Turning down work..my first "no"

E

erictearle

Suspended / Banned
Messages
162
Name
Eric Tearle
Edit My Images
No
So as often as I can I will do free-lance photography work outside of my normal employment (portrait work for bands, models whatever)

But for the first time today, I've turned down some work and I'm not sure how I feel about it...my first thought was "Well it could be a good opportunity for the future" but then as I thought about it more I thought "But should I sell myself short for the possibility that future work probably won't come from it"

First off, I am self employed, so taking a day off means I get no pay. Secondly most jobs I've taken have offered travel expenses, film developing expenses (because they want it all shot in analogue) plus obviously, an hourly rate. But the job today was with a pretty big magazine (they shall remain nameless) and they offered no travel expenses, no film developing expenses (they wanted it film) and an days rate that I would earn in less than 3 hours with my normal job.

In today's climate, am I stupid for turning down photography work that would maybe help guide a career in photography because "risks" are worth taking (despite it's poor pay) or smart enough to know when its costing me more than it's worth and that a graceful "no" is actually ok?

:bonk:
 
Did you just turn it down or did you go back with your suggested costs?


Steve.
 
I personally think you did right, although like Steve says I would have suggested a rate that you would expect.

Not in the same league as you but I was contacted by a national magazine that wanted to use one of my 52cameras shots, at first they said they would just credit me but I held out for the going rate for a 1/4 page shot which they paid.

I'm freelance as well and I'm well aware of the challenges that presents, no holiday, no sick pay etc but don't sell yourself short.
 
Considering the price they offered compared to what I've charged in the past and have been paid in the past. It was quite a big difference. The price they offered was a standard rate and only what their budget could afford.

I just thought asking to at least be paid enough to break even (with taking a day off and travel) would be still be asking to much from them. :thinking:

Edit; just to add; the price was the cost of there normal 'single page spread rate' I felt from this it was pretty work working for free and only being paid for the photo.
 
Last edited:
erictearle said:
The price they offered was a standard rate and only what their budget could afford.
Click to expand...

Then it would appear that they couldn't afford you and your talent, I've done lots of work (not photo) for genuine 'budget' productions where everybody is in the same boat but I draw the line at being exploited by companies that should know better.
 
That's good to know. I feel better about saying no now. Despite how big a company may be, being exploited or taking advantage of is definitely not fair.

Thanks guys.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top