Most know I work an 8-5 job and then have my photography business on the side and by side I mean photoshoots on weekends and editing during week nights. I shouldn't even say "side" because it's really just a second full time job. I have two entrees on my plate.
This works great for me. I majored in photography and I love it. It's nice to utilize your degree but not have to rely on it so you still gain some enjoyment. I'm on the higher end of generosity. I don't say this to receive any accolades, I'm just saying it to say that generosity can be hard and generosity is easily taken advantage of.
This year more than others I have been gifting individuals with "FREE" photoshoots. Jon soon let me know that I need to take that 4 letter word out of my vocabulary. Apparently it doesn't speak highly about the value of my work. There are scenarios that I absolutely don't mind giving the gift of a photoshoot, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how right he was. Dang it. That one time in your whole life when your husband is right. (wink, wink)
I don't have my contractor come to my house and expect him to wire electricity for free. I don't expect a plumber to take time out of his day to service my toilets for free. Even when my dad helps me with projects I get him a gift. And I'm certainly not indebted to anyone enough to owe them my service of photography for free.
I know the world of photography has become so saturated. Damn you, Pinterest. The way I see it is, I generally find a recipe on Pinterest that looks easy enough, so I attempt it. My chef success rate is probably 40%, on a good day. This is how a lot of you are with photography, painting, design and artistic paths. You see these pins online of some serious talent and think "I could do that!" Maybe you can, but there's a difference in a hobby and a business.
Starting a creative business with no experience is really a bold move. Those of us who went to school for four years or have studied this art are wide-eyed at your approach.
With that being said, I could easily see hobbyists offering free photoshoots. I mean, why not? Free is a great way to learn. No one can be upset at your 40% success rate and heck, you may even realize that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Plus, it's expensive. Photography. Is. Expensive. If you do it right.
So, I've decided to take my four year Oklahoma City University degree and make an income out of it. I have simplified my reasoning to this:
I am offering a service.
I don't regret giving the gift of photography, but free is something I need to escape in order to grow as an artist. Surely you can agree with me on that.
Of course I have those nearest and dearest to me who I'd never expect a penny from. But that list is full and I'm not accepting any applicants.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to my photography the past seven years. It really means the world to me that you trust me with this art. I'm always thrilled for a photoshoot and plan for this to never change.
{TGIF}
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