I loved the way this shadow looked cast against the wall. I had to snap the photo quickly because within a minute and a half, it was already too dark to photograph. Seriously…did anyone else know that the sun sets in only about 3 minutes?!?! Because as much as I hate to admit it, I didn’t.

This is Joanna…an eager and enthusiastic young actress. She and I had a headshot session last Monday (Yes, Monday…the day with 12 inches of snow!) and the poor girl was freezing. We had to do them in 5-10 minute intervals so she could bundle back up in her coat and warm up.

Now THAT’S dedication.

I’ve been trying to avoid this topic for several weeks now–but the frustration and anxiety of it is killing me.

Recently, I’ve been attempting to supplement my income by doing random photography gigs. So far, it’s been going very well. I’ve been getting odd jobs here and there and it’s something I really enjoy. Most of what I get is found on CraigsList. However, the amount of people wanting someone to work for free is RIDICULOUS!!! And not only looking for a free photographer, but looking for a photographer who is experienced, has state of the art equipment and lighting, is willing to edit and retouch every single image, and hand over all the RAW files in exchange for “allowing the photographs to be used in a portfolio.”

Let me explain something…as the photographer and the owner of every image I take (unless the subject is under 18 years of age), I have to right to use ANY of my photographs in my personal portfolio. You, on the other hand, are not the owner of said photographs…therefore it is illegal for you to print any of my photos I’ve taken of you without my permission. Now, of course I am not going to make a big deal of this to anyone…if my clients want to print their own photos, I really care at all. But don’t sit there and tell me that you’ll “allow” me to use the photographs that I worked so hard to take. Basically, don’t shit in my shoe and then tell me that it fits better.

Furthermore, equipment costs a lot of money. A good camera is $1000 at least. Add on to that an external flash, a battery grip, lighting, backdrops…you’ll easily have thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Not to mention the cost of marketing and advertising for photographer and the fact that a lot of paid a bunch of money to receive a degree in this field. Now we’re talking tens of thousands of dollars.

If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on a photographer–that’s totally fine. I get it. I don’t have a load of money right now either. But then, don’t put a whole lot of ridiculous stipulations and requirements for a photographer that you’re not going to pay.  And I think you should always try to pay a little something to those who provide a service…even if it’s a small something. A small fee shows that you appreciate the person’s effort and time. Even if that person is a student. But don’t expect a professional to work for the “opportunity to use the photographs in their portfolio.” It makes me sick. Would you negotiate with your waitress why you shouldn’t be tipping?  Of course not. If you don’t have the money to tip, you shouldn’t go out to eat. If you don’t have money, you shouldn’t be hiring a photographer.

Ok, rant over. Normal good-natured, humorous posts will commence tomorrow.