On 3 Jun 2004, at 01:53, Bj�rn Holland wrote:
What would you do? Have you come across a situation like that? And, in case I decided to pass on such knowledge - how much should I charge (hourly rate?) ???
Dear Bjorn,
Two observations:
1 You are happy to do it for friends and artists but not another photographer. I understand your ethics but this is damaging to the photography profession. Too many of us have amateurs smuggly snapping (literally) at our heels, especially in social photography. Why should your photo-enthusiast friends have the benefit and not fellow photographers?
2 He is not willing to pay you for your consultancy - what sort of arrangement is that?
There are mixed boundaries here.
Firstly, if you have a real gift for this, either make a decision to keep all your skills to yourself or make them available to everyone.
Secondly, charge everyone, even friends unless it's a one word answer, you can always have special rates, but you should be valued.
I teach photography and imaging part time at the University of Wales and believe me, many of your students DO become your competition and even those that become your friends start to take on part-time photography work! I have decided not to offer ANY PhotoShop tuition any more to locals, either amateur or professional as the skills you have taken years to amass can be passed on in a very short space of time which simply cannot be charged for properly. I remember one instance when after three days of battling with a problem and several calls to the German software supplier, a student suffered the same problem. He asked me, I told him in 20 seconds and he said thank you and put the phone down!!
The beauty about this list is that it is symbiotic. We gain as much as we put in so I'm happy to divulge my humble knowledge or experience because I get back in return. The scenario you describe is quite different. The photographer is definitely using you which would be solved by you getting something back, either full-time employment by him or consultancy rate payment. If not, don't bother, find a more worthy photographer. PS are all his "lighting workshops" free for all delegates????
Regards,
Glyn
Glyn Davies, BA(hons) AOP
01248 715511
www.artphotowales.com fine art photography on-line
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