RANT - a free ride

[candleman]

*raises fist into rant position*
GAAA!

Isn’t it annoying when people constantly try to get a free ride????

I had a guy (one of those.. “kind-of” friends) ask me to do outdoor family portraits for them, as he's always saying how much he loves my stuff.
last week he reminded me he wanted them done and i directed him to my website for my prices.
no word back from him.

Now he’s gone and invited us to his kids birthday and “OH, just bring your camera along” *cough*
Yeah right!!
I can just see them “conveniently” crowd together.. would you mind taking a snapshot of us all together while you’re here?”
There goes my paid portrait sitting.

This is the FOURTH TIME its happened.. we get invited somewhere and “oh, can you just take some pics and chuck em’ on a disc for us”
For goodness sake, NO!!
I’d rather not be there thank you.

The first time I did it for them, which in hindsight was a big mistake, the second and third time I just didn’t go, this time.. my heart-rate is rising and I better hold my tounge next time they call.
(its not all the same family that’s harassing me.. every time its been someone different)

Maybe I should invite them to my birthday and say,
“while you’re here, you may as well look at my accounts for me.” (to the accountant)
“oh, just bring your hammer over too and you can fix my front door while you’re around” (to the builder)
“Oh, my car needs a service, just bring a few tools and spare parts along and you can do it while you’re around.. you like cars right??? It should be fun” (to the machanic)

If theres a next time…. Heaven forbid I open my mouth in response.

why the hell do people not value a photographers time?? they are literally clueless.
"you just push the button right?"

*deep breath*
Rant over

[SusanH1970]

I hear ya!

Go to the party, and when they ask you to take pictures, smack yourself in the forehead and say, "Oh, I forgot it!" Or, bring it, but forget a memory card.

[douglas]

You have 2 options, with this sort of person
You can ignore the "invite"

Or Say if you want pictures...look at my web site for prices.

[candleman]

i'm going to ignore it.
it makes you feel like the only reason you were invited in the first place was for the photo's.
i have no problem helping people out, i often help people move house, babysit their kids, make them a meal when they are sick.. but really... there is a limit.

i'm going to the Botanical gardens instead, i've got scouting to do for a paying client next weekend anyway.

[SandeeWig]

How about telling them that you no longer use your professional camera for parties and candid situations. If they want to check out your prices, they can go to your website. Otherwise, you'll have your pocket point & shoot, and they can download what you take off facebook.

ETA: Just saw your decision. That works too!

[mstark70]

I know the feeling. I have also been invited to birthday parties, track meets and a football game. All hoping I show up with my camera. NOT! It is a slap in the face. So go ahead, rant, scream, kick and what ever else you feel you need to do to move on. I think you are right in just ignoring the invite!
I liked Susan's suggestion of forgetting your memory card, I may have to use that one! Very clever!

[fstopMike]

Exactly!! I don't see them giving away their services, why do they think you should? Very frustrating. Maybe you could buy a disposable camera, go to the birthday party, and give it to one of them. Shouldn't make a difference...you just push a button, right??

[Free]

You could always do a bit of a barter with them? Tell them like it is, it all cost you time and money the same as their jobs. You never know the account might be happy to do your books for a few kids photos, that's a trade I'd be more than happy to make!!!

[PnwGuy]

Welcome to the world of being a photographer. Don't get mad at them, educate them. I don't think people mean to shortchange you/us. They think it's so simple to snap a few pics and put them on a disc. They really don't realize the expense and time investment we've made.

I encourage you to be open and honest with them. If they are friends, offer them a little discount. Explain to them you paid a lot of money for the equipment and spent a lot of time to learn photography and you need to offset your costs so you have to charge. End it with "I'm sure you understand".

That better explains your side and puts the ball in their court. They have a choice at this point. If they think you're being unreasonable then that's their problem, but at least you were open and honest and you'll feel a lot less frustrated. Maybe

[crazzy88ss]

I tell people this: "You get me as a guest or a photographer. I cannot be both."