chrystal_starr

<p>my website: chrystalstarrphoto.com<br> I gave one the graphic designers my business card and told her to look at my website. My website was also visible on my resume, and so I'd hope someone took the time to look at that before approaching me. However, I get the feeling they haven't seen my website because nobody has mentioned it. Anyways, I know I can provide the type of photography they are looking for (environmental portraiture with men in button ups and suits) because I've done this type of photography both in school and professionally as well. I do not claim to be an "expert" as I feel that is a skill that takes almost a lifetime to master, but I do consider myself a working professional. Yes, I don't have steady enough gigs to provide fully for myself yet, but I also just moved across the country less than a year ago and re-building clients is going to take some more time. I agree that I should not hint that I'm too confident in my abilities (some confidence is important, clients have to have the sense that as a professional you know what you are doing) but at the same time I want both parties to be on the same page so that nobody feels ripped off in the end. <br> Linda also makes some good points. I don't think they really do know what they are doing and I know the fact that I'm a photographer really appeals to them. This could end in a way that doesn't cater to me and I'm already feeling the pressure to say certain things and make sure I'm paid fairly. I also get the feeling that I should push through this one...I would be more beneficial to me to do this for them and prove what I'am worth and hopefully they keep hiring me and paying me and at the end of the day it will be good for my portfolio. I have the education and I have the skills, but on paper I don't have the relevant work experience. Unfortunately, an education will only take you so far. I've done a lot of freelance and worked a couple different internships, but it's not enough. If it was, I wouldn't have had to get this job in the first place. <br /><br />Thanks to all who replied, I really do appreciate the words of wisdom. David is correct, I'm too confident and "on my high horse" and perhaps I should consider toning that down. But it is hard because I want to get paid to do what I love, but that is a process. I'm on my way. </p>

<p>I was hired a couple of months ago as a full time customer service rep (gotta pay those bills) for a menswear fashion company. During my interview, they had an understanding that my career path is photography and they mentioned they could possibly use my skills for some lifestyle photoshoots they were planning. Last week, I had a small meeting with the other customer service rep and our boss about how I like the job so far, and how my performance has been (all good there). Then towards the end of our meeting my boss mentioned that he is going to talk to our boss about "adding a little more to my paycheck" because they would like to hire me to do a lifestyle shoot next month and it would be easier for them to hire me than to find another photographer. I was of course given the usual saying that "It'll be great for your portfolio, especially since you'll have the proof" (meaning that my images will be used on their website). They said I would be taken off customer service for a whole day and given the opportunity to photograph all day (YAY! Sign me up!). <br data-reactid=".n3.$<1437333034710=22615211656-1880871736@mail=1projektitan=1com>.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$text1:0" /><br data-reactid=".n3.$<1437333034710=22615211656-1880871736@mail=1projektitan=1com>.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$text3:0" />I left the meeting all excited and then I realized, crap, I'm all of a sudden not in control of the situation. I'm always thinking of what to say after a photo situation like this occurs. Now I'm worried that I'll be taken advantage of and that they are thinking they are just going to throw me a hundred bucks and call it day. AHHHH! How do I bring up "Hey this is how much i think I should be paid, and I'd like to negotiate it" without sounding like someone on their high horse? I was planning to shoot an email to my boss anyways, explaining my ideas for the photoshoot, possible free locations we could shoot at, as well as examples of images I have actually taken of men in suits/button ups so that they can see that I know what I'm doing, and that I'm really good at what I do. (I'm not sure if they have even looked at my work, let alone realize that I'm a really good photographer). I understand my company is small and that they can't afford to pay me what I would normally charge for a commercial shoot, one in which would probably end up being a work-for-hire situation. Also, they weren't clear on it, but I probably won't be editing the photos either, as that is usually the job of the graphic designers. So again the price would a lot lower than normal, BUT I should still be paid a decent amount, especially since I would be shooting "all day". (For the record, my commercial sessions currently start at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" data-p2p-trigger="$450">$450</a> for one hour and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/" data-p2p-trigger="$250">$250</a> each additional for up to four hours. This price includes everything from location scouting to editing the images and usage rights). <br data-reactid=".n3.$<1437333034710=22615211656-1880871736@mail=1projektitan=1com>.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$text5:0" />What is the most appropriate angle to bring this up? I need to express that I take photography very seriously (I even collect taxes on it) while at the same time letting them know I'm willing to work with them on this. This will be adding to my work experience and client list, which will be great, but of course I already have a portfolio.<br data-reactid=".n3.$<1437333034710=22615211656-1880871736@mail=1projektitan=1com>.2:0.0.0.0.0.0.$end:0:$text7:0" />Thanks in advance. </p>

<p>Well it certainly is a difficult time because I was becoming established back at home... I had to turn down a lot of people because I knew I was moving and couldn't offer my services. Right now though, I'm looking for a full time job as a photo editor or photography assistant on a team because I know I will have to get re-established out here first, before I start actually running a business. I've had three interviews already and it's looking promising. </p> <p>I called the lady yesterday and yes, she was expecting free work. When I apologized for the misunderstanding she said no need and that she completely understood, which was nice. However, it still made me feel guilty afterwards because I don't know if working for free would help open up doors for me or not. In my experience though, once I'm known to do "free" work, people tend to expect that. </p>

<p>Craig, I like your line: "I'm sorry if there was any misunderstanding. This is what I do for a living." if she wants to pay, fine, if not fine. <br> I think that is a good place to start.<br> <br> I also like John's line of: When asked about being "good at photography", you will be able to say have a studio or you run a photography business and other obvious 'I'm in business' type references. It won't screen off everyone looking for freebies, but it can set boundaries in the mind of many.<br />If something like this comes up again, I can simply state, "Yes, as a matter of fact I'm an excellent photographer who owns her own freelance business. What did you have in mind?"<br /><br />Yeah, she never stated she wasn't going to pay, but I've been in these types of situations before to the point where I know when people are expecting a freebie. <br /><br />I'm about to make the call. I'll post an update once I speak with her. Thanks for the response, they have helped!</p>

<p>I just made the big move from Michigan to Los Angeles, have finished up my Bachelors in Fine Arts specializing in photography, and ready to pursue my career in a photography related field. Before I left, I made it a point to reach out to people in the area and introduced myself in order to have a small friend base by the time I moved out here. I did some research and messaged a few people on Facebook. I'm very open to people about my career goals and why I chose to make the move out here. One person and I clicked well and he mentioned that he noticed I was into photography and would "love to work with me sometime." I showed him my online website, which clearly outlines my style and shows my session fees.<br> <br /> Fast forward to this weekend when that same online friend invited me to a party, which I happily attended and made new friends in the process. But, here's what has been gnawing at me all day:<br> <br /> At the party, the date of my new friend approached me and asked, "I hear you're good at photography? Would you be interested in photographing the two of us sometime?" Afraid where this was headed, but unsure what to really say and how to vocalize my prices, I said "yes of course." I asked if they would like to discuss the photoshoot over coffee, (any convo to help bring up my session fees) but she didn't like the idea and just gave me her number, telling me to call her on Monday to discuss further.<br> <br /> We've all been here before. Someone approaches you, asks for your services, and never once asks about costs and payment (which is usually the first question people have). So the worst is assumed: They are expecting this for free. Now I'm anxious and don't know what on earth I'm going say! I'm not only asking how to deal with this particular situation, but future ones as well. I've graduated college, I've spent the last year making decent money off my photography as a supplemental income and I know what I'm worth. I'm also confident talking about my business and my prices, but obviously when I'm confronted unexpectedly, I'm at a loss as to what to say to defend myself as an artist. I'm at a point where I will only shoot for free if I feel it will extremely help my portfolio, especially since I've graduated college and moved all the way to one of the biggest city for artists in the world. I'm open to a trade, (once I was willing to trade a photoshoot for French lessons), but again unsure how to put my foot down on this whole situation.<br> <br /> Any advise and words of wisdom greatly appreciated! Thank you.</p> <p> </p>