted service. This entirely depends on your needs. For example, if the person asking you owns a print shop, then perhaps you can barter a service where they allow you to print for free for six months. At the same time, you can also offer your photography services at a discounted price of 10% to 15%. Give an example of your reasoning for this, too, so they can make a decision.
Help Them in Other Ways
In some cases, when I can’t do something, I pass it on to someone I know who won’t do it for free, like a colleague. However, I usually start with, “I am caught up on those dates, but here is someone who will be able to take it up.” Or, I will suggest I can provide this at the moment but can help them if they need aid with organization or planning the event. This way, you can dodge a bullet while not offending the person.
Start Setting Boundaries
Let’s say you helped them once with your photography service for free out of kindness; from here on, start setting boundaries. Make it clear that helping them takes time, which could be used elsewhere to improve your skills or get clients. After all, photography is a business that requires immense knowledge, creative vision, as well as networking to get new projects that can help to pay bills. When explaining this, use a polite but firm tone so the person asking for help does not take this matter lightly.
In the end, the only person protecting yourself is you. So, you will have to strategically maneuver the situation so that you can maintain a relationship, while not being used for free photography services. However, whenever you approach such instances, ensure you are calm, patient, and firm in your approach so that they get the message. Your professional integrity should never be taken for granted by those close to you.
