On joining a camera club, something many people will find is that their photography improves to the point where they begin to receive requests to photograph an event or important milestone.
It is such a wonderful compliment but can be fraught with one or two downsides, particularly if you are not charging for your work or are asked to contribute to a charity event or similar, purely as a volunteer.
We chatted to a couple of our senior QCG members for their tips for when you are asked to shoot for free.
“It is very easy to ask someone to be an official photographer, but what is it they want a photographer for?”, writes QCG vice president and competition grader Tony FitzGerald.
“As we all know, there is a bit more to photographing an event than just turning up with a camera and taking some snaps.
“I have done a bit of this style of work in both a paid and volunteer capacity and have found that for every hour at the event, there is typically 2 to 3 hours required behind the scenes in sorting, post production and resizing. So there is potentially quite a bit of time and effort required. Just ask Gaye Edwards about the backroom work she does on the multiple birth photography activity (and the club get some value for this activity). Potential volunteers should be aware of this.”
Tony makes the following points in deciding whether or not to take on either a voluntary or paid job:
1. How long is a photographer required for? Note: again from experience you need to be there at least ½ hour before the function commences to meet the key people, get the lay of the land and to orientate yourself. Could easily be a 3-4 hour total site activity.
2. What photos are the photographer expected to take? These could include people arriving, random individuals and groups prior to formalities commencing, MC and speakers at a rostrum, people at tables, formal photos of dignitaries and special guests, large group photos.
3. What is the requirement in respect of the number of final photos to be provided? This could range from 6 -10 samples for social media to 50 -60 photos for archival purposes.
4. What is the expected turnaround time? Some want images on the night to post on social media straightaway. This could be problematic for cameras without Wi-Fi etc. If not straightaway, when? Two days or two weeks?
5. What is the expected application for the photos? Social media, website, archive, printing. This will have an impact on post production, resolution, file sizes etc
6. How are the images to be provided? Email, memory stick, Dropbox etc.
Former QCG president and leader of the club’s portraiture special interest group, Gaye Edwards says that like for a wedding or any important event, a shot list is absolutely essential.
“The event organisers should be able to supply one, particularly if the event has been held before,” Gaye said.
“Ask if the organisers only need jpegs, and what sizing is required, and how quickly are they needed!
“Although it's exciting to be asked to volunteer, keeping your time to a minimum is essential. Ben Hur sized jobs take the shine off any glory. You don't want to feel you've been taken advantage of,” Gaye said.
“And if the event is indoors it will likely require flash, so that's a specific skill and an expense (batteries, rechargers, backup flash etc.).”
Gaye says consideration also needs to be given to ensuring the source of the request for volunteer services is legitimate.
“Family and friends are one thing, but if you have been approached by an organisation, make sure they are both legitimate and reputable. Ask for full details of the charity, organisation or business – your personal safety is imperative.”
QCG member Nick Lefebvre also recommends understanding your legal obligations as a photographer as well understanding public liability issues, particularly with regard to people you are posing. If you are working for money, consider organising a contract signed by both parties, and if you are looking to turn your photography into a business, get professional business advice aimed at protecting your assets.
Shooting an event or special occasion is a great responsibility and can challenge even the most experienced professionals. Planning, questioning and forethought will be key to your success.
A final word from Tony FitzGerald: “As you can see there is potentially more than you might expect by simply agreeing to be a volunteer photographer. Having said that it is a really good experience and may lead to bigger things if that floats your boat.”
Image by Tony FitzGerald. Jean Kittson was guest speaker at a women’s forum, where Tony worked as a volunteer photographer. This event later led to paid gigs.
Image by Tony FitzGerald.
Image by Tony FitzGerald.
Gaye Edwards took this shot of ‘Archie’ for a pet rescue organisation. Her challenge was to take promotional images of animals who were having troubles finding their ‘furever’ homes.
Gaye says Archie was quite the poser once he relaxed!
Gaye made sure she did not travel alone to her photography shoot.