About every 3ish months someone posts a blog about how photographers shouldn’t take jobs for “exposure.” Either the original poster or readers think this is valuable information for students and recent graduates. It explodes with accolades from the photography community as it makes the rounds on the web. It normally includes some math which sums up the cost of one image based on the purchase price of all their equipment and software. It’s good that we don’t assign the value of everything on this model, I would hate to know the cost of the keyboard I’m using right now.
Here’s the thing. Taking a job because someone promises you “exposure” and taking a job because you think you’re going to get “exposure,” are two different things. A few years ago I took jobs not because I was offered “exposure” but because I knew I could take advantage of the situation to get something I wanted, while at the same time providing a product for the client.
My advice for students or recent graduates or stay at home moms that just received a camera for Christmas. Don’t be a dick…also your work is probably crap. Good news is that won’t always be the case (probably). Find photography that you like, learn how it was created and then make it your own.
Below is a photograph I shot of Dominique Whaley for ESPN The Magazine towards the end of last year. ESPN didn’t want to know the cost of my computer when I invoiced them for the assignment. And no one but my mother called or emailed to say they saw it.
I agree 100%.