Question on ethics ..

I have participated in a friendly photo shoot.

Should I share my photos lower quality with the logo and wait to be contacted for a main - quality ones, or should I share main quality ones and run the risk of not being "needed" anymore?

 

The story:

A friend of mine, invited me to take part in photographing a hairstyle model, who is his friend - (not mine).

We pooled the photos taken, and the idea of a shoot is that if there are any profit made, either by the model or by the hairstylist or by my friend or myself from these photos, then we split the profits. (We all helped each other with lights and setups and all, so we are not counting - just to split the profits if there are any)

 

Now, my essence of the matter:

- My friend is not interested in good and quality photos. And he never strives to get perfectly good ones, He is sort of a hustler,

interested in quick money made from those who don't want to pay a lot for good quality photos, but rather pays some change for clicks.

- I, on the other hand, would like to earn money, but for me the artistic quality is more important.

Both of us have day jobs, so making money from photography is not that main of a concern.

The model and the hairstylist are different story - they are both beginners in their respective trade and they do wish to make a career out of it and work toward that goal.

So, my friend collected bunch of pictures, unedited, with extra things in a compositions, some cut out heads.. etc...

And, I on the other hand, processed mine, and got a very good quality images. I got something, that I am not ashamed to show and give to the model and hair stylist, and that I think they can make good use of.

 

So, I made 2 copies of the final results, one - large JPegs with no logo (of mine) and one smaller resolutions with the logo, to use just to get myself into the door.

Which version should I share with the model and hair stylist ? I already gave them few high quality photos.

We have nothing signed, no verbal agreements, nothing of sorts.

- should I give them the promo ones, and by this make an insinuation that "If you want the better, let's talk"

or

- give them the higher quality ones, and possibly I will never see them again ?

 

What are the "rules of the game" ?

A friend of mine, invited me to take part in photographing a hairstyle model, who is his friend - (not mine).

We pooled the photos taken, and the idea of a shoot is that if there are any profit made, either by the model or by the hairstylist or by my friend or myself from these photos, then we split the profits.

 

I am confused as to what "profits" can you split?

 

What are you prosing to sell to make any profit?

 

***

 

As I understand the arrangement, four people got together and pooled their resources to complete a task. That task was to produce a set of Photos.

 

I assume (?) those photos will then be used for: Advertising, Marketing and Promotion of those four people and be used to promote:

 

> The Model's talents (i.e. she will use these as Portfolio Shots to get her other work as a model)

> The Hairstylist's talents - (s/he will use these as Portfolio Shots to get her other work as an hairstylist)

> Your friend's talents - (he will use (his) photos as Portfolio Shots to get him other work as a Photographer)

> Your talents - (you will use (your) photos as Portfolio Shots to get other work as a Photographer)

 

AND - (I further assume) that within this handshake agreement, each of you will seek to cross-promote each other. For example if the Model gets feedback on her portfolio photos then she will promote the Photographer, similarly if someone comments to you on the hairstyle in one of the photos you show to a prospective client, you'll promote the Hairstylist.

 

I simply can not see what there is to "sell" to make a "profit" for you four to split.

 

***

 

As for the ethical component - I see that in very simple terms - four people got together and pooled their resources and talent. You now have a collection of Photos as a result.

 

Simply give the Hairstylist and Model a selection of your very best work from the shoot. Allow them only to use the images for their and your direct promotion (i.e. no reproductions or copies without your permission).

 

If you want to, then put a (small) water mark on the images - if you do that, then put your contact details too.

 

Trust that the handshake deal you have made brings you prospective clients.

 

When you do get a client - get a contract - a written one.

 

WW

Edited August 11, 2020 by William Michael

What @William Michael says. Deliver your best, high quality work. It's in your interest and those of the model/hairstylist.

This sounds like a Dear Abby situation. The issue seems to be your unhappiness that your photographer friend didn't put his heart into it like you did. It seems you want more of the payoff and recognition. However, you knew who he was when you made the deal. Even if you didn't, you still made a deal. So you should stick to the deal and keep your word. Next time, make a different deal or work with different people.

Alan is right about the Dear Abby situation. It's also one of those where the best thing is to make sure you get credit for your work, then walk away. Consider it as a lesson learned. Continuing to chase the problem could result in the worst possible result: Getting lawyers involved.