Photography for your employer advice.....

I've done a couple of sessions of staff portraits recently. Our CEO understands that additional work is required and as I work from home regularly, it was suggested that I do the PP work during office hours.

At the rate I get paid I think I'm an expensive photographer ! However, I know when the people are going to be in the office, I know the company, and I can fit it in around my other work.

We discussed a breif and decided of what was required - I've done the work, got some experience and the company are happy. One thing I have learned about business is "Win/Win", which is what happened here. N "pro" Tog didn't lose out, as they probably wouldn't have bothered, and if they did, so what ? We all have to start somewhere....

Steve
 
I think you made the right choice so this is a bit late for you but incase someone searches in the future a few things worth noting:

If you had charged you would need to register as Self Employed and deal with all that Tax stuff, not easy.

As they employ you *they* technically own the copyright to the photos unless you agree other terms. So in theory you wouldn't be able to use the images for your own use e.g. posting on a forum, use on your own website as samples, entering in to competitions etc.

I beleive if you use your own kit for work you may be able to claim something back from the Tax Man to cover the depreciation of the kit (IIRC it's tax you paid on a proportion of the value of the kit) - you could go and ask your company accountant for advice (should be free as it's related to your employment - that alone may be worth more than £175 and loosing a day holiday). You may need to get them to include a bit in your job description to cover the photographic elements but by explaining that this is cost neutral to them and is purely for your tax then I think you may stand a good chance.

I think that in the current climate (and at any time for that matter) being seen as a flexible member of staff (good egg) and therefore one worth keeping if there is a choice to be made is worth far more to you than any token amount you may negotiate.

Looking at this from the Pro Tog side I wouldn't see that this a threat to my income I would prefer to see this as a potential competitior to me (as an unemployed person you may be) being fully employed (aka distracted) elsewhere leaving me free to go after other my other clients. As you are seen as a "good egg" I think this is a situation that may last for quite a while :thumbs:.
 
Thanks Simon.

One point I would make though is that all the photos I have taken are portraits and so worthless to me anyway and presumably without a model release unable to use them anyway. I see what you if I'd shot a completed project or work-in-progress as it might be more useful as stock etc.
 
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