i feel bad when i say i'm not for hire...
@luntian_grace (1373)
Philippines
February 26, 2012 12:27am CST
i went to a church for i was ask to photograph a baptism of a baby... the kid is a relative so i did take the child's photo for free and i went there to enjoy the festivities for it was fiesta too...
there were like two people approach me and ask if how much i charge for my photographs... well i saw disappointment in their eyes when i told them that i am not for hire... i know that a baby can be baptized once in their live and it's a big thing for their moms to have that wonderful experiences printed or covered...
how been in that same situation where people (strangers) just came out of a blue and ask how much do you charge for your services? how did you respond to that question?
2 people like this
8 responses
@sabado_dc (1001)
• Philippines
26 Feb 12
When you say I am "not for hire", at one hand: that means you are more than a wh0re, a h0 or a b1tch! Anybody can have s3x with you for free.
on the other hand: means you are already taken or reserved for someone
--not for hire - something to do about riding
--(not)for lease/rent - appartments/buildings/rooms/flats/housing, etc....
@sabado_dc (1001)
• Philippines
26 Feb 12
'not for hire', 'for hire' - it has something to do about riding including but not limited to several male mammals.
In her case as a photographer, by chance or by profession, 'service/s' or 'accept' would seem the right term/s
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
26 Feb 12
gee that is unusual that they would ask I think, I used to take photos at concerts for bands and some people used to ask me to take photos of themselves with the band members but they never suggested payment, I used to email them the photos.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
27 Feb 12
If you are good at what you do and people want you to take a photo why not charge. Set up a web site or even post on a business account on Facebook. It is one thing to take a quick shot with their camera but to use you equipment and experience why not charge.
@luntian_grace (1373)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
lilaclady you should charge them darling... it's not like you will charge them at $100 per photograph.
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
27 Feb 12
I have had this happen to me. I do not charge family for my services but I do have several different fee schedules. I have a single print schedule, and a minimum charge per hour to shoot photos or another charge for such all day events as weddings etc. My suggestion would be to establish in your mind a list of charges and if someone asks tell them. check out the competition and charge based on your ability compared to theirs.
@craziestqueenever (1819)
• Philippines
26 Feb 12
I know that kind of feeling. You are also disappointed when they got disappointed. I think those people were just curious on how much does a photographer charge in an event. You shouldn't be disappointed it's because they thought that your a Professional one. I'd been in that kind of situation wherein a stranger ask if I'm selling the stuff that I'm holding, I smiled at him and said "No" I'm not selling this. I'll just laugh at it and Ignore.
@luntian_grace (1373)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
thank god we share something in common... may be it's a bit heavier to bare when you know that this baptism thing is a once in a life time... so the mothers will never have a change to have a photograph on one of the most special day of a person's life.
now i feel sorry for them again...
@dabieO (120)
• Philippines
26 Feb 12
i rather say, thank you but i do it free for the baby as my gift being baptized.
@luntian_grace (1373)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
i did forget to tell them that i am like an aunt of the baby... the child's mother is my forth degree cousin so i'm doing if for free... i do feel bad to see those mothers' faces when i turn them down.
@marieandtim (99)
• United States
27 Feb 12
i agree with the one comment if you know how to do something and someone ask you what you will charge you should do it as long as it does not interfere with your work. who these days could not use extra money as long as it is made legally. also it teaches in the bible to do for others if you can that dosent mean just give money to people it means volunteering helping so i dont get why you said no
@luntian_grace (1373)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
thank you for bringing in the wisdom of god... i hope that you will share more wisdom to other mylot members... there are some who are too offending, at times using foul words but forget to share gods love. good bless you sweetie!
@swirlz (3136)
• Philippines
26 Feb 12
Why not? Are they asking for your service on the same day? Instead of rejecting, cause it will only harm your career, tell them the situation that you're already hired for the day. And also give them your contact info for future events that they might want a photographer to cover.
Saying that you're not for hire would only mean to them that you're never for hiring. It will close all doors for you.
Besides, it will be weird for anyone to hire someone on the spot. Tell them you're for hire, but they have to schedule a date first. 
What do you think?
What do you think?
@randylovesdar (4932)
• United States
26 Feb 12
The way I would say it is that you like taking pictures, but I am not working. If people seem to like your work I wonder of you should post signs and buy business cards saying that you are willing to take pictures at different events. I remember when I got married I hired a college junior who was majoring in photography to take our pictures. It gave him experience and it also helped him get a portfolio together to show other clients.
@luntian_grace (1373)
• Philippines
1 Mar 12
wow that was so nice of you... portfolio is like the lives of an artist... its showcasing your best... i hope that he has a good photograph career now...
you did help him a lot not just because you paid him you made a opening for his career...
