Comments on: Should I Work For Free? | Wednesdays with Leo

By: Leo Hoang

Leo Hoang — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:37:00 +0000

It was agreed with the Hired Photographer around about a month beforehand. So he was fully aware of my presence. We helped each other out throughout the day, he offered advice and guidance, and I helped him rally up some of the group shots.

I would not have attended if he wasn’t aware of me coming.

By: slrlounge

slrlounge — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:03:00 +0000

And what was the hired photographer’s reaction when you showed up to his wedding

By: Leo Hoang

Leo Hoang — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:38:00 +0000

Glad to see your networking paid off! You gave your client a chance to see what you can do, and they liked it and because that rapport had been built up, they took you on again.

From my experience, clients place a lot of weight into the Photographer, as well as the Photography. So I’m sure the clients enjoyed working with you and respected your ethic.

That’s what I’ve found from my experience.

Not suggesting everyone should work for free! But if you have the time to spare and an opportunity arises, there is no harm is working out a deal with no money involved, but still ensure you can benefit from it too.

Thanks for the comment! — Leo

By: Leo Hoang

Leo Hoang — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:38:00 +0000

Glad to see your networking paid off! You gave your client a chance to see what you can do, and they liked it and because that rapport had been built up, they took you on again. From my experience, clients place a lot of weight into the Photographer, as well as the Photography. So I’m sure the clients enjoyed working with you and respected your ethic.That’s what I’ve found from my experience. Not suggesting everyone should work for free! But if you have the time to spare and an opportunity arises, there is no harm is working out a deal with no money involved, but still ensure you can benefit from it too. Thanks for the comment! — Leo

By: Leo Hoang

Leo Hoang — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:32:00 +0000

I was pretty eager, so I actually arrived 30min before the official Photog, and I attained venue and prep shots. Once he arrived, it was a very tight squeeze, so I left to shoot the guests arriving. During the ceremony we both took venue and ring shots together and casually spoke and suggested angles to each other. I said to him I’ll stay out of his way during the Ceremony, so unfortunately I didn’t have all the angles I wanted, but I just had to deal with it. I let him take control of the Group Photos. Portrait session it began to rain, so we only knocked out a couple of shots, but he was very accomodating as he setup the poses and after he took his shot, he moved to the side and allowed me to take the same shot. Then it was all freestyle and he said he’s happy to ‘Tag Team’ it, and whilst he was with B&G, I would be capturing guests, and vice versa.

I can imagine some Photographers may feel somewhat territorial about it all, but from my experience, this Photographer was an awesome guy and I took away some valuable lessons from the day. It was ok’d before I arrived, so and he seemed to have no issues with me there, and was more than accomodating. I was lucky that he was happy with my presence, but the important thing I would say is if you’re attending as a separate secondary as I did, it’s important to announce your presence before the day to ensure it’s ok.

I hope with your upcoming projects it all goes ok! I’d be interested to know how you got on… Keep me posted.