{"id":53815,"date":"2017-06-24T21:08:09","date_gmt":"2017-06-25T04:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=53815"},"modified":"2017-06-24T21:08:09","modified_gmt":"2017-06-25T04:08:09","slug":"why-you-should-do-photography-work-for-free","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/06\/24\/why-you-should-do-photography-work-for-free\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Do Photography Work For Free"},"content":{"rendered":"

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We’re often told as photographers not to work for free. I disagree. I think when we’re starting off, it is a good idea to work for free. Then as you build your skills, start to charge a lot of money.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We love FREE!<\/h2>\n
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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

People love this concept of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153free.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

If you’re a newbie photographer, with a good camera, and you want to build your portfolio, offer to make photos for others for FREE.<\/p>\n

Shoot a wedding for free. Shoot an engagement for free. Shoot a portrait for free.<\/p>\n

Build up your portfolio and build up your skills.<\/p>\n

Don’t shoot for free forever.<\/h2>\n
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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But once you have a portfolio you’re proud of, stop shooting for free.<\/p>\n

Start charging a lot of money.<\/p>\n

That means, if your old clients tell you that they want more free work, just tell them:<\/p>\n

\n Here is my new price sheet for my services.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Email them a PDF (professionally designed) of your new rates. If they don’t respond or say no, it is ok. Just move on.<\/p>\n

You don’t want leeches holding you back.<\/p>\n

Barbell pricing: Free or Expensive<\/h2>\n
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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I learned this from Nassim Taleb: the barbell theory. Imagine a barbell at the gym, extreme weights on both ends. Avoid the middle.<\/p>\n

For example, I either do things for free, or charge a lot of money.<\/p>\n

For example, I’ll shoot a friend’s wedding for free. But if a company contacts me, I’ll charge a lot of money, or refuse to do it.<\/p>\n

\n No more free work for big companies.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I’ll give free photography advice to young photographers. But I’ll charge a lot of money for my photography consulting services.<\/p>\n

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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I’ll give away all my information, books, and videos for free here. But for workshops and experiences, I’ll charge a lot of money.<\/p>\n

When should I start charging for my photography?<\/h2>\n
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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So the very basic concept is once again:<\/p>\n

\n Shoot stuff for free and give things away for free when you’re starting off to build your brand. But when you are confident in yourself, charge a lot of money.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But when is the right time to start charging for your services?<\/p>\n

I don’t have the answers. Only you do.<\/p>\n

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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

My suggestion:<\/p>\n

\n When you feel 80% \u00e2\u20ac\u0153ready\u00e2\u20ac\u009d– go for it. There will never be a perfect opportunity.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What is 80% ready? Follow your heart and gut.<\/p>\n

How much should I charge for my photographic services?<\/h2>\n
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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And also when charging for your services, how much should you charge? My suggestion:<\/p>\n

\n Charge 25% more than you think you should.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why? We often under-sell ourselves. Don’t sell yourself short.<\/p>\n

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Photos from my friends, VUDORY Wedding. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

BE STRONG,
\nERIC<\/p>\n

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Photography Entrepreneurship 101<\/a><\/h1>\n
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ERIC KIM x HENRI\u00c2\u00a0NECK STRAP<\/a> \/\/ Portrait by Benjamin Thompson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Learn how to make a living from your passion:<\/p>\n

How to Make Money with Photography<\/h2>\n