You’ll get exposure

This morning, this wonderful post about working for free came across my Twitter feed. It is a great reminder of just how ridiculous it is to ask people to work for free.

There have been times in my past where I have worked for free or cheap for “exposure”. I have photos in the extra content section of the award winning film “Jimmy Scott: If You Only Knew“. I had a photo featured in the UK lesbian magazine Diva in an article about roller derby – and other smaller “exposures” over the years. All of that exposure has garnered me zero dollars and no fame.

My rates are fair and very reasonable. Some folks have said I’ve undervalued my talents. There are times when “free” is a good exchange for work when the networking possibilities outweigh a short-term financial gain. But I won’t shoot your wedding for free for exposure. I won’t shoot your CD cover for free for exposure. I may be willing to do work with Elle McPherson for a greatly reduced fee, but that’s about it.