Money and Passion

nudes in a rock

It sucks sometimes being an art photographer. Especially in these times of uncertain economic blah blah blah. Not to take anything away from the models who are fighting to find work [I feel for all of you], but when photography is a passion and not at all a source of income where I make my living working at a $15 an hour job the opporitinities to work with quality models are far few in between. Unlike the last couple of years  where time was the deciding factor in hiring models, now its budget. I have passed up sooo so many offers from traveling models, many who I have worked with in the past who I know will give me the best images, and I feel bad when I have to reply with a “I can not book you at this time”  because I know for many of them THIS is their income and it breaks my heart.

I have done many local TFs to stay in practice but for the elite models who come around from time to time, I feel I am loosing out on something special when I pass on their offers. This is something that has been eating away at me for sometime now and I apologize for the outpour of self pitty. I am not looking for sympathy but more like answers, answers to where my work is at the moment and what I can do to continue supporting all the great models I am connected with.

I know many photographers are in the same boat as me and that is why I posted this. Maybe I can get inspiration from other’s exper

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 9th, 2009 at 11:26 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “Money and Passion”

  • Richard Meade Says:
    July 10th, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    Art, I completely understand your concerns. I’m also, as many others are, in the same boat. My suggestion is to offer a set hourly rate with at least a two hour minimum. If the model doesn’t accept that rate, don’t take it personally. Thank them for their consideration in working with you and look for the possibility to work with them in the future when times, hopefully, are better.

    We ALL need to understand that the financial times are tough at this moment and all considerations for work should be viewed in those terms. If a model is visiting in the area, it would make more sense to earn some cash, than to sit in their hotel room or where ever they may be staying. But the final decision is up to them.

    Let’s hope things turn around for all of us so that we can carry on with our creative endeavors on both sides of the camera.

    Richard

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