freebies

**Saxon Holt s*@saxonholt.com**

> I have been asked to do a real quick article for a new journal that is
> non-paying. My deadline is ASAP. She would like 3 photos. I will get you
> copies of the journal.
[snip]
> I hate to ask, but I really need these. I understand that we are all here to
> make money but I am hoping someone will have some to share.

A gentle criticism here.  We all have our causes, people or organizations
for whom we will work for free.  (I will never turn down Pacific
Horticulture for instance)  But this list was created for the professional
and in fact, as I understand Lon's original intention, a site to promote
member's products or services.

It is nice when we can share sources, in this case such as Lon's referral to
a company that may have the free photos you need.  But personally (I am not
so gracious as Lon) I am saddened, not as a photographer but as a
professional, when our own members so publicly devalue the work.

In this case, our member should have told the Journal friend, in
professional manner, that the article could not be done on such short
notice.  No matter how skilled the author is at doing this on short notice
with the various resource at hand, it should not be given away in public.  I
would maintain, in fact, that the more skilled we are at pulling this sort
of thing off on short notice the MORE valuable it is.

Perhaps it is just a matter of wording.  If the request had not seemed so
frantic it would be just be a member sharing sources, but I know from years
of experience in this free-lance market once you establish a rate for your
services with a client (free or not) you have a hard time changing later.

Saxon Holt

Saxon Holt Photography
Gardens and Ornamental Horticulture
415-898-8880
http://www.saxonholt.com

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